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.
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.
Golden Gate Park
This beloved park offers relaxation among trees, flowers and wildlife, right in San Francisco’s backyard.
Oracle Park
Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.
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.
Things to do
Muir Woods & Sausalito with EXCLUSIVE Battery Spencer Small Group Tour
Napa, Sonoma and Exclusive Battery Spencer Small Group Wine Tasting Tour
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
San Francisco to Las Vegas Grand Canyon 4 Day Tour
Top hotels in Downtown San Mateo
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Very good everything, all staff members!!!
Reviewed on 12 Nov 2025
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Facilities were good and service was as I'd expect from a Hyatt Regency.
Reviewed on 14 Nov 2025
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
The RIU is in an excellent location, close to Pier 39 & Fisherman's Wharf! The staff were very helpful! Rooms were large & very clean!Breakfast was great, plenty of hot & cold choices but it does get busy after 7.30am! Would definitely choose the RIU if visiting again!
Reviewed on 14 Nov 2025
Best Western Plus Grosvenor Airport Hotel
The room was clean and nicely appointed. The staff was helpful and the shuttle to the airport was quick and efficient.
Reviewed on 13 Nov 2025
Fairmont San Francisco
Nice location,beautiful neighborhood.Nice and artistic spaces.Very polite and capable staff
Reviewed on 14 Nov 2025
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Everything was good except for the water pressure in the room… no water pressure had to take loooong shower
Reviewed on 14 Nov 2025
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 Letterform Archive 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. San Francisco Public Library 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 Lucky Strike San Francisco, 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 San Francisco Mint to Children's Creativity Museum – discover South of Market, a destination also famous for its shopping.
