Free & Cheap Things to Do in Santa Cruz, CA

  • The list below includes 175 free or cheap things to do in or near Santa Cruz, California, including 101 different types of inexpensive activities like Beaches, Movie Theaters, Fishing and Walking Trails.
  • From West Cliff Drive to Wilder Ranch State Park, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Santa Cruz and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Cupertino, Capitola, Aptos and Saratoga.
  • The list below includes 175 free or cheap things to do in or near Santa Cruz, California, including 101 different types of inexpensive activities like Beaches, Movie Theaters, Fishing and Walking Trails.
  • From West Cliff Drive to Wilder Ranch State Park, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Santa Cruz and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Cupertino, Capitola, Aptos and Saratoga.
Showing 141-150 of 688
0.0 Miles
After hours of practice in pool and in Monterey Bay’s open waters, receive PADI open-water certification and celebrate with barbecue party
24.2 Miles
100% 1 votes
Beaches 1400 Sunset Drive, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 MoreLess Info
The one mile long Asilomar State Beach has sandy beaches and rocky coves that ocean goers can enjoy for either swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, exploring the unique ocean wildlife in tide-pools, or walking the 1 mile wheelchair accessible beach trail.
24.2 Miles
100% 1 votes
Parks Ocean View Rd & Esplanade Street, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 MoreLess Info
Esplanade Park is a neighborhood park composed of cypress trees spread over the one acre space. There are numerous ocean facing benches and some picnic benches in the park along with a native vegetation garden and street facing granite wall.
24.2 Miles
59% 160 votes
Movie Theaters 21275 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014 MoreLess Info
A discount theater, BlueLight Cinemas shows second-run movies as well as a number of independent films, short films and documentaries. The theater offers regular specials, special events and rentals for parties or private screenings.
24.2 Miles
55% 31 votes
Sports Facilities/Fields 21111 Stevens Creek Blvd Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014 MoreLess Info
Featuring 17 tennis courts, a fitness center, and 2 racquetball courts, the Cupertino Sports Center is a recreational facility that offers competitive sports leagues for people of all ages. The center also has a locker room and child watch facilities.
24.2 Miles
100% 1 votes
Skate Parks 304 Hillcrest Avenue, Marina, CA 93933 MoreLess Info
Those who utilize inline skates or skateboards without handles are welcome at the Marina Skatepark which is open from 9am until one hour after sunset. Spread over 11,000 square feet, the park also hosts several skate jams throughout the year.
24.3 Miles
72% 50 votes
Recreation Centers 20803 Alves Drive, Cupertino, CA 95014 MoreLess Info
Northwest YMCA features a variety of amenities including an indoor pool, fitness center, personal training studio, stretching room, family pavilion and a kids room. They also provide trainers who can help develop individual workout programs.
24.3 Miles
89% 9 votes
Parks 10299 N Portal Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014 MoreLess Info
Open from sunrise until one hour after sunset, Portal Park features a playground, family picnic area and small recreational building. The park also offers a reservable picnic area that accommodates up to 80 people.
24.4 Miles
89% 198 votes
Malls 3055 Olin Avenue Suite 2100, San Jose, CA 95128 MoreLess Info
Visitors can spend the entire day walking and exploring Santana Row. Along with specialty boutiques and several dining options, there is also a movie theater, spa and hotel in this shopping district.
24.4 Miles
100% 15 votes
Nature & Wildlife Areas Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35), Los Altos, CA MoreLess Info
Windy Hill Open Space Preserve is a 1,335-acre nature area that features several trails for hiking, dog walking, biking and horseback riding. The spot is ideal for kiting, while paragliding and hang gliding are allowed with a permit.
24.4 Miles
78% 528 votes
Movie Theaters 10123 N Wolfe Road, Cupertino, CA 95014 MoreLess Info
A 16-screen movie theater, AMC Cupertino Square 16 displays first-run feature films using digital projection and RealD 3D. The theater offers an IMAX auditorium, theater rentals, a party room and a concession area with food and drinks.
Showing 141-150 of 688
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