San Mateo Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the California region, San Mateo is a vibrant and diverse city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and modern amenities. With its close proximity to the bustling city of San Francisco and the stunning coastline of the Pacific Ocean, San Mateo is the perfect destination for both nature enthusiasts and urban explorers.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, San Mateo boasts an array of picturesque parks and trails. The Coyote Point Recreation Area is a popular spot, offering breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, picnicking, and windsurfing. The Japanese Garden within the park is a tranquil oasis, providing visitors with a serene atmosphere to relax and unwind.

If you're a fan of art and culture, San Mateo won't disappoint. The Peninsula Museum of Art showcases a diverse collection of contemporary artworks from local and international artists, while the San Mateo County History Museum takes you on a journey through the region's rich history, from the Native American era to the present day.

Food lovers will find themselves in gastronomic heaven in San Mateo. With its diverse population, the city is a melting pot of culinary delights from around the world. From authentic Mexican street tacos to mouthwatering sushi rolls, there's something to satisfy every palate. For a unique dining experience, the Hillsdale Shopping Center hosts an international food court where you can sample cuisine from various cultures under one roof.

Shopaholics will be delighted to discover the abundance of retail therapy options in San Mateo. The Hillsdale Shopping Center and Bridgepointe Shopping Center offer a wide range of high-end brands and popular retailers, while the downtown area is brimming with charming boutiques and specialty stores.

No trip to San Mateo would be complete without exploring the nearby attractions. Hop on a short drive to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and experience the beauty of this architectural marvel up close. Alternatively, take a scenic coastal drive along Highway 1 and soak in the breathtaking vistas of the Pacific coastline.

Alternative names: Population: 103.5 thous. (2019)Area: 15.88 mi²Elevation: 26 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 37°33'44"N, 122°19'12"W

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CaliforniaUnited States

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San Mateo Top Attractions

San Mateo Attractions - What to See and Explore

San Mateo offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: CuriOdyssey, Coyote Point Recreation Area, Arthur and Mona Hofmann House, Sawyer Camp Trail. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Science and wildlife center for kids
CuriOdyssey
CuriOdyssey is a science museum and zoo for children and families where visitors see wild animals up-close and play with kid-friendly science exhibits.
Park • North Shoreview
Coyote Point Recreation Area
Coyote Point Recreation Area is a 670-acre park operated by San Mateo County, California in the United States. Located on San Francisco Bay, it is south of San Francisco International Airport on the border of Burlingame and San Mateo.
Modernist architecture • Hillsborough Park
Arthur and Mona Hofmann House
Arthur and Mona Hofmann House, also known as the Hofmann House, was built in 1937 and is a historic home located at 1048 Cuesta Road in Hillsborough, California.

37°31'52"N • 122°21'50"W
Sawyer Camp Trail
Hiking • Outdoor activities • Park
Park • Playground
Central Park
Central Park is the first public park in San Mateo, California, a 16.5-acre urban park bounded by El Camino Real, 5th Avenue, Laurel Avenue and 9th Avenue. It was established via a 1922 bond measure of US$80,000 to purchase the land originally owned by Charles B.
37°33'59"N • 122°19'34"W
Downtown San Mateo
City hall • Shopping
Park • Hayward Park
San Mateo Arboretum
The San Mateo Arboretum is an arboretum in San Mateo, California containing old stands of pine, oak, cedar, and redwood planted over 100 years ago on the William Kohl property by John McLaren. The Arboretum is located in San Mateo's Central Park, which also houses the San Mateo Arboretum Society near the Kohl Pump House area of the park.
37°32'36"N • 122°17'52"W
Bay Meadows
Bay Meadows is an 83-acre mixed-use, transit-oriented development in the City of San Mateo, California. The neighborhood is divided into station/mixed-use and residential districts, which are further divided into 18 development blocks.
37°34'26"N • 122°19'59"W
San Mateo County Superior Court
The Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo is the California superior court with jurisdiction over San Mateo County.
Library • Beresford Manor
Peninsula Library System
The Peninsula Library System is a consortium of public and community college libraries in San Mateo County, California, United States, which serves the part of the San Francisco Bay Area known as "The Peninsula".
37°34'15"N • 122°17'38"W
Seal Slough
Seal Slough is a narrow winding tidal channel through a tidal marsh in San Mateo and Foster City, California. This slough has been the object of a wetland restoration project in recent years to enhance habitat value.
Universities and schools • Downtown San Mateo
Draper University
Draper University, also known as Draper University of Heroes is a private, for-profit school located in San Mateo, California. Draper University partnered with Arizona State University in 2013 to offer students 15 course credits for a sixteen-week semester program.
Universities and schools • San Mateo Woods
College of San Mateo
College of San Mateo is a public community college in San Mateo, California. It is part of the San Mateo County Community College District.

Day trips

San Mateo – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of San Mateo, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco), de Young Museum (San Francisco), San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (San Francisco).

20 milesNW
Iconic art deco span opened in 1937
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Spanning the strait that connects San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge stands as an iconic marvel of modern engineering and a celebrated symbol of San Francisco. Completed in 1937, this suspension bridge is renowned for its striking...
17 milesNW
Fine-arts museum with a sculpture garden
de Young Museum, San Francisco
Nestled in the heart of San Francisco's vibrant Golden Gate Park, the de Young Museum stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural tapestry and dedication to the arts. This premier public art institution, known for its distinctive copper facade that naturally...
16 milesN
Vast collection of prominent artworks
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco
Nestled in the heart of San Francisco's bustling downtown, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) stands as a beacon of contemporary creativity and innovation. This temple of modern and contemporary art, reopened in 2016 after a significant expansion, is one...
17 milesN
Hands-on science museum
Exploratorium, San Francisco
The Exploratorium, nestled in the vibrant city of San Francisco, is a public learning laboratory that invites exploration and discovery at the intersection of science, art, and human perception. This innovative museum, located at Pier 15 along the city's bustling...
16 milesNW
Museum with science exhibits and research
California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco
Nestled within the verdant Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, the California Academy of Sciences stands as a beacon of knowledge and an ode to the natural world. This prestigious institution is not just a museum; it is an expansive realm of exploration that includes an...

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Best Time To Visit San Mateo

Learn when is the best time to travel to San Mateo weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in September.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in May, June, July, August, September and October. While the coldest is in January and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in July and August. Most of it rains in January.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in San Mateo?

The top attractions to visit in San Mateo are:

What is the best time to visit San Mateo?

June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in September. The highest air temperature is in May, June, July, August, September and October. While the coldest is in January and December.