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 601-610 of 1154
22.2 Miles
100% 16 votes
Beaches Conzelman Road, Sausalito, CA 94966 MoreLess Info
Black Sand Beach is known not only for its dark sand but also for its nude sunbathers, due to it being a clothing-optional beach. Both the surf and the hike from the parking lot are tough.
22.3 Miles
78% 78 votes
Historic Sites 43300 Mission Blvd at Washington Blvd, Fremont, CA 94539 MoreLess Info
Old Mission San Jose was one of twenty-one Spanish missionaries that were founded in Alta California. Visitors can learn about the history of the site, study genealogy, or purchase a souvenir at the gift shop.
22.3 Miles
46% 669 votes
Movie Theaters 3111 Mission College Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95054 MoreLess Info
A 20-screen movie theater, AMC Mercado 20 displays first-run feature films using digital projection and RealD 3D. The theater offers stadium seating, an IMAX auditorium, theater rentals and a concession area with food and drinks.
22.4 Miles
95% 59 votes
Playgrounds 636 Harrow Way, Sunnyvale, CA 94085 MoreLess Info
Ortega Park lets visitors enjoy nature and walk, jog, and run on its paths. Facilities at the park include two separate playgrounds, a fountain to play in, swings, and a gazebo.
22.4 Miles
86% 14 votes
Parks 811 Henderson Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94085 MoreLess Info
Ponderosa Park is a 9-acre community park with a western theme and multiple features including basketball courts, a children's play area, horseshoe pits, a multi-use field, restrooms, and tennis and volleyball courts. Building and picnic site rentals are available.
22.5 Miles
92% 24 votes
Specialty Museums 1920 Paradise Drive, Tiburon, CA MoreLess Info
Collecting and preserving artifacts of the rich waterfront history of the area, the Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum is a must see. Exhibits cover the creation and discovery of the railroad and water transportation that made this town irreplaceable.
22.5 Miles
93% 151 votes
Parks 1200 Euclid Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709 MoreLess Info
The Berkeley Rose Garden is famed for its 3,000 rose bushes and 250 varieties of roses, laid out in a terraced amphitheater setting. There are also tennis courts and picnic tables on its 3.64 acres.
22.5 Miles
97% 97 votes
Parks 1201 Euclid Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94701 MoreLess Info
Located next to the Berkeley Rose Garden, Codornices Park features facilities for baseball and basketball along with a multipurpose grass field. The park also offers picnic areas, barbeque grills, hiking trails through the woods and children's playgrounds.
22.5 Miles
59% 160 votes
Movie Theaters 21275 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014 MoreLess Info
A discount theater, BlueLight Cinemas shows second-run movies as well as a number of independent films, short films and documentaries. The theater offers regular specials, special events and rentals for parties or private screenings.
22.5 Miles
100% 6 votes
Parks 22221 Mcclellan Road, Cupertino, CA 95014 MoreLess Info
McClellan Ranch Preserve is a community-managed public park area built on the historic site of an old horse ranch. Visitors will find numerous walking trails, a nature center, and creek-side picnic areas as well as a planned community garden.
Showing 601-610 of 1154
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