San Mateo

Tourist places in San Mateo, San Mateo Travel Info

San Mateo City Overview

San Mateo is a city in San Mateo County, California, located on the San Francisco Peninsula. It is a diverse community with a rich history and a vibrant downtown. The city is a tech hub, home to companies like GoPro and Roblox, and offers a mix of urban and suburban living.

Location and Climate

San Mateo is situated about 20 miles south of San Francisco. It has a Mediterranean climate with mild, damp winters and warm, dry summers. The city is protected from the Pacific fog by the coastal mountains, making it sunnier than San Francisco.

Best Time to Visit

San Mateo is a year-round destination. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather. Summer is warm but comfortable. The San Mateo County Fair in June is a popular annual event.

Best Ways to Get Around

A car is useful, but San Mateo is well-connected by Caltrain, which runs through the downtown area. SamTrans provides bus service. The downtown is walkable and features many dining and shopping options.

Top 5 Things to Do

  1. Explore Coyote Point Recreation Area: Visit this waterfront park offering a marina, beach, picnic areas, and the CuriOdyssey science center and zoo.
  2. Stroll through the Japanese Tea Garden: Relax in this beautiful garden located within Central Park, featuring a koi pond, pagoda, and cherry blossoms.
  3. Shop and Dine in Downtown San Mateo: Discover a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops in the historic downtown district.
  4. Shop at Hillsdale Shopping Center: Visit this large regional shopping mall featuring major department stores, a cinema, and bowling.
  5. Walk the San Francisco Bay Trail: Enjoy scenic views of the bay and watching planes land at SFO from the trails along the shoreline.