San Mateo CaliforniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near San Mateo, California.
1. The San Mateo Japanese Garden
SERENE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
The San Mateo Japanese Garden is a serene oasis located within Central Park that features beautiful koi ponds and traditional pagodas. Considered one of the finest Japanese gardens in California, this peaceful retreat offers visitors a chance to experience authentic Japanese landscape design and architecture. Visitors can stroll along winding paths, observe colorful koi fish, and appreciate the meticulous attention to detail in this cultural gem.
2. Sawyer Camp Trail
SCENIC WATERSIDE HIKING
Sawyer Camp Trail is a popular six-mile path that runs parallel to Crystal Springs Reservoir and San Andreas Lake, offering hikers and cyclists stunning waterside views. This well-maintained trail is home to the 600-year-old Jepson Laurel, California's oldest laurel tree, and provides opportunities to spot bald eagles and golden eagles. The trail is part of the larger Crystal Springs Regional Trail system, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking natural beauty near the San Andreas Fault line.
3. Coyote Point Recreation Area
BAYFRONT OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Coyote Point Recreation Area spans 670 acres along the eastern edge of San Mateo, offering spectacular views of San Francisco Bay. Visitors can explore extensive trail networks, including a section of the San Francisco Bay Trail, while enjoying unique perspectives of incoming flights to SFO and windsurfers gliding across the water. The recreation area features a castle-and-dragon-themed playground for children and welcomes leashed dogs, making it ideal for family outings.
4. CuriOdyssey
INTERACTIVE SCIENCE AND WILDLIFE
CuriOdyssey is a unique non-profit museum and zoo located within Coyote Point Recreation Area that cares for nearly 100 animals and includes a 4,000-square-foot aviary. The facility offers hands-on science exhibits designed to engage visitors of all ages while providing up-close encounters with native Bay Area wildlife. This educational destination combines interactive learning with wildlife conservation, making science accessible and enjoyable for families.
5. Central Park
HISTORIC URBAN GREENSPACE
Central Park is a 16.3-acre former estate close to downtown San Mateo that serves as one of the city's primary gathering places. The park not only houses the renowned Japanese Garden but also the historic San Mateo Arboretum, providing a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. With its lush grounds and open spaces, Central Park offers a refreshing retreat in the heart of the city.
6. Seal Point Park
WATERFRONT RECREATION HUB
Seal Point Park features a scenic boardwalk that edges the San Francisco Bay shoreline, providing excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. The park offers biking trails that connect to the larger Bay Trail system, making it popular with cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy panoramic bay views while observing the diverse ecosystem of this waterfront recreational area.
7. Laurelwood Park
HILLTOP VIEWS AND TRAILS
Laurelwood Park is the largest park in San Mateo and offers hikers a rewarding journey through grasslands and meadows to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. The park rewards visitors with expansive San Francisco Bay views from its elevated vantage points. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the diverse flora and well-maintained trails that make this urban wilderness a local favorite.
8. Downtown San Mateo
VIBRANT CULINARY SCENE
Downtown San Mateo boasts a vibrant dining scene featuring Michelin-starred restaurants like Wakuriya and Sushi Yoshizumi. The restored downtown area offers visitors a diverse array of culinary options ranging from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. Food enthusiasts can explore global cuisines while enjoying the charming atmosphere of this walkable district.
9. Hillsdale Shopping Center
REVITALIZED RETAIL DESTINATION
Hillsdale Shopping Center is a recently revamped retail destination featuring innovative eateries alongside traditional shopping options. The modernized mall offers visitors a comprehensive shopping experience with a mix of national brands and local boutiques. Its contemporary design and diverse dining options make it a popular gathering place for both locals and visitors.
10. Peninsula
BREATHTAKING SCENIC DRIVES
The Peninsula scenic drive offers visitors breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay Area's natural beauty. Winding through San Mateo County, this route showcases the region's unique geography between the Pacific Ocean and the Bay. Travelers can enjoy picturesque vistas, charming coastal towns, and glimpses of both urban and natural landscapes along this highly-rated driving experience.
11. Horseshoe Lake
TRANQUIL WATER FEATURE
Horseshoe Lake is a picturesque body of water that provides a peaceful setting for relaxation and recreation in the San Mateo area. The lake's distinctive horseshoe shape creates intimate coves and varied perspectives for visitors to enjoy. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the wildlife viewing opportunities and serene atmosphere of this highly-rated natural attraction.
12. Golden Gate Bridge
ICONIC BAY LANDMARK
The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic suspension bridge that connects San Francisco to Marin County and stands as one of the world's most recognizable landmarks. Just a short drive north of San Mateo, this engineering marvel spans 1.7 miles across the Golden Gate Strait and features distinctive International Orange coloring. Visitors can walk or bike across the bridge for spectacular views of the bay, San Francisco skyline, and Alcatraz Island.
13. Oracle Park
WATERFRONT BASEBALL STADIUM
Oracle Park is the home stadium of the San Francisco Giants baseball team and is renowned for its stunning waterfront location just north of San Mateo. The ballpark combines state-of-the-art facilities with charming touches like the giant Coca-Cola bottle slide and the iconic right field wall that opens to views of San Francisco Bay. Beyond baseball games, the venue hosts concerts and special events throughout the year, making it a versatile entertainment destination.
14. Pier 39
LIVELY WATERFRONT MARKETPLACE
Pier 39 is a popular waterfront marketplace and entertainment center located along San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, just a short drive from San Mateo. Visitors can shop at unique boutiques, dine at seafood restaurants, and enjoy attractions like the sea lion colony, aquarium, and street performers. The pier offers spectacular views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Bay Bridge, making it a must-visit destination for tourists exploring the Bay Area.
15. Golden Gate Park
EXPANSIVE URBAN OASIS
Golden Gate Park is a massive 1,017-acre urban park that stretches from the center of San Francisco to the Pacific Ocean, easily accessible from San Mateo. This verdant sanctuary houses world-class museums like the de Young Museum and California Academy of Sciences, alongside beautiful gardens including the Japanese Tea Garden and Conservatory of Flowers. Visitors can also enjoy recreational activities like boating on Stow Lake, exploring the bison paddock, or attending concerts at the Music Concourse.