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 231-240 of 1154
12.7 Miles
100% 12 votes
Bay Mecartney Rd & Adelphian Road, Alameda, CA 94502 MoreLess Info
Spanning a total distance of 31.83-acres of land, Shoreline Park is a leisure park that includes picnic areas and a play area for children. The picnic areas can be rented for private parties, corporate outings, or church events.
12.7 Miles
50% 14 votes
Parks 101 Palisades Avenue, Daly City, CA 94015 MoreLess Info
Palisades Park is ideal for children who wish to play in the playground, as well as dogs who want to run free in the dog park. Visitors can also take in a view of the beach and ocean.
12.8 Miles
100% 3 votes
Parks Santa Ynez, CA MoreLess Info
Santa Ynez Canyon is part of a series of trails that runs through the area. Notable stops along these trails include both the canyon and a nearby waterfall.
12.8 Miles
88% 287 votes
Observation Decks Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 95319 MoreLess Info
Stanford University's Hoover Tower soars above the rest of the campus, and its bells are audible for miles. The tower has 48 bells that were imported from Belgium. Visitors are welcome to ascend the tower on foot.
12.8 Miles
87% 130 votes
Nature & Wildlife Areas East end of Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94306 MoreLess Info
Nature lovers always enjoy visiting the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto, California. The Preserve is open throughout the year and features hiking trails, rentable event facilities and acres of pristine marshland.
12.8 Miles
- 0 votes
Fishing 38701 Quince Pl, Newark, CA 94560 MoreLess Info
A fishing guide service that operates full time, seven days a week, B2 Bass Adventures operates in most significant Northern California lakes. The service offers single day and multi-day tours, and asks that visitors make reservations two weeks ahead.
12.8 Miles
90% 10 votes
Parks Corner of Juniper & Sagewood Streets, San Leandro, CA 94579 MoreLess Info
Bonaire Park is a clean neighborhood park featuring 5 acres of open space. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the picnic areas, playground, and horseshoe pits, as well as the fresh air and the beautiful scenery.
12.9 Miles
86% 147 votes
Botanical Gardens 1431 Waverly Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301 MoreLess Info
Nestled in Palo Alto, California, the Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden is a non-profit institution that offers free admission and a huge selection of seasonal flora. The Garden also houses a horticultural reference library.
12.9 Miles
90% 185 votes
Children's Museums 1451 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94301 MoreLess Info
The Junior Museum & Zoo is an educational and adventurous place for children to unleash their curiosity of science and nature. The museum and zoo are home to over fifty species of animals, including jungle bats, hedgehogs, bobcats and more.
13.0 Miles
100% 1 votes
Walking Tours PO Box 156617, San Francisco, CA 94115 MoreLess Info
Stairways Across San Francisco is a service of DM Footworks.It offers walking tours of San Francisco, concentrating on stairways in particular.
Showing 231-240 of 1154
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