As a college student, there’s a real struggle when it comes to saving money while enjoying all that your area has to offer—especially when that area is as beautiful and unique as Sonoma County. However, just because you can’t afford a nice sit down meal with a glass of wine or even pay admission fee for that cool art gallery doesn’t mean that you have to sit in your dorm all day! There are plenty of things to do that won’t have you breaking into your savings account. So, to give you that push out the door and into the world, here are four things for college students to do in Sonoma County that are absolutely free!
1. Go to free student events
As college towns, there are a number of events that are catered for college students in the area. If you’re a Sonoma State student, be sure not to miss free bowling nights every Thursday during the school year at Double Decker Lanes in Rohnert Park.
When the weather is nice, you can also catch a movie on the lawn of the Green Music Center at Sonoma State’s Movies on the Green.
Sports events are also a great way to get out with friends and get in on the action while supporting your school team. Catch a Santa Rosa Junior College hockey game at Snoopy’s Home Ice. Games after 9:00 pm are free admission!
2. Hike
They say the best things in life are free, and what could be better than the great outdoors? Stroll through the ancient redwood groves at Armstrong Redwoods, hike along the sea cliffs at Bodega Head, or climb to the top of Taylor Mountain and take in the gorgeous views.
3. Try your hand at disc golf
Parks such as Crane Creek, Taylor Mountain, and Lake Sonoma have disc golf courses that are free to use. Just grab a Frisbee and a couple of friends and get outside!
4. Check out some art
Stroll down Florence Avenue in Sebastopol and take in the weird and colorful junk art sculptures dotting every lawn.
There are also art museums with free admission such as Sebastopol Center for the Arts and Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, which is free for students under 18, and free to all on Wednesdays.
