- 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.
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0.0 Miles
Explore the city via an adventure combining the fun of a scavenger hunt with the information of a self-guided tour
5.5 Miles
Guests of the New Brighton State Beach will be able to go swimming, fishing, and picnicking. The location also features a camping area that is located on a bluff overlooking Monterey Bay.
6.6 Miles
The Seacliff State Beach is known for the being the resting place for the concrete skeleton of the Palo Alto, a ship built in 1917. Guests can visit the beach and fish off the pier.
6.7 Miles
Focused on preserving the history of the small area of Aptos and its surrounding hills and beaches is the Aptos History Museum. The museum features a curated collection of historical photographs, artifacts and documentation of the areas past.
6.7 Miles
A scenic seaside park overlooking Monterey Bay, SeaCliff Mini Park offers wildlife viewing, birding, and beach activities. Visitors can also see the SS Palo Alto tanker, or fish or crab from the pier.
6.7 Miles
The Aptos Museum is a historical museum featuring a collection of local artifacts, photographs, and information. The museum offers guided tours, special events, and educational programs for students. The museum also maintains a gift shop.
6.9 Miles
Visitors can enjoy a wide stretch of beach with fire pits at Rio Del Mar Beach. The beach is close to a variety of shopping venues and restaurants and leashed dogs are allowed.
6.9 Miles
Offering a variety of movies in a small, intimate setting, Aptos Cinemas features current popular movies as well as art house, foreign, and independent films. The theater sells some unusual concessions, as well, including cupcakes.
6.9 Miles
Hidden Beach is a small 1.5 acre beach-side neighborhood park. The park maintains a play structure for children, as well as picnic tables, a large open field, and public restrooms.
7.1 Miles
Situated on 10.3 acres of land, Aptos Village Park is a site of family picnics, weddings, and weekend music festivals. The park features picnic tables, a gazebo, and a lawn area that is open to the public.
7.2 Miles
La Selva Beach is a community-managed beach area open to the public every day, weather and conditions permitting. The geographic location of the beach causes smaller waves making this lifeguard-staffed beach more popular with swimmers and sunbathers than surfers.