Things to do in San Mateo

Activities, attractions and tours

Coyote Point Recreation Area showing a park
Coyote Point Recreation Area showing cycling as well as a small group of people
Coyote Point Recreation Area showing general coastal views and sailing
Coyote Point Recreation Area featuring a bay or harbour and sailing
Coyote Point Recreation Area featuring a garden

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Most popular experiences in San Mateo

Tours & day trips

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Napa Valley & Sausalito Day Tour from San Francisco

Napa Valley & Sausalito Day Tour from San Francisco

Activity duration is 11 hours and 55 minutes
4.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €166 per traveller
Napa Valley & Sausalito Day Tour from San FranciscoOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 3 activities
Napa Valley & Sausalito Day Tour from San Francisco

Napa Valley & Sausalito Day Tour from San Francisco

Activity duration is 11 hours and 55 minutes
4.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €166 per traveller
Napa Valley & Sausalito Day Tour from San FranciscoOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 3 activities
Half Moon Bay Family Friendly Guided E-bike Tour

Half Moon Bay Family Friendly Guided E-bike Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is €94 per adult
Half Moon Bay Family Friendly Guided E-bike TourOpens in new tab

What to do in San Mateo

Popular places to visit

Golden Gate Park showing flowers and a garden

Golden Gate Park

This peaceful oasis in the heart of the city has been a favourite leisure haunt for locals and visitors alike since 1871.

Golden Gate Park
Pier 39 showing street scenes, signage and a city

Pier 39

Sea lions are the star attraction at one of the liveliest piers on San Francisco’s historic waterfront.

Pier 39
Golden Gate Bridge which includes a suspension bridge or treetop walkway, night scenes and a bay or harbour

Golden Gate Bridge

Walk across one of the most photogenic bridges in the world for unrivalled views from both sides.

Golden Gate Bridge
Oracle Park

Oracle Park

Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.

Oracle Park
Moscone Convention Center

Moscone Convention Center

During your trip, find out what's happening in Moscone Convention Center, a top convention centre in San Francisco. Discover the acclaimed art galleries and shops in this vibrant area.

Moscone Convention Center
Alcatraz Island showing a coastal town and island views

Alcatraz Island

For three decades, desperate inmates dreamed of escaping this notorious prison; today’s fortunate visitors can come and go as they please!

Alcatraz Island
Presidio Military Reservation which includes a statue or sculpture, a park and landscape views

Presidio of San Francisco

This former military base is given over to pleasure pursuits, with a golf course, cycle tracks, hiking trails and some great picnic spots.

Presidio of San Francisco
Lombard Street

Lombard Street

Often incorrectly called the world’s crookedest street, this San Francisco roadway is an iconic spot to see, photograph and drive down.

Lombard Street
Union Square

Union Square

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Union Square during your stay in San Francisco. Discover the top-notch restaurants and acclaimed art galleries in this walkable area.

Union Square

Areas of San Mateo

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North Central

While North Central isn't home to many top sights, Poplar Creek Golf Course and CuriOdyssey are some notable places to visit nearby.

North Central
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East San Mateo

If you're spending some time in East San Mateo, San Francisco Bay and Elmar Beach are top sights worth seeing.

East San Mateo
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Central San Mateo

If you're spending some time in Central San Mateo, The San Mateo Japanese Garden and Cinemark Century San Mateo 12 are top sights worth seeing.

Central San Mateo
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South San Mateo

3.5/5(5 area reviews)

While visiting South San Mateo, you might make a stop by sights like Hillsdale Shopping Center and San Mateo County Event Center.

South San Mateo
Coyote Point Recreation Area showing a park

Shoreview

3.5/5(5 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Shoreview, San Francisco Bay and Poplar Creek Golf Course are top sights worth seeing.

Shoreview
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Downtown San Mateo

If you're spending some time in Downtown San Mateo, Cinemark Century San Mateo 12 and The San Mateo Japanese Garden are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown San Mateo
Belmont

Belmont

Photo by Tonette Pineda✈⛵🚌🚉🚃🚅🚀

Burlingame

Redwood City featuring street scenes and a city

Redwood City

Photo by Mallikarjun Mudagall

Foster City

San Francisco

San Francisco

Frequently asked questions

Is San Mateo worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in San Mateo is visit Coyote Point Park. Check this major sight off your agenda, then experience more of the area's history and culture.
How do I spend a day in San Mateo?
Start your day with a visit to Coyote Point Park and Hiller Aviation Museum. Then, explore different areas of San Mateo for local restaurants and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in San Mateo?
Coyote Point Park is one of the top tourist attractions in San Mateo and should feature high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in San Mateo?
Three days in San Mateo is more than enough to enjoy the city's main attractions. Many travellers book for three days on average. Coyote Point Park, Hiller Aviation Museum and Peninsula Museum of Art are among the top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like San Francisco.
Is San Mateo a walkable city?
It depends on what you plan to see and do in San Mateo. Several top attractions, like Coyote Point Park and Lakeshore Park Beach, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of San Mateo's neighbourhoods, East San Mateo is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Shoreview is 2 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in San Mateo with kids?
Deciding what to do in San Mateo with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're holidaying with teenagers or toddlers, there are many family-friendly tours and activities to keep them busy here.

What to do in San Mateo for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in San Mateo, with activities for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Burlingame Museum of PEZ Memorabilia or Oceanic Foot Spa.
Are there free things to do in San Mateo?
In San Mateo, Coyote Point Park is a popular spot for anyone wishing to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's a great way to find out about the best free things to do in San Mateo.