- 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 321-330 of
688
29.1 Miles
94%
51 votes
132 Central Ave., Salinas, CA 93901
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Fan's of John Steinbeck will enjoy a visit to The Steinbeck House and Best Cellar Gift shop. The house was the childhood home of the famed author and now operates a restaurant and museum, while the gift shop offers a wide array of specialty gifts and Steinbeck's books.
29.1 Miles
95%
41 votes
600 West Evelyn Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94041
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The Mountain View Farmers Market regularly offers a wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, specialty products, such as jams, nuts and specialty gift baskets, are also sold.
29.2 Miles
One Main Street, Salinas, CA 93901
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The National Steinbeck Center celebrates the life and works of author John Steinbeck. Visitors will discover artifacts from his life and pieces of his history that shaped the stories he told including, The Grapes of Wrath and East of Eden.
29.2 Miles
95%
21 votes
324
The Farm
Hwy 68 off the Spreckels Road Exit, P.O. Box 247, Salinas, CA 93902
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The Farm, located in Salinas, is a working farm that also operates as an agricultural center, educational demonstration farm and produce stand. The farm allows adults and kids to pick their own produce, visit with the animals and tour the grounds.
29.3 Miles
Popular first-run movies are shown across 14 individual screens at Maya Cinemas, which validates parking for movie-goers at the adjoining parking structure since there is no on-site parking. When available, movies are shown in 3-D or Dolby Atmos.
29.3 Miles
Named after the Spanish word for butterfly, Mariposa Park carries a butterfly theme throughout on kiosks, concrete sculptures and other park areas. The park features picnic tables, paved paths and a play area with swings, slides, ladders and sand.
29.3 Miles
Seven Seas Park offers entertainment for both kids and dogs. The park combines a fenced in off leash dog park with a kids' play area complete with pirate-themed play structures, sports fields and courts, and a spray pool.
29.4 Miles
Linde Fine Art Gallery at Carmel showcases modern abstract artworks by a variety of artists. Linde B. Martin, the curator, is an award-winning artist herself and personally selects the paintings to place in her gallery. Some artworks are also available for purchase.
29.4 Miles
Red Lion Tavern is a rustic tavern serving authentic German food. Their baked pretzels are not to be missed.
29.4 Miles
For vintage jewelry, Silver Feather Trading Company is worth a stop. They offer high quality new and vintage jewelry.