50 E 5th Ave
San Mateo, CA

Looking for the best free things to do on The San Francisco Peninsula? From beautiful beaches, fun museums, and outdoor adventures — the California dream is on full display on The San Francisco Peninsula. Keep exploring for the best things to do for free!

328 Lomita Dr
Stanford, CA

Located on Stanford University's campus, Cantor Arts Center is a great cultural experience for all ages. The art collection spans 5,000 years and features more than 38,000 works of art from around the world, including rotating exhibitions. Marvel at one of the largest collections of Rodin bronze sculptures outside of Paris, displayed inside the museum and in the outdoor Rodin Sculpture Garden. Their Art for All program is an inclusive and fun space for all ages to learn about artwork through hands-on activities. The museum is open Wednesday - Sunday from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM, and admission is free.

50 E 5th Ave
San Mateo, CA

The Japanese Garden in San Mateo's Central Park is one of the finest gardens in California. It was designed by landscape architect, Nagao Sakurai of the Imperial Palace of Tokyo, and features a granite pagoda, tea house, koi pond, and bamboo grove. It is open to the public Monday - Friday from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM and Saturday & Sunday from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM. The Koi feedings are also very popular, and they’re done during public viewing hours, Monday – Friday at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, but only during spring and summer months (April – October). The Japanese Tea Garden is beautiful throughout the year, but we suggest visiting in early spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom!

Mori Headlands Trl
Pacifica, CA

Mori Point in Pacifica is a gorgeous hike with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The hiking trails on the bluff are also popular spots for photography. This is a perfect spot during a road trip along Highway 1!

940 Commercial St
Palo Alto, CA

The Foster Museum in Palo Alto is a beautiful museum that features the watercolor collections of artist and explorer, Tony Foster, who sets out on wilderness expeditions that can take several years to complete painting projects. On display is Tony Foster’s 16th Journey, “Exploring Beauty”, which chronicles worldwide sites nominated by leading scientists, explorers, writers, and environmentalists as “the most beautiful places in the world”. Another Journey captures the Four Corners region of the Southwest and features landscapes that are sacred to Native Americans, Catholics, Mormons, and New Age practitioners. The museum is open by reservation Tuesdays - Fridays from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM and Saturdays - Sundays from 12:00 - 4:00 PM.

1431 Waverley St
Palo Alto, CA

Hanging out in Silicon Valley and in need of a mental break? We highly suggest visiting the Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden. This historic property is a precious and uncommon resource for everyone, with a rich legacy, a commitment to education, and year-round beauty. This stunning venue features a rose garden, a cutting garden, a formal herb garden, a demonstration bed, a wisteria garden, and an allée. Gamble Gardens also hosts numerous fun events throughout the year that are perfect for the entire family. Children can see the magic of growing plants, and would-be gardeners will learn from Master Gardeners and a horticultural reference library. To top it all off, Gamble Garden is FREE and open to the public every day during daylight hours.

Pigeon Point Lighthouse

Pescadero, California, United States

Built-in 1872, Pigeon Point Lighthouse is one of our favorite historical places in our destination! From the shore, you can spot whales, seals, and coastal birds as they pass beyond the surf. The intertidal zone along this part of the coast contains numerous varieties of plant and animal life. Guided history walks around the lighthouse grounds are available. Also nearby is Año Nuevo State Reserve, an incredible park that is the breeding ground for up to 10,000 elephant seals each year!

2555 Pulgas Ave
East Palo Alto, CA

The Farmers' Markets on The San Francisco Peninsula are As Fresh As It Gets! When you think of The San Francisco Peninsula and Silicon Valley, you may not think of farming, agriculture, and fishing – but our region has over 50 working farms and bay harbors with fishing boats galore! Each Farmers' Market has a variety of different local farms selling their homegrown and hand-craft items.

200 Nevada Ave
Moss Beach, CA

Located in Moss Beach along the Pacific Ocean, the rocky seashore at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is an excellent spot for watching shorebirds, as well as tide pooling!

4000 Cabrillo Hwy N
Half Moon Bay, CA

Discover nature with the best beaches and scenic hikes, or relax where locals escape at one of our hidden gems! You'll find it all here on The San Francisco Peninsula.