Downtown San Mateo Travel Guide
San Francisco
Visit Downtown San Mateo
Popular places to visit
Golden Gate Bridge
Cars trundle across it and ships sail under it, but the best way to experience this iconic bridge is on foot.
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.
Golden Gate Park
This beloved park offers relaxation among trees, flowers and wildlife, right in San Francisco’s backyard.
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 notable monuments in this vibrant area.
Oracle Park
Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.
Lombard Street
Often incorrectly called the world’s crookedest street, this San Francisco roadway is an iconic spot to see, photograph and drive down.
Things to do
Muir Woods & Sausalito with EXCLUSIVE Battery Spencer Small Group Tour
Napa, Sonoma and Exclusive Battery Spencer Small Group Wine Tasting Tour
2hr. SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay
Half Moon Bay Guided E-Bike Tour
Half Moon Bay Family Friendly Guided E-bike Tour
San Francisco to Las Vegas and National Parks 6 Day Tour
Top hotels in Downtown San Mateo
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Carpets should be cleaned, other than that was good
Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Clean rooms, staff, excellent service
Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
The room was clean, and the staff - from check-in to housekeeping - were all super friendly and helpful.
Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026
Fairmont San Francisco
Room was great
Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026
Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown
The single king room was the perfect place to recharge before our flight back home to Louisiana. It was the last night of our honeymoon and friends met us at Kaiyo for dinner which was exceptional. We can't wait to visit again!
Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Very clean and big rooms we had. The hotel was walking distance to Ferry Building and Pier 39. Loved the stay here.
Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026
Check Downtown San Mateo hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown San Mateo
Excelsior
Though Excelsior may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Cow Palace and San Bruno Mountain State Park.
Potrero Hill
The live music and architecture are just a few things visitors like about Potrero Hill. San Francisco Bay and Museum of Craft & Design are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at 20th Street Station or 23rd Street Station to get around the larger area.
Noe Valley
Appreciated for its churches and architecture, you might consider exploring Noe Valley. Check out the variety of things to see and do like 22nd St Hill, and jump on the metro at Church St & Clipper St Stop or Church St & 24th St Stop to get around the city.
Mission District
You might enjoy the bars while in Mission District. SF Armory is a notable sight, and you can get around town at 16th Street Mission Station or 24th Street Mission Station to see more of the city.
Mission Bay
While you're in Mission Bay, take in top sights like Chase Center or Lefty O'Doul Bridge, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at UCSF/Chase Center Stop or Mission Rock Station.
South of Market
Gourmet restaurants great entertainment and top sights from Oracle Park to San Francisco Bay – discover South of Market, a destination also famous for its shopping.
