Things to do in San Mateo

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

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A suspension bridge at sunset with city lights in the distance.
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A lighthouse on a rocky coastline with a field of yellow flowers in the foreground.
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Things to do

Alcatraz Inside tour with Round trip ferry & Audio App Packages

Alcatraz Inside tour with Round trip ferry & Audio App Packages

￥13,492
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Alcatraz Inside tour with Round trip ferry & Audio App Packages
California Academy of Sciences General Admission

California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission

￥7,687
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission
San Francisco City Lights Cruise

California Sunset Cruise (2-hours)

￥9,099
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
California Sunset Cruise (2-hours)
Aquarium of the Bay General Admission Ticket

San Francisco, Aquarium of the Bay General Admission Ticket

￥4,510
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
San Francisco, Aquarium of the Bay General Admission Ticket
Bridge 2 Bridge Tour: Golden Gate Bridge to Bay Bridge

San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise (90-minutes)

￥7,530
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise (90-minutes)
San Francisco Sunset Cruise

San Francisco Sunset Cruise

￥6,118
per adult
San Francisco Sunset Cruise
San Francisco SkyStar Wheel - Private Gondolas

San Francisco SkyStar Wheel - Private Gondolas

￥2,981
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
San Francisco SkyStar Wheel - Private Gondolas
de Young Museum General Admission Ticket

de Young Museum General Admission Ticket

￥3,922
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
de Young Museum General Admission Ticket
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What to do in San Mateo

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San Mateo County Event Center

8.4/10 (184 reviews)
This versatile venue hosts the beloved San Mateo County Fair and innovative Maker Faire each year. Arrive early for major events to secure parking and enjoy the dynamic atmosphere of exhibits and performances.
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Where to stay in San Mateo

Find the best San Mateo areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about San Mateo
Learn more about San Mateo
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Downtown San Mateo

If you're spending some time in Downtown San Mateo, Cinemark Century San Mateo 12 and The San Mateo Japanese Garden are top sights worth seeing.

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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 Cinemark Century San Mateo 12 and CuriOdyssey.

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Highlands-Baywood Park

While there might not be top attractions in Highlands-Baywood Park, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Sawyer Camp Trail and Hillsdale Shopping Center.

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Sugarloaf

If you're spending some time in Sugarloaf, Hillsdale Shopping Center and Sugarloaf Mountain are top sights worth seeing.

A clock tower with a rooster statue on top, surrounded by trees.

Hillsdale

You'll enjoy the restaurants and live music in Hillsdale. You might want to make time for a stop at San Mateo County Event Center or Bay Meadows Park.

Popular day trips from San Mateo

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Belmont

A suspension bridge at sunset with city lights in the distance.

Burlingame

A modern multi-story building with red and white accents, located at a street corner with visible street signs and parked cars.

Redwood City

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Foster City

The Golden Gate Bridge with a clear view of the towers and cables, spanning across the water.

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.