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 141-150 of 1154
0.0 Miles
Diners enjoy each other’s company while they munch on fresh salads before cooking entrees fondue-style at the table
9.2 Miles
36% 14 votes
Dog Park 1220 Linda Mar Blvd, Pacifica, CA 94044 MoreLess Info
As a fenced park, Pacifica Dog Park at Sanchez Art Center offers visitors' dogs a space to run off-leash and socialize with other dogs. The park has benches for visitors to rest on while their dogs play.
9.2 Miles
50% 2 votes
Parks 1050 Crespi Drive, Pacifica, CA 94044 MoreLess Info
Established in 1972, the Oddstad Park is a community park that is most widely known for hosting musical performances. The park also includes a basketball court, benches, and a playground with a swing set.
9.3 Miles
100% 3 votes
Canoeing 363 Catherine Drive, South San Francisco, CA 94080 MoreLess Info
As an outrigger paddling club, San Francisco Outrigger Canoe Center hosts a variety of races in the San Francisco Bay for visitors to watch. Visitors can also attend outrigger practices to learn the basics of Hawaiian canoeing.
9.4 Miles
84% 56 votes
Beaches Kelly Avenue, Half Moon Bay, CA MoreLess Info
Francis Beach is believed to be the main beach at Half Moon Bay with beautiful views of the ocean and well-maintained campsites that offer both tents as well as RV's. The beach can be easily reached through the Coast-side trail. There is also a dog-friendly beach area nearby.
9.4 Miles
100% 9 votes
Parks 350 Camaritas, South San Francisco, CA 94080 MoreLess Info
The Alta Loma Park is a recreational park that features multiple basketball courts, several tennis courts, restrooms, and picnic tables. The park also has an open grassy field that can be used for soccer, football, and frisbee.
9.4 Miles
80% 5 votes
Parks 1000 Linda Mar Blvd, Pacifica, CA 94044 MoreLess Info
An historic landmark, Sanchez Adobe has served many purposes. The building was once a cattle ranch but would later become a hotel, and subsequently the personal residence of a town mayor. Tours are offered and special events often hosted here.
9.5 Miles
88% 4406 votes
Beaches Pescadero Road, Half Moon Bay, CA MoreLess Info
Where the Pescadero River enters the sea, Pescadero Beach begins. Stretching one mile on the shoreline, the beach has sandy coves and rocky cliffs, which are suited for fishing and picnics.
9.5 Miles
87% 143 votes
Kayaking Pillar Point Harbor, 2 Johnson Pier, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 MoreLess Info
From kayaks to stand up paddle boards, Half Moon Bay Kayak Company offers visitors watercraft equipment to take out on the waters of Pillar Point Harbor. In addition to kayaks, the company provides complimentary wet suits.
9.5 Miles
68% 19 votes
Fishing 122 Ave Granada, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 MoreLess Info
Organizing fishing excursions to Half Moon Bay, The New Captain Pete helps visitors catch crab, salmon, and more. The captain provides all the equipment necessary for catching the fish, and will clean the fish as well.
9.5 Miles
97% 35 votes
Sports Facilities/Fields Lundy Way & Rifle Range Road, Pacifica, CA 94044 MoreLess Info
With San Francisco Archers, visitors can learn the basic techniques behind the sport of archery. The organization also hosts tournaments and yearly competitions where experienced archers work to hit challenging targets.
Showing 141-150 of 1154
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