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 641-650 of 688
48.2 Miles
55% 66 votes
Parks 19501 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA 94543 MoreLess Info
Kennedy Park offers a variety of family-friendly activities from picnic tables to train rides to a merry-go-round. The park's Triple Pines Ranch petting zoo features goats, chickens, ducks and ponies.
48.2 Miles
91% 11 votes
Playgrounds Corner of Mission Blvd & D Street, Hayward, CA 94541 MoreLess Info
Hayward Rotary Playground is a fenced in park that provides an array of playground equipment that includes amenities such as swings, sides, a bouncy area, rock climbing wall all on rubber turf.
48.2 Miles
57% 143 votes
Haunted Tours 4501 Pleasanton Avenue, Pleasanton, CA 94566 MoreLess Info
Guests can enjoy a haunted theme park with 6 haunted attractions at Pirates of Emerson. The attractions consist of haunted mazes and houses, and the park also offers special events and other nightly entertainment.
48.4 Miles
76% 165 votes
Music Venue 1001 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541 MoreLess Info
The Bistro is a bar and restaurant that features live music almost every night of the week. The bar has over 90 beers on tap, and hosts frequent special events and open mic nights.
48.4 Miles
69% 169 votes
Movie Theaters 1069 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541 MoreLess Info
A movie theater featuring 12 auditoriums, Century at Hayward displays first-run feature films using digital projection and RealD 3D. The theater offers stadium seating, reserved seats and a lobby cafe with food and drinks.
48.5 Miles
33% 6 votes
Parks 25847 5 Canyons Parkway, Castro Valley, CA 94552 MoreLess Info
The Five Canyons Park contains several loop trails for those who wish to go hiking and biking. Those who wish to go wildlife viewing or are seeking photo opportunities may also enjoy the site's scenic area.
48.5 Miles
92% 52 votes
Parks 600 Oddstad Blvd, Pacifica, CA 94044 MoreLess Info
Located along regions of San Pedro Creek is San Pedro Valley Park. Hiking trails wind through the scenic park, offering stunning views of the Santa Crus Mountains. Other features include BBQ's, picnic areas, a visitors center and a nearby waterfall.
48.6 Miles
95% 58 votes
Nature & Wildlife Areas 1801 D Street, Hayward, CA 94541 MoreLess Info
Guests can interact with wildlife and participate in a variety of educational programs at the Sulphur Creek Nature Center. The center also provides wildlife rehabilitation services and hosts birthday parties.
48.6 Miles
71% 7 votes
History Museums 22380 Foothill Blvd, Hayward, CA 94541 MoreLess Info
At HAHS Center for History & Culture, visitors can browse a museum dedicated to documenting the regional culture and history. The center features an exhibit that depicts the stories of local residents with artifacts and photographs.
48.7 Miles
83% 24 votes
Parks Yosemite Drive, Pacifica, CA 94044 MoreLess Info
Frontierland Park is a community park that contains barbecue areas, horseshoe pits, a playground, and picnic tables. The park has a large picnic area that can be reserved for corporate outings, birthday parties, or church events.
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