Free & Cheap Things to Do in Monterey, CA

  • The list below includes 144 free or cheap things to do in or near Monterey, California, including 77 different types of inexpensive activities like Walking Trails, Piers & Boardwalks, Art Museum and History Museums.
  • From Waterfront to Monterey Bay, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Monterey and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Carmel, Pacific Grove, Salinas and Seaside.
  • The list below includes 144 free or cheap things to do in or near Monterey, California, including 77 different types of inexpensive activities like Walking Trails, Piers & Boardwalks, Art Museum and History Museums.
  • From Waterfront to Monterey Bay, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Monterey and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Carmel, Pacific Grove, Salinas and Seaside.
Showing 271-280 of 314
44.7 Miles
87% 164 votes
Lookouts 19019 Highway One, Big Sur, CA 93452 MoreLess Info
At once, Ragged point is both an inn and a restaurant. Fabulous overlook of the surrounding area, and friendly service.
44.9 Miles
89% 27 votes
Parks 16055 Sanborn Road, Saratoga, CA MoreLess Info
County owned, Sanborn Park offers quality camping facilities and rests on the borders of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Park visitors can also enjoy outdoor adventures such as hiking, rock climbing, picnicking and nature watching.
45.0 Miles
81% 117 votes
National & State Parks E. Dunne Ave., Morgan Hill, CA 95037 MoreLess Info
Hiking, backpacking and mountain biking are popular recreational activities at Henry W. Coe State Park. Furthermore, the area is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including the elusive Mountain Lion.
45.2 Miles
85% 220 votes
Arts Centers 15400 Montalvo Rd, (near Lira Dr), Saratoga, CA 95070 MoreLess Info
The Montalvo Arts Center is a gorgeous Italian-style building that hosts concerts, art showings and private events. The building, and its spacious gardens, are known for their lively concerts in the outdoor Greek-style amphitheater.
45.3 Miles
79% 43 votes
Parks 16055 Sanborn Road, Saratoga, CA 95070 MoreLess Info
A heavily forested area located on 3,688 acres, Sanborn County Park can be used for tent and RV camping, hiking and picnics. The facility provides trails spanning over 15 miles that provide visitors a look at native plants and wildlife.
45.4 Miles
80% 5 votes
National & State Parks 15000 Skyline Boulevard, Los Gatos, CA 95033 MoreLess Info
Aspiring climbers can learn the ropes at Treks and Tracks Rock Climbing Castle Rock State Park. Certified instructors teach beginning and advanced rock climbing as well as backpacking, horse packing and navigation.
45.4 Miles
92% 62 votes
National & State Parks 15000 Skyline Blvd., Los Gatos, CA MoreLess Info
At Castle Rock State Park, visitors can go horseback riding, hiking, and geocaching. The location, which is located near the Santa Cruz Mountains, features campsites for backpackers who wish to stay at the site.
45.5 Miles
62% 82 votes
Recreation Centers 14675 Winchester Blvd, Los Gatos, CA 95032 MoreLess Info
Bay Club Courtside is an active lifestyle resort with nearly 10 acres of facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, 15 outdoor tennis courts and 2 indoor courts. They also have a fitness club and spa.
45.9 Miles
80% 428 votes
Gardens 21000 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, CA 95070 MoreLess Info
Hakone Gardens is the oldest Asian and Japanese estate garden in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors enjoy the gardens rolling green hillsides, tranquil waterfalls, koi ponds and tea ceremonies.
45.9 Miles
75% 73 votes
Camping Site 22801 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, CA 95070 MoreLess Info
A picnic and camping area, the Saratoga Springs camp grounds offer beautiful wilderness surroundings. The area is also available for event rentals and catered functions, and hosts summer day camps and other events.
HAVE SUGGESTIONS FOR COOL AND INTERESTING THINGS TO DO IN THE Monterey AREA?
ADD A NEW ATTRACTION TO TRIPBUZZ!