- 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 371-380 of
688
30.7 Miles
80%
15 votes
3618 The Barnyard, Carmel, CA 93923
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Smallsea: A Metropolis in Miniature is a dollhouse collection of Diane and Howard Birnberg who built the structures and collected all miniatures and dolls. Artists and dealers from all over the world have helped in making this miniature city come to life.
30.8 Miles
Cornelis Bol Park is 13.8 acres and includes a path for biking and jogging, a separate footpath, children's playground, benches and a native plant garden. Two donkeys live in an adjacent area and frequently visit the park.
30.8 Miles
Located on 8-acres of land in total, Pinewood Park is a scenic public park filled with amenities and facilities for visitors to enjoy. These amenities include four tennis courts, a barbecue and picnic area, and a basketball hoop.
30.8 Miles
90%
10 votes
Portola Dr & Reservation Road, Salinas, CA 93908
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Once a military installation, Ford Ord is now a national monument surrounded by the Fort Ord Public Lands. The Public Lands are thousands of acres of protected, undeveloped land, home to many rare plant and animal species.
30.9 Miles
Situated on 4,756 acres, Toro Park features over 20 miles of trails suitable for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The park offers sports facilities, picnic areas, a children's playground, access to wildlife and views of Monterey Bay.
31.0 Miles
Crossroads Shopping village is more than just a shopping center– it has restaurants, an animal hospital, and coffee houses as well. A major consumer outlet in Carmel.
31.0 Miles
96%
143 votes
1021 Monterey-Salinas Hwy., Salinas, CA 93908
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The Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is a must-see for racing enthusiasts or guests just looking for an adrenaline rush. The raceway hosts events year round including Cart Indy Car Racing and Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing.
31.0 Miles
83%
303 votes
Stanford Ave & Junipero Serra Blvd, Palo Alto, CA 94305
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Located in the foothills around Stanford University, The Dish - Stanford Foothills features a working radiotelescope that is frequently used for educational and research purposes. The area is also popular among joggers and hikers.
31.1 Miles
Hiking, camping and studying the wildlife and ecosystem diversity are some of the things Monte Bello open space preserve has to offer. It also has some nice views od the Pacific Ocean and of San Francisco Bay.
31.3 Miles
Alum Rock Park offers walking trails with some beautiful rock formations. A nice place to spend a day during the summer.