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 1111-1120 of 1154
48.4 Miles
33% 6 votes
Walking Trails 10500-10586 California 35, Morgan Hill, CA 94066 MoreLess Info
San Andreas Trail is a two mile trail suitable for hikers of all skill levels. The trail is mostly paved, and follows the I-280 for most of its length (which may be a downside for those looking for some quiet.)
48.5 Miles
81% 79 votes
National & State Parks Rockville Road, Fairfield, CA 94533 MoreLess Info
At the Rockville Hills Regional Park, fans of the outdoors can go cycling or hiking on a number of different paths. The location, which offers scenic views, is also a suitable camping destination.
48.5 Miles
50% 2 votes
Sports Facilities/Fields 955 Crossroads Drive, Tracy, CA 95377 MoreLess Info
At Tracy Sports Complex, visitors can watch the locals play baseball in one of the many sports fields in the complex. The complex has baseball diamonds surrounded with high fences, as well as several multipurpose fields.
48.5 Miles
79% 47 votes
Dog Park 17575 Peak Avenue, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 MoreLess Info
Open daily, Morgan Hill Dog Park allows owners to unleash their pets into separate areas for large and small dogs. The grassy park has benches and shade trees for owners' comfort.
48.6 Miles
71% 14 votes
Dog Park Casa Grande Avenue, Petaluma, CA 94954 MoreLess Info
Surrounded by rolling green hills and stately trees is Rocky Memorial Dog Park. The park features vast wide open green spaces for dogs to run off-leash and experience Petaluma in a safe, fenced environment.
48.6 Miles
88% 887 votes
Factory Tours One Jelly Belly Lane, Vacaville, Fairfield, CA 94533 MoreLess Info
A 40 minute walking tour, the Jelly Belly Factory Tour allows visitors to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the famous candy factory. Tours are free, and include samples of the factory's product.
48.6 Miles
63% 16 votes
Recreation Centers 171 W Edmundson Avenue, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 MoreLess Info
A 54,000 sq ft facility, Centennial Recreation Center has several features including a fitness center, gymnasium, group exercise studio and indoor pool. They also have specialized rooms for seniors, teens and small kids.
48.6 Miles
100% 3 votes
Fishing 5000 Sandmound Blvd, Oakley, CA 94561 MoreLess Info
Owned and operated by lifetime fisherman Andrew 'Cooch' Cuccia, Cooch's Fishing offers guide services and chartered fishing trips. The company also offers instruction on various kinds of fishing and sells homemade lures.
48.7 Miles
29% 28 votes
Bowling 1100 Petaluma Blvd, South, Petaluma, CA 94952 MoreLess Info
A traditional bowling center, AMF Boulevard Lanes features 40 lanes for open and league bowling as well as private events. The center offers a restaurant, a full bar, arcade game machines, pool tables and televisions showing sports and news programming.
48.7 Miles
100% 14 votes
Hiking Trails 411 Chileno Valley road, Petaluma, CA 94952 MoreLess Info
Helen Putnam Regional Park is a 216 acre park featuring 5.87 miles of hiking trails. The trails offer views of the surrounding countryside and are accessible by hikers, equestrians, and bikers. The park also offers a playground and picnic area.