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 971-980 of 1154
37.6 Miles
93% 15 votes
Playgrounds 360 Glenn Street, Vallejo, CA 94590 MoreLess Info
Run by the Greater Vallejo Recreation District, Children's Wonderland is a playground and amusement facility with a castle, fairy tale-themed play spaces and equipment, a dinosaur statue, and an outdoor theater.
37.6 Miles
67% 3 votes
Parks 395 Amador Street, Vallejo, CA 94591 MoreLess Info
Hanns Park features heavily-shaded picnic areas with BBQ's, an amphitheater, open-turf play areas and a trail leading to the Blue Rock Springs linear parkway. The park also offers reservable picnic areas.
37.8 Miles
83% 6 votes
Swimming Pool 801 Heartwood Avenue, Vallejo, CA 94591 MoreLess Info
At Cunningham Aquatic Complex, visitors can choose a lane to swim in a 700,000 gallon lap pool. The pool is monitored by lifeguards during open swim sessions and hosts the local high school's swim meets.
38.0 Miles
95% 43 votes
Nature & Wildlife Areas 19450 Marsh Creek Road, Brentwood, CA MoreLess Info
Guests of the Round Valley Regional Preserve will be able to go hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling in a site that reaches temperatures of up to 100 degrees during the summer. The location also offers campsites that feature picnic tables and a restroom.
38.1 Miles
100% 27 votes
Beaches Hwy. 1, six miles north of Davenport, Santa Cruz, CA MoreLess Info
Renowned as a mecca for windsurfing and kiteboarding, Waddell State Beach, is located across from the entrance to Redwood State Park. Pristine sands are surrounded by lushly covered mountains, bring your family and spend a day in the sun.
38.1 Miles
100% 2 votes
Hiking Trails Vallejo, CA MoreLess Info
Spanning a total distance of 350-miles in length, Bay Ridge Trail is a nature trail that connects over 75 parks and open spaces throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. The trail can be used for biking, hiking, and horseback riding.
38.3 Miles
- 0 votes
Parks W Leland Road, Pittsburg, CA 94565 MoreLess Info
John Henry Johnson Park is a neighborhood park that features ball fields, basketball courts, and a playground area. The park also has picnic facilities, including tables, grills, and regularly maintained public restrooms.
38.4 Miles
89% 28 votes
History Museums 21570 Almaden Road off Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA MoreLess Info
The history of local quicksilver mining is put on display at the New Almaden Mercury Mining Museum. Located within the Almaden Quicksilver County Park, there are mine dioramas, artifacts from historic mining facilities, and exhibits covering the lifestyles of mining communities.
38.8 Miles
100% 3 votes
Parks 1951 Seasons Way, Pittsburg, CA 94565 MoreLess Info
The California Season Park features both barbeque grills, picnic tables, and a shaded patio for those who wish to enjoy a group or family event. The park's large turf area also offers plenty of room for play and exercise.
38.9 Miles
89% 654 votes
Scenic Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95018 MoreLess Info
Based in Santa Cruz, California, Roaring Camp Railroads offers a variety of railroad tours, exhibits and activities. It is famous for its magnificent Chanukah and Christmas displays. Tours during holiday season sell out quickly, and advance reservations are highly recommended.
Showing 971-980 of 1154
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