What to do in San Mateo, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

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A suspension bridge at sunset with city lights in the distance.
A forested mountain range with a sunrise or sunset.
A lighthouse on a rocky coastline with a field of yellow flowers in the foreground.
A long bridge with a red roof and multiple streetlights extending over calm water.

Things to do

San Francisco City Lights Cruise

California Sunset Cruise (2-hours)

฿1,905
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
California Sunset Cruise (2-hours)
Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 25+ Attractions

Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions

฿3,581
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions
California Academy of Sciences General Admission

California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission

฿1,610
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission
Golden Gate Bridge at night

San Francisco Night Tour

฿1,741
per adult
78% of travellers recommend
San Francisco Night Tour
Bridge 2 Bridge Tour: Golden Gate Bridge to Bay Bridge

San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise (90-minutes)

฿1,577
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise (90-minutes)
San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito and Optional Alcatraz Tour

San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito and Optional Alcatraz Tour

฿3,518
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito and Optional Alcatraz Tour
1 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

San Francisco 1 Day Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour

฿2,299
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
San Francisco 1 Day Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour
San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tours

San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tours PLUS Night Tour

฿2,299
per adult
72% of travellers recommend
San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tours PLUS Night Tour
Dining at Hard Rock Cafe San Francisco

Dining at Hard Rock Cafe San Francisco

฿1,314
per traveller
Dining at Hard Rock Cafe San Francisco
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What to do in San Mateo

Stay near popular San Mateo attractions

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Coyote Point Park

8.6/10 (188 reviews)
Coyote Point Recreation Area blends bay views with diverse activities for all ages. Explore the castle-themed Magic Mountain Playground, visit CuriOdyssey science museum, or watch planes landing at nearby SFO.
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Where to stay in San Mateo

Find the best San Mateo areas for the activities you enjoy most.
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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

While North Central isn't home to many top sights, Poplar Creek Golf Course and CuriOdyssey are some notable places to visit nearby.

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Highlands-Baywood Park

While Highlands-Baywood Park isn't home to many top sights, Sawyer Camp Trail and Hillsdale Shopping Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

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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.

Day trip destinations from San Mateo

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Belmont

An aerial view of a coastal town with a marina, boats, and a bridge connecting to an island.

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 travellers 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 neighbourhoods, East San Mateo is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Shoreview is 2 kilometres away from the centre 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 holidaying 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 neighbourhoods 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.