Things to do in San Mateo

Find and book 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 which includes sailing and general coastal views
Coyote Point Park featuring sailing and a bay or harbor
Coyote Point Park which includes a park

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Most popular activities 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 ￥32,692 per traveler
Redwood Forest & Santa Cruz Harbor Day Tour from San FranciscoOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 3 activities
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 ￥24,965 per traveler
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 3 activities
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 ￥5,201 per adult
Hiking along Pacifica State Beach CoastlineOpens in new tab

What to do in San Mateo

Discover the most popular places to visit in San Mateo

Golden Gate Park featuring a garden and flowers

Golden Gate Park

4.5/5(5,122 reviews)

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

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

Pier 39

4.5/5(6,817 reviews)

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
Golden Gate Bridge illuminated at night with city lights in the background in California, USA

Golden Gate Bridge

4.5/5(7,244 reviews)

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

Golden Gate Bridge
Oracle Park featuring a bay or harbor and street scenes as well as a small group of people

Oracle Park

4.5/5(1,454 reviews)

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

4/5(598 reviews)

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

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

Alcatraz Island

4.5/5(2,752 reviews)

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
Presidio of San Francisco which includes landscape views, a monument and a statue or sculpture

Presidio of San Francisco

4.5/5(818 reviews)

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

Presidio of San Francisco
Lombard Street featuring flowers and a garden

Lombard Street

4.5/5(4,615 reviews)

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

4/5(97 reviews)

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Union Square during your trip to San Francisco. Discover the charming cafes and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Union Square

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in San Mateo

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East San Mateo

4/5(26 area reviews)

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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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
#farmersmarketfinds #eatfresh #fun #figs #naturescandy #yum #Mmm

South San Mateo

3.5/5(132 area reviews)

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 park

Shoreview

3.5/5(217 area reviews)

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

Shoreview
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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.

Hillsdale

Popular day trips from San Mateo

Belmont

Belmont

Photo by Tonette Pineda✈⛵🚌🚉🚃🚅🚀

Burlingame

Redwood City featuring a city and street scenes

Redwood City

Photo by Mallikarjun Mudagall

Foster City

San Francisco featuring a bay or harbor and a bridge

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.