Things to do in San Mateo

Activities, attractions and tours

Coyote Point Park featuring a garden
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 sailing and a bay or harbor
Coyote Point Park featuring a garden
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Most popular experiences in San Mateo

Tours & day trips

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Redwood Forest & Santa Cruz Harbor Day Tour from San Francisco

Redwood Forest & Santa Cruz Harbor 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 P 12,818 per traveler
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Napa, Sonoma and Exclusive Battery Spencer Small Group Wine Tasting Tour

Napa, Sonoma and Exclusive Battery Spencer Small Group Wine Tasting Tour

Activity duration is 9 hours
4.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 9,789 per traveler
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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 P 2,039 per adult
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What to do in San Mateo

Popular places to visit

Golden Gate Park featuring flowers and a garden

Golden Gate Park

This wonderful park is a haven away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Come here to relax, enjoy the scenery, breathe in the air and watch the wildlife.

Golden Gate Park
Pier 39 showing street scenes, a city and signage

Pier 39

This waterfront attraction offers all the fun of a traditional pier with rides, street performances and entertainment courtesy of a colony of resident sea lions!

Pier 39
Golden Gate Bridge featuring night scenes, a suspension bridge or treetop walkway and a bay or harbor

Golden Gate Bridge

This iconic bridge, with its distinctive burnished red colour, is probably one of the world’s most instantly recognisable landmarks.

Golden Gate Bridge
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
Moscone Convention Center

Moscone Convention Center

During your trip, find out what's happening at Moscone Convention Center, a top convention center in San Francisco. Discover the acclaimed theater scene and notable monuments in this vibrant area.

Moscone Convention Center
Alcatraz Island showing a coastal town and island views

Alcatraz Island

Home to the world’s most notorious prison, tour this famous landmark to understand why it gained its reputation as such a cold and unforgiving place.

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

Presidio of San Francisco

This former military base is packed with panoramic views, history and culture and is surrounded by attractive open spaces.

Presidio of San Francisco
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
Union Square

Union Square

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Union Square during your trip to San Francisco. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this walkable area.

Union Square

Areas of San Mateo

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North Central

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in North Central and surrounding area, you can visit Poplar Creek Golf Course and CuriOdyssey.

North Central
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East San Mateo

If you're spending some time in East San Mateo, San Francisco Bay and Elmar Beach are top sights worth seeing.

East San Mateo
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South San Mateo

While visiting South San Mateo, you might make a stop by sights like Hillsdale Shopping Center and San Mateo County Event Center.

South San Mateo
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Central San Mateo

While visiting Central San Mateo, you might make a stop by sights like The San Mateo Japanese Garden and Cinemark Century San Mateo 12.

Central San Mateo
Coyote Point Park featuring a garden

Shoreview

While visiting Shoreview, you might make a stop by sights like San Francisco Bay and Poplar Creek Golf Course.

Shoreview
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Hayward Park

While Hayward Park isn't home to many top sights, San Mateo County Event Center and Hillsdale Shopping Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

Hayward Park
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 travelers 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 neighborhoods, East San Mateo is 3 kilometers away from downtown, while Shoreview is 2 kilometers away from the center 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 vacationing 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 neighborhoods 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.