What to do in San Mateo, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

Coyote Point Park featuring a park
Coyote Point Park featuring cycling as well as a small group of people
Coyote Point Park featuring sailing and general coastal views
Coyote Point Park featuring a bay or harbour and sailing
Coyote Point Park showing a garden
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Most fun & popular experiences in San Mateo

Tours & day trips

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Redwood Forest & Santa Cruz Harbour Day Tour from San Francisco

Redwood Forest & Santa Cruz Harbour Day Tour from San Francisco

Activity duration is 12 hours and 30 minutes
6.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp3.675.540 per traveller
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Picnic Packages for 2 to 4 ppl

Picnic Packages for 2 to 4 ppl

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp2.506.050 per traveller*
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Adventure & outdoor

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Hiking along Pacifica State Beach Coastline

Hiking along Pacifica State Beach Coastline

Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp584.745 per adult
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What to do in San Mateo

Popular places to visit

Golden Gate Bridge featuring a suspension bridge or treetop walkway, night scenes and general coastal views

Golden Gate Bridge

Cars trundle across it and ships sail under it, but the best way to experience this iconic bridge is on foot.

Golden Gate Bridge
Pier 39 featuring street scenes, a city and signage

Pier 39

This waterfront attraction offers thrilling rides, innovative street performers and colorful souvenir shops, but it’s the sea lions that win the day.

Pier 39
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 fascinating museums and shops in this vibrant area.

Moscone Convention Center
Golden Gate Park featuring a garden and flowers

Golden Gate Park

This beloved park offers relaxation among trees, flowers and wildlife, right in San Francisco’s backyard.

Golden Gate Park
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
Alcatraz Island which includes a coastal town and island views

Alcatraz Island

Escape to “The Rock,” home of the infamous and abandoned island prison, and discover how it earned a reputation as a cold and unforgiving place.

Alcatraz Island
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
Presidio of San Francisco featuring a garden, a monument and landscape views

Presidio of San Francisco

Discover history, culture, open spaces, spectacular views and the Jedi Master Yoda at this former military base.

Presidio of San Francisco
University of San Francisco

University of San Francisco

Walk around the campus at University of San Francisco during your stay in San Francisco. Discover the beautiful sunsets and shops in this vibrant area.

University of San Francisco

Explore areas of San Mateo

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Highlands-Baywood Park

While Highlands-Baywood Park isn't home to many top sights, Sawyer Camp Trail and Hillsdale Shopping Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

Highlands-Baywood Park

Day trip destinations from San Mateo

Redwood City showing street scenes and a city

Redwood 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 kilometers away from downtown, while Shoreview is 2 kilometers 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.