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 11-20 of 1154
0.0 Miles
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Venture Jeeps, Inc. 2135 Palm Avenue, San Mateo, CA MoreLess Info
Explore Hollister Hills’ beginners and intermediate trails while driving an armor-bodied Jeep during an off-road guided trip
1.2 Miles
92% 25 votes
Parks 1625 J Hart Clinton Drive, San Mateo, CA 94401 MoreLess Info
Situated beside the San Francisco Bay, Ryder Court Park not only has an excellent bay-side trail, but playground areas, reservable and drop-in picnic tables, a large lawn, restrooms, and an aquatic play area.
2.0 Miles
56% 62 votes
Colleges & Universities 1700 W Hillsdale Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94402 MoreLess Info
Located on a 153-acre campus, the College of San Mateo is a higher education facility that features more than 20 student clubs and serves 10,000 students. The college also provides transfer services, cultural activities, and employment assistance.
1.9 Miles
77% 13 votes
Parks 1097 Seal Ct, San Mateo, CA 94497 MoreLess Info
Parkside Aquatic Park & Launch Ramp features a beach, two playgrounds, reservable and drop-in picnic areas, restrooms and the boating launch ramp. Swimming is allowed but there are no lifeguards on duty.
1.8 Miles
83% 187 votes
Nature & Wildlife Areas 1651 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo, CA 94401 MoreLess Info
Offering an interactive opportunity for visitors to meet animals, CuriOdyssey offers unique programs, events, and exhibits to the public. Events include animal shows ever weekend, highlighting a different animal each time, and community days.
1.8 Miles
91% 32 votes
Sports Facilities/Fields 2720 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo, CA 94403 MoreLess Info
San Mateo's Beresford Park is a municipal park that offers a variety of amenities. The park has baseball, basketball, and tennis facilities, public restrooms, a playground, a skating area, and a community garden.
3.0 Miles
60% 121 votes
Bowling 4330 Olympic Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403 MoreLess Info
A bowling center featuring 24 synthetic lanes, Bel Mateo Bowl offers open and league bowling with automatic scoring and bumpers. The center provides a snack bar, catering services, a lounge with televisions and a game room.
3.2 Miles
61% 18 votes
Recreation Centers 1851 Lexington Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94402 MoreLess Info
The Highlands Recreation District is a family friendly district that is most widely known for being the home of a municipal pool. The district also offers free bike skills days as well as a free bike rodeo for entertainment.
0.3 Miles
31% 207 votes
Movie Theaters 320 2nd Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401 MoreLess Info
A Cinemark theater, the Century Downtown 12 is a movie theater multiplex that shows primarily first-run Hollywood films. The theater features stadium seating, and is located at the center of a variety of restaurants and bars.
1.5 Miles
80% 102 votes
Specialty Museums 214 California Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010 MoreLess Info
At the Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia, guests will be able to learn about the history of Pez dispensers in the United States. Fans of Mickey Mouse, Star Trek, The Muppets, and Marvel Comics may enjoy what this site has to offer.
1.5 Miles
96% 26 votes
Art Gallery 244 Primrose Road, Burlingame, CA 94010 MoreLess Info
The Studio Shop provides a wide variety of picture framing products and services including framing flat screen TVs, sports jerseys, fine art, and family photos. They also offer art and design services such as on-site design consultation and art delivery.
Showing 11-20 of 1154
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