Explore Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz and other parts of Central California on a budget with the help of these incredible EBT discounts! From art museums to zoos, there are so many places that you can go for free or cheap with your CalFresh card.
EBT Discounts in Central California
While we’ve got a ton of local discounts listed below, let’s kick things off with some fantastic statewide savings you can enjoy no matter where you are in California. Your CalFresh card opens doors to more than just groceries!
- Slash your Amazon Prime bill in HALF! Enjoy all the benefits of Prime – streaming, free shipping, and more – for 50% off with Prime Access. Sign up here.
- Ditch your cell phone bill! Get a free cell phone plan (and maybe even a free phone!) through the Lifeline program. Pick your plan now!
- Stay connected with free or low-cost internet! Many ISPs offer affordable low income internet plans for $10 or less per month if you have CalFresh benefits. Pick one of these plans!
- Get active and save at the YMCA: Many YMCAs offer discounted memberships or community access programs for CalFresh recipients. Check with your local Y for details.
Know Before You Go
While we think the local EBT discounts below are the real stars of the show, here are a few quick tips to keep in mind before you head out:
- Always have your EBT card and a valid photo ID ready. You’ll need both to claim most of these discounts.
- You can’t pay with EBT. You’ll need to show your EBT card to get the discount, but you should have another payment method available for any remaining balance.
- Know the limits. Most places offer four discounted tickets per EBT card but some offer more. You’ll need to plan ahead for larger groups.
As you browse our list, please keep in mind that all prices listed are per person unless stated otherwise. If the museum name is written in green, they accept EBT from any state. If the title is black, it means they require you to have a California CalFresh card.
Santa Barbara
Discover the charm of Santa Barbara without breaking the bank! With your EBT card, you can access a wide range of museums at discounted rates, making art, history, and science more accessible than ever.
- Art, Design & Architecture Museum – FREE
- Casa de La Guerra – FREE
- El Presidio de Santa Barbara – FREE
- Ganna Walska Lotusland – $3 per person
- MOXI – $1 per person
- Museum of Contemporary Art – FREE
- Museum of Sensory & Movement Experiences – FREE
- Old Mission Santa Barbara – $3 per person
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden – $3 per person (or $20 for an annual family membership)
- Santa Barbara Historical Museum – $3 per person
- Santa Barbara Maritime Museum – $2 per person (or $20 for an annual family membership)
- Santa Barbara Museum of Art – FREE
- Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History – $3 per person
- Santa Barbara Zoo – $3 per person
Bakersfield
Even in the heart of California’s agricultural hub, there are plenty of opportunities for affordable fun and learning. Discover Bakersfield’s hidden gems with these EBT discounts, making art, history, and science accessible to all.
- Bakersfield Museum of Art (Bakersfield) – FREE
- Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science (Bakersfield) – $2 per person
Monterey
Monterey is a fantastic destination for families, and with these EBT discounts, you can create unforgettable memories without breaking the bank. From exploring the wonders of the ocean to discovering local history, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- Monterey Bay Aquarium – FREE
- MY Museum – $2 per person
- Monterey History & Art – $3 per person
- Monterey Museum of Art – FREE
Santa Cruz
While Santa Cruz may have fewer museums participating in EBT discount programs, the two that do offer fantastic opportunities to explore art and history at an affordable price.
- Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History – FREE
- Village Santa Cruz – Subsidized Memberships Available
Solvang
Immerse yourself in Danish culture and traditions in the charming town of Solvang. With EBT discounts available at several local attractions, you can experience the town’s unique heritage at an affordable price.
- California Nature Art Center (Solvang) – FREE
- Elverhøj Museum of History & Art (Solvang) – FREE
Other Central CA Discounts
From coastal aquariums to historical societies nestled in the valleys, this collection of EBT discounts showcases the diverse offerings of Central California.
- Grace Episcopal Gallery (Boulder Creek) – FREE
- Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery (Capitola) – $3 per person
- Faye G. Belardi Memorial Gallery (Felton) – $3 per person
- Fresno Chaffee Zoo (Fresno) – $5 per person (Wednesdays only)
- Goleta Valley Historical Society (Goleta) – FREE
- Guadalupe Nipomo Dunes Center (Guadalupe) – $3 or less per person
- Lompoc Museum (Lompoc) – FREE
- Kids Discovery Station (Merced) – $1 per person
- Modesto Children’s Museum (Modesto) – $3 per person
- Casa del Herrero (Montecito) – FREE
- The Children’s Museum (Paso Robles) – $3 per person
- San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum – $3 per person
- Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum (Santa Maria) – $3 per person
- Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum & Parks (Santa Ynez) – $3 or less per person
- Carnegie Arts Center (Turlock) – FREE
- Imagine U Museum (Visalia) – $3 per person
- Playzeum Yuba-Sutter (Yuba City) – $3 Per Person (must bring photo ID)
Relief Recap
There are a ton of EBT discounts available in Central California! From Santa Barbara to Fresno, there are a ton of options for free and low-cost museum admission in this area. Don’t miss out on any of these adventures! Bookmark this page because we updated it often.
