Top 15 Must-See Attractions in San Mateo, California

San Mateo is a coastal city with a population of approximately 100,000 residents located about 25 kilometers south of San Francisco, situated between Daly City and San Jose.

The city was incorporated more than 130 years ago. Although its origins were modest, it has since evolved into one of the Bay Area’s most affluent communities, benefiting from relatively mild weather year-round.

Day trips to iconic attractions in San Francisco, such as Fisherman’s Wharf and Alcatraz, are common; however, for those who prefer not to contend with the renowned traffic, various public transportation options and guided tours are readily available.

1. Japanese Garden

Located within a 16-acre green space in the city’s Central Park, San Mateo’s Japanese Garden is a tranquil sanctuary.

This garden was formerly the estate of a prosperous local mariner and was originally designed by a Japanese landscape architect who had previously worked at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

Since the early 1920s, the garden has served as a public space, renowned for its breathtaking cherry and bonsai trees, koi ponds, waterfalls, and impressive multi-tiered granite pagoda.

The garden offers an excellent locale for a peaceful morning or afternoon stroll, providing respite from the bustling crowd.

2. Sawyer Camp Trail

Despite its close proximity to one of the state’s largest urban centers, the area surrounding San Mateo is rich in accessible municipal parks and outdoor recreation sites that are worth exploring.

Sawyer Camp Trail is a six-mile paved path that provides moderate elevation changes for visitors, along with some of the region’s most beautiful vistas.

This trail features a diverse range of natural environments, and it is not uncommon to encounter local wildlife, including foxes, deer, waterfowl, rabbits, and woodpeckers.

The trailhead is located on Crystal Springs Road in San Mateo, and some of the most scenic portions of the trail are near the San Andreas Dam and Lake.

3. Old Downtown San Mateo

For enthusiasts of gastronomy, history, and architecture, the opportunity to explore San Mateo’s old downtown area presents an engaging way to spend several hours.

In recent years, this neighborhood has undergone a significant transformation, rendering it an attractive destination for food and drink enthusiasts from across the Bay Area.

Diverse dining establishments range from upscale steak and seafood restaurants to casual taco shops, encompassing nearly every culinary preference.

The area is also home to various tech startups and restored historic buildings, showcasing architectural styles that span from Spanish mission churches to art deco theaters constructed in the ’20s and ’30s.

4. Hillsdale Shopping Center

Situated just off California Highway 101 in San Mateo, Hillsdale Shopping Center is a large retail establishment featuring over 100 stores.

For visitors seeking to unwind after exploring the area’s historical and outdoor attractions, this center offers a sheltered environment for shopping, dining, and relaxation.

The shopping center is anchored by major national retailers such as H&M, Macy’s, and Nordstrom, and it boasts a variety of dining options that range from California-style pizza to Asian cuisine, freshly baked goods, and gourmet coffee.

Additional amenities at the mall include secure bag storage, concierge services, and wheelchairs for guests’ convenience.

5. Bicycle Sunday

Californians are generally more active and enjoy outdoor pursuits, offering numerous recreational opportunities when visiting San Mateo.

Bicycle Sunday is a favored weekend activity suitable for cyclists of various ages and skill levels. The route is closed to vehicular traffic from mid-morning until early afternoon, coinciding with the time most riders participate.

The ride begins on Highway 280 just a short distance outside of town and spans approximately two miles through picturesque landscapes. Several interesting attractions along the way, including Pulgas Temple and the Filoli Estate, provide excellent options for those looking to take a break from cycling.

6. Coyote Point Recreation Area

Coyote Point Recreation Area encompasses nearly 700 acres and is favored by both residents and out-of-state visitors.

Located on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, the park offers an array of outdoor recreational activities such as swimming, windsurfing, fishing, biking, and birdwatching.

For families visiting with children, the area features a large playground with a medieval theme and interactive exhibits on topics such as the animal kingdom and ecology.

The park entrance can be accessed via Coyote Point Drive in San Mateo, and it tends to experience high visitation during peak times, especially on weekends in spring and summer.

7. San Mateo STEM Fair

For over three decades, San Mateo has hosted an annual STEM Fair aimed at cultivating interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among aspiring students within the community.

Despite often being overlooked by tourists, this fair provides an excellent opportunity to engage with local enthusiasts and enthusiastic students who have dedicated considerable effort to their projects.

The event is typically staged at the San Mateo County Event Center, which hosts numerous annual events, festivals, and expos throughout the year. Visitors are encouraged to check the event calendar to see what is scheduled during their visit.

8. Central Park

Located on East 5th Avenue, Central Park in San Mateo is an amenity-rich destination favored by visitors seeking to enjoy the outdoors while managing their vacation expenditures.

The park features sheltered picnic areas, baseball fields, tennis courts, and a large playground. Throughout the year, it hosts various events, including Easter and 4th of July celebrations, as well as live music performances.

Other attractions include a mini-train that transports children throughout the park, unique oversized sculptures, and the previously mentioned Japanese Tea Garden, which is a wonderful place for relaxation and reflective contemplation.

9. Neal’s Coffee Shop

Local coffee shops often do not feature prominently on most visitors’ itineraries, yet they serve as valuable community resources for those in search of reasonably priced meals and a caffeine boost before or after an active day.

Neal’s Coffee Shop, located on De Anza Boulevard in San Mateo, also has a second location nearby in Burlingame.

Since 1996, they have been serving traditional family dishes to the local residents. For health-conscious visitors or those with dietary restrictions, a variety of healthy options and entrees are available.

Popular dishes include fried chicken and waffles, gyros, burgers, and fresh salads.

10. Junípero Serra Statue

Although he may not be a widely recognized figure, Junípero Serra played a pivotal role in the introduction of Catholicism to California and western Mexico during the 18th century.

He established multiple missions extending from the Baja Peninsula to San Francisco. There is currently a memorial statue honoring him in Hillsborough, situated just a few kilometers from San Mateo.

Originally erected in the mid-1970s, the statue includes a commemorative plaque that lists the missions he founded.

This attraction does not require a significant time commitment but is worthwhile for a brief visit and is conveniently located at the Hillsborough rest area off Interstate 280.

11. Pulgas Water Temple

The Pulgas Water Temple is a distinctive local attraction that was constructed in the 1930s to commemorate the completion of one of the area’s most significant aqueducts.

It is situated on Cañada Road in Redwood City, approximately 25 kilometers southeast of San Mateo, within a vast protected watershed area spanning nearly 25,000 acres.

Throughout much of its history, water from the aqueduct flowed beneath the temple, although it has been diverted in recent years.

The temple is not open daily and is frequently reserved for special events like weddings, so it is advisable to check online before planning a visit.

12. Filoli Estate and Gardens

In an area like San Mateo, which boasts a wealth of scenic outdoor and historical attractions, the Filoli Estate and Gardens are particularly remarkable.

Located in Woodside, approximately 15 kilometers southeast of San Mateo and just west of Interstate 280, this property is widely recognized as a premier example of English Renaissance design in the United States.

The estate and gardens are situated on a 16-acre landscape that is routinely open to the public, while an additional 600 acres are part of a private estate that is not accessible to visitors.

The site offers breathtaking views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and a local reservoir, and includes a café and tea room for guests.

13. Hiller Aviation Museum

Conveniently located on Skyway Road in San Carlos, just ten minutes south of San Mateo, the Hiller Aviation Museum is famed for its imposing 747 cockpit, allowing visitors an up-close examination of what was formerly the largest flying machine in the world.

Although the museum generally attracts retired pilots, history enthusiasts, and aviation aficionados, it is also a popular destination for children. For those seeking a flying adventure, there is a flight simulator available for rental.

Most guests spend between one and two hours exploring the extensive collection of aviation memorabilia. Additionally, the facility hosts numerous special events throughout the year.

14. The San Mateo County History Museum

Local history museums offer valuable community insights that are frequently overlooked by all but the most experienced travelers.

The San Mateo County History Museum is situated on Broadway Road in Redwood City, a short 10-minute drive southeast of San Mateo. It boasts an impressive array of artifacts and memorabilia pertaining to the region’s history, culture, and economy.

Housed within the county’s former courthouse, which was constructed over a century ago, the museum is managed by the local historical society.

It is not open daily; therefore, it is wise to verify their schedule or contact them prior to visiting.

15. Bair Island

Bair Island is a vast area of protected marshlands and wetlands located on the eastern side of San Francisco Bay, situated between San Mateo to the north and Palo Alto to the south.

The island consists of three distinct sections, all of which are part of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

These habitats encompass diverse ecosystems that are home to a wide array of protected plant and animal species.