Experience the great outdoors! We’re thrilled to begin offering free California State Parks, opens a new window vehicle day-use passes for checkout at some San Mateo County Libraries on Friday, April 22.
The California State Library Parks Pass, opens a new window program is a partnership between California State Parks and the California State Library, opens a new window. This program will make it easier for all Californians to visit State Parks and enjoy the benefits of outdoor exploration.
Where Can I Get a Pass?
We are launching the passes inside our Explore Our Parks Pack on Friday, April 22 at the following locations: Belmont, Brisbane, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, North Fair Oaks and Pacifica Sharp Park.
Passes will be available at all 13 of our libraries soon!
How Does it Work?
Simply check out our Explore Our Parks Pack, a ready-to-use hiking backpack with the vehicle-day use hangtag pass, binoculars, magnifying glass, identification guides and hiking trails book all tucked inside!
- The Explore Our Parks Packs with the State Parks passes are part of our In Luck materials, meaning they are first-come, first-served to anyone 18 years or older when you visit our libraries.
- Checkout is for three weeks—all you need is your free library card.
- The pass gives you free access to over 200 parks, lakes, beaches and monuments in the California State Parks system.
Why Head to State Parks?
Spending time in nature has been shown to benefit both mental and physical health, as you'll find in books like The Nature Fix. State Parks also provide our community members with the opportunity to connect with California’s recreational, natural, historical and cultural heritage.
More Ways to Connect to Nature
Book-a-Bike
Explore the natural beauty of San Mateo County by bike! Our Book-a-Bike service offers bicycles for check out. Each bike comes with a helmet, bike lock and first aid kit.
Book-a-Bike is available at these libraries:
To qualify to borrow a bike, you must:
- Be 18 years or older and live in San Mateo County
- Have a valid library card starting with 29041
- Complete a waiver
You may reserve a bike by visiting our San Mateo County Libraries Room/Equipment Reservation page. Bicycles must be returned to the same library they were borrowed from.
Learn Local Hikes
Want to watch or listen to learn more about Bay Area Hikes? View our past author talks, Wildflower Hikes of the Bay Area, opens a new window and The Tales of the Bay Area Trails with Linda Hamilton, opens a new window.
Hike, run, bike and camp in California's beautiful outdoors. Our books, eBooks, eMagazines and streaming videos will help you plan your next adventure!
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