Free & Cheap Things to Do in San Mateo, CA

  • The list below includes 706 free or cheap things to do in or near San Mateo, California, including 127 different types of inexpensive activities like Parks, Gardens, Hiking Trails and Running/Jogging.
  • From The San Mateo Japanese Garden to Sawyer Camp Trail, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in San Mateo and in nearby cities within 25 miles like San Francisco, Pacifica, Half Moon Bay and Berkeley.
  • The list below includes 706 free or cheap things to do in or near San Mateo, California, including 127 different types of inexpensive activities like Parks, Gardens, Hiking Trails and Running/Jogging.
  • From The San Mateo Japanese Garden to Sawyer Camp Trail, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in San Mateo and in nearby cities within 25 miles like San Francisco, Pacifica, Half Moon Bay and Berkeley.
Showing 311-320 of 1154
15.0 Miles
82% 489 votes
Neighborhoods Castro and Market Sts. is the heart of the Castro, San Francisco, CA 94114 MoreLess Info
Free-spirited, the Castro neighborhood is known for its lively bars and active nightlife. During the day, tourists can take a relaxing walk and visit the local shops, restaurants and coffee shops in the community.
15.0 Miles
86% 195 votes
National & State Parks 34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont, CA 94555 MoreLess Info
As a historic Victorian farm, Ardenwood Historic Farm offers visitors a spacious area for walking among native plants. There are 99 species of birds on the farm, ranging from peacocks, to turkeys, to hummingbirds.
15.1 Miles
77% 26 votes
313

SF Armory

Historic Buildings 1800 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA MoreLess Info
Acquired by Army Studios in 2007 with restoration plans underway, the San Francisco National Guard Armory and Arsenal retains its historical splendor. With many of its stone staircases, wainscoting and sweeping corridors still in good shape, the Armory is worth a visit.
15.1 Miles
89% 62 votes
Parks 600 E Meadow Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94309 MoreLess Info
Spanning 21 acres, Mitchell Park offers sporting areas for tennis, handball, and horseshoes, a fenced dog run, a playground with 'faux' wading pool, and a quarter-mile walking path. Public art and picnic areas with grills are also available.
15.1 Miles
91% 32 votes
Aquariums 177 W Tennyson Road, Hayward, CA 94544 MoreLess Info
Opened in 1973, the Superway Aquarium is a store dedicated solely to aquatic animals. Visitors to the store commonly purchase a fish to bring home or have their fish tank serviced from the professionals at the store.
15.1 Miles
- 0 votes
Parks 6705 Mirabeau Drive, Newark, CA 94560 MoreLess Info
Mirabeau Park is a 5.9-acre park that is best known for being the home of two play structures for toddlers and older children. The playgrounds both have a slide and a swing set.
15.2 Miles
95% 20 votes
Neighborhoods Roosevelt Way and Castro Street, San Francisco, CA 94114 MoreLess Info
Corona Heights offers panoramic views of San Francisco Bay for those who want to hike up the hill and if you want to bring your dog, there is an enclosed area in which they can run free.
15.2 Miles
64% 566 votes
318

Slim's

Music Venue 333 11th St. between Folsom and Harrison Sts., San Francisco, CA MoreLess Info
Slim's is a local music venue in San Francisco. They often book nationally and internationally renowned artists.
15.2 Miles
65% 20 votes
Specialty Museums 2151 Ferry Point Road, Alameda, CA 94501 MoreLess Info
The legacy of the Alameda Naval Air Station is preserved within the Alameda Naval Air Museum. The collection includes artifacts, newspapers, photographs, aircraft models, safety gear, medals, documents and uniforms from the World War II era.
15.2 Miles
88% 17 votes
Parks 609 Maybell Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94309 MoreLess Info
A 4.1-acre park with trees and open space, Juana Briones Park also includes two children’s playgrounds, a basketball court, picnic tables, benches and a footpath. The playgrounds feature a climbing rock and a sand and water feature.
Showing 311-320 of 1154
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