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 441-450 of 1154
17.0 Miles
63% 8 votes
Arcades 151 1st Street, Los Altos, CA 94022 MoreLess Info
Offering both classic arcade and modern video games, Area 151 DTLA is a popular hangout for kids and adults alike. Games are played for tickets that can be redeemed for prizes.
17.0 Miles
43% 7 votes
Parks 199 University Avenue, Los Altos, CA 94022 MoreLess Info
Lincoln Park is a 4.44-acre park that offers a Gazebo, a multi-use grass field, and several artistic sculptures. The park has a paved trail that can be used for biking, running, walking, or roller blading.
17.0 Miles
83% 165 votes
Laser Tag 1400 N Shoreline Blvd, Ste C3, Mountain View, CA 94043 MoreLess Info
A family entertainment center, Laser Quest-Mountain View provides a two-level laser tag arena with lighting effects, music and fog. The center offers day camp packages, a private event room, pizza, drinks and vending machines.
17.0 Miles
50% 2 votes
Parks 38098 Birch Street, Newark, CA 94560 MoreLess Info
Birch Grove Park is a 15-acre outdoor park that features a basketball court, a lighted tennis court, and a fenced softball field. The park also has multiple playgrounds as well as picnic facilities.
17.1 Miles
99% 139 votes
Walking Tours Union Square, under the statue, San Francisco, CA MoreLess Info
Emperor Norton's Fantastic San Francisco Time machine is a 2.5 hour walking tour into the history of San Francisco with the friendly, knowledgable and whimsically dressed Emperor Norton as the guide. Groupon deals are available.
17.1 Miles
85% 186 votes
Neighborhoods Lombard Street at Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA MoreLess Info
Telegraph Hills, with its multiple and varied attractions, is a great place to visit. Some of the popular haunts here are the Coit tower, Levi Park, Napier's lane and many more. The roads are well-maintained and are seasonally decorated with flowers and vegetation.
17.1 Miles
80% 75 votes
Parks Union Street and Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133 MoreLess Info
Historic and peaceful, Washington Square is a relaxing park just minutes from North Beach. It is a popular place for the locals to gather and a common spot for walkers and runners alike.
17.1 Miles
Specialty Museums 1401 N Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View, CA 94043 MoreLess Info
The Computer History Museum explains the history of computing with dozens of intricate exhibits. Some of their most popular displays include the hall of fellows, the first 25 years of the microprocessor and the history of the internet.
17.1 Miles
73% 22 votes
449

Play!

Children's Play Area 170 State Street, Los Altos, CA 94022 MoreLess Info
With activities designed for young children, Play! offers weekly classes with age appropriate crafts and dancing. Visitors can choose from a variety of party packages that include a reserved play space and staff chaperons.
17.1 Miles
60% 5 votes
Art Gallery 296 State Street, Los Altos, CA 94022 MoreLess Info
Founded in 1987, the Nature Gallery is a gallery that specializes in displaying minerals, fossils, and jewelry. The gallery is open from Tuesday through Sunday and on Mondays by appointment.
Showing 441-450 of 1154
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