Downtown San Mateo Travel Guide
San Francisco
Visit Downtown San Mateo
Popular places to visit
Central Park
Central Park is just one of the places to see in San Mateo, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the 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.
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.
Things to do
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
BEST Yosemite,Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks 2-Day Tour from SF
San Francisco to Zion, Bryce, and Grand Canyon 4 Day Tour
Top hotels in Downtown San Mateo
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Clean rooms
Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Across the street from union square, this hotel is close to many restaurants and quick dining spots. Definitely an ideal place to stay if you don’t have a car. Super close to Powell BART, you can walk there with your luggage. Short walk to Chinatown. Hotel was very clean and I always wipe down my ...
Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Breakfast was great. Erita checked ua in and was great. Gave us wonderful tips of what to see all over the City. She recognized us and made us feel the love!!!
Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026
YOTEL San Francisco
Inside, the staff is very helpful and accommodating without being invasive. The rooms are peculiarly engineered, so make sure that you know what you are about to spend the night in. I think the room that I rented for two nights is made for single travelers or a close couple because I was in a sky ...
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
Hotel Julian
Just far enough from the rougher parts of town but ideal location to see most of what you’d want for walking around. The staff were great, very personable and friendly. Not haunted either.
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
Embassy Hotel
I’m hoping someone reads this review because I wish I had read reviews before booking. First, this hotel is not affiliated with Embassy Suites. That’s what I assumed when I booked, but it’s actually a completely separate hotel called The Embassy. It’s located in the Tenderloin District, one of the ...
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
Check Downtown San Mateo hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown San Mateo
Bernal Heights
Appreciated for its bars and architecture, you might consider exploring Bernal Heights. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Esmeralda Slide Park, and jump on the metro at 30th St & Dolores St Stop or San Jose Ave & Randall St Stop to get around the city.
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. SOMA Pilipinas 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.
South of Market
Gourmet restaurants great entertainment and top sights from Oracle Park to SOMA Pilipinas – discover South of Market, a destination also famous for its shopping.
South Park
Oracle Park and Brannan Street Wharf are a few top attractions in South Park. Hop around the city on the metro at 2nd & King Station or Fourth-Brannan Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.
