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 521-530 of 1154
18.8 Miles
100% 6 votes
Parks 6600 Greenridge Road, Castro Valley, CA 94546 MoreLess Info
Greenridge Park's most notable attraction is its scenic view of the Bay Area, offering photo opportunities. Additionally, the location also contains traditional park facilities, including a playground for children to enjoy.
18.9 Miles
96% 77 votes
Specialty Museums 37417 Niles Blvd., Fremont, CA 94536 MoreLess Info
At the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum, visitors can learn about the history of silent films through artifact and memorabilia displays. The location also hosts film screenings on Saturday nights.
18.9 Miles
94% 90 votes
Historic Sites P.O. Box 2247, Niles Station, Fremont, CA MoreLess Info
The Niles Canyon Railway offers travelers the chance to enjoy a train or caboose charter ride through Niles Canyon. The rides offer scenic views for riders who are seeking photo opportunities.
18.9 Miles
92% 83 votes
Parks 615 Cuesta Drive, Mountain View, CA 94043 MoreLess Info
Cuesta Park is a large, pet-friendly park with a variety of amenities. It features large open green spaces, running paths, playground equipment for kids, tennis courts, and multiple picnic areas with barbecue grills.
19.0 Miles
95% 57688 votes
525

Alcatraz

Historic Prisons Alcatraz Landing, Pier 33, San Francisco, CA 94133 MoreLess Info
Once considered the most secure prison in the world, Alcatraz Island is no longer home to hundreds of dangerous convicts. The prison is only accessible by boat. Many local tour companies offer nighttime tours for an extra-scary visiting experience.
19.0 Miles
86% 7 votes
Parks 707 Fremont Avenue, Los Altos, CA 94024 MoreLess Info
McKenzie Park is 4.3 acres and includes a playground, lighted tennis courts, bbqs and picnic tables, and a large grass field fit for soccer games. There are also bathrooms, benches and a unique art sculpture.
19.1 Miles
94% 17 votes
Parks Sylvan Ave & DeVoto Street, Mountain View, CA 94040 MoreLess Info
Located within a quiet residential setting, Sylvan Park is a park often visited when the weather is nice. The park includes a large playground structure, walking trail, picnic tables, and tennis courts.
19.3 Miles
95% 51569 votes
Bridges Lincoln Boulevard, near Doyle Drive and Fort Point, San Francisco, CA 94129 MoreLess Info
San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge is the most famous bridge in the United States. The colossal red suspension bridge is one mile long and spans the three-mile Golden Gate strait.
19.3 Miles
97% 474 votes
Parks 7867 Redwood Road, Oakland, CA 94618 MoreLess Info
A mid-1800s logging site, Redwood Regional Park is situated on 1,830 acres of coast redwoods, evergreens and grasslands that is home to wildlife. It provides picnic and camping areas, a playground and trails suitable for hiking and biking.
19.3 Miles
75% 4 votes
Parks 1305 Mckenzie Avenue, Los Altos, CA 94024 MoreLess Info
Known for its playground areas, Heritage Oaks Park has a normal playground, as well as a climbing area filled with rock structures. The park itself has an expansive grass field, with shaded areas provided by trees.
Showing 521-530 of 1154
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