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 1-10 of 1154
0.0 Miles
Kids bolster their tech skills with a series of classes on fast and efficient typing and programming
0.3 Miles
95% 129 votes
Gardens Fifth Ave., San Mateo, CA MoreLess Info
Nestled in the urban San Mateo, The San Mateo Japanese Garden is a welcome breath of peace. Strolling through the garden, sitting in the Japanese pagoda, and admiring the koi pond are some of the things visitors love the most.
3.1 Miles
92% 75 votes
Walking Trails San Mateo, CA MoreLess Info
At over 6 miles, Sawyer Camp Trail is a favorite for locals to enjoy scenic views or a bit of exercise. The paved rolling path is perfect for joggers and bikers, as well as those interested in breath-taking photo opportunities.
3.1 Miles
91% 272 votes
Hiking Trails Crystal Springs Rd & Skyline Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94401 MoreLess Info
A popular paved trail wide enough for two-way traffic, Sawyer Camp Trail at Crystal Springs Reservoir is designed for hikers, joggers, and bicyclists, and horseback riders. The trail features restrooms at either end as well as picnic areas.
0.1 Miles
89% 103 votes
Parks 50 E 5th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94010 MoreLess Info
Central Park, City of San Mateo is public outdoor recreational park. It is highlighted by a large gazebo and Japanese tea garden, and it also features lighted tennis courts, a playground and a baseball field.
1.7 Miles
87% 252 votes
Parks 1961 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo, CA 94401 MoreLess Info
Visitors enjoy picnicking, swimming, bicycling, and boating at Coyote Point Recreation Area. The Magic Mountain Playground is a castle theme with a large dragon feature, making it one of the most fun playgrounds in the country!
1.4 Miles
87% 54 votes
Running/Jogging San Mateo to Foster City, San Mateo, CA 94401 MoreLess Info
A 500-mile trail along the bay, San Francisco Bay Trail takes visitors through recreational points of interest including beaches, parks, marinas and fishing piers. The relatively flat trail can be used for biking, walking, skating and dog walking.
0.2 Miles
85% 52 votes
Gardens Central Park, San Mateo, CA 94497 MoreLess Info
The Japanese Gardens rests within the San Mateo Central Park and was designed by the landscape architect Nagao Sakurai of the Imperial Palace of Tokyo. Guests can enjoy a bamboo grove, koi pond, and tea house.
1.6 Miles
95% 19 votes
Parks 1901 J Hart Clinton Drive, San Mateo, CA 94401 MoreLess Info
Part of the larger Shoreline Park, the new Seal Point Park offers views of the San Francisco Bay with windsurf and kayak launch areas. The site is also home to a three acre off-leash dog park along with multiple walking and biking trails.
0.1 Miles
91% 45 votes
Parks 50 East 5th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401 MoreLess Info
Community events, play time, and a nice stroll is only some of what Central Park has to offer. The 15+ acres contains a baseball diamond, picnic tables, tennis courts, and much more.
1.7 Miles
75% 119 votes
Dog Park 1801 E 3rd Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401 MoreLess Info
Located along the San Francisco Bay, Seal Point Dog Park features dirt fields for canine recreation. The park is fenced and provides a water station as well as separate areas for small and large dogs.
Showing 1-10 of 1154
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