- 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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688
0.0 Miles
A Judo champion and a multi-discipline marital arts expert both teach stand up techniques and ground techniques to subdue your opponent
17.5 Miles
Featuring a redwood forest, Mount Madonna County Park is situated on 3,688 acres and offers nature trails for hiking and horse riding, an archery range, picnic areas and an amphitheater. There are also campsites and places for RV camping.
17.5 Miles
With only two screens and with leather seats and ottomans, Los Gatos Theatre is a small movie theater with the feel of a large home theater. There is a concessions stand and a patio and wet bar area.
17.7 Miles
Visitors can enjoy picking their own apples, strawberries, olallieberries and boysenberries at Gizdich Ranch. The ranch also features picnicking areas and offers tours of the apple orchard and berry farms.
17.9 Miles
Bachman Park is a neighborhood public park that features a large, modern playground area, plenty of shade trees, picnic tables and grills. The park also has basketball courts and multiple paved and dirt trails.
18.1 Miles
89%
28 votes
21570 Almaden Road off Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA
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The history of local quicksilver mining is put on display at the New Almaden Mercury Mining Museum. Located within the Almaden Quicksilver County Park, there are mine dioramas, artifacts from historic mining facilities, and exhibits covering the lifestyles of mining communities.
18.2 Miles
County owned, Sanborn Park offers quality camping facilities and rests on the borders of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Park visitors can also enjoy outdoor adventures such as hiking, rock climbing, picnicking and nature watching.
18.3 Miles
Located in Los Gatos, CA, the Oak Meadow Park is a centrally locted 12-acre park. The park features a large grassy area and playground with carousal. Courts for playing bocci ball are featured at the site.
18.3 Miles
Vasona Lake County Park contains a 45 acre lawn that is suitable for Frisbee, softball, and soccer activities. Visitors can also take paddle and row boats onto the water and go fishing for black bass and catfish.
18.4 Miles
57%
111 votes
Vasona Lake County Park, 333 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032
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Sponsored by Santa Clara County Parks, the Fantasy of Lights is a seasonal light display that goes up each Christmas season. The display features a wide array of elaborate light displays, and visitors can drive through.
18.5 Miles
90%
244 votes
At the corner of McAbee Road and Camden Avenue, San Jose, CA 95120
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Almaden Quicksilver Country Park is a great place for a day out with family and friends. Admission is free with multiple entrances. There are many hiking trails, well-maintained picnic grounds and some old mines and mining equipment to explore. Pets are allowed inside.