Central San Mateo Travel Guide
San Francisco
Visit Central 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
Pacific Coast Highway App-Based Driving Audio Tour Bundle
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
Beginner Surfing in San Francisco at Pacifica Beach
Top hotels in Central San Mateo
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Very clean, quiet, updated room. Comfortable bed and shower, too. Had a corner room with an amazing view of the city and Bay!
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Great location with plenty of shops, restaurants and cafes. Close to BART and city transit. Staff keep the rooms clean and serviced daily which is very rare these days. Highly recommend this hotel, we were in SF for 5 nights.
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Great breakfast buffet! Great bartender and drinks. Parking crazy expensive. Nice rooms, great beds and pillows. Would stay again.
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
YOTEL San Francisco
Room was tiny. Nice to have a towel warmer, but accessible from shower so towel got cold before it could be used.
Reviewed on 6 Mar 2026
Hotel Julian
Clean room & staff was okay. Had 24 hour security which was nice. No valet parking like the website states, breakfast was not available & the restaurant was not open at all like it was advertised on the website either anytime i had a question in regards to either , staff had no answer.
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Embassy Hotel
This hotel was absolutely filthy and not up to code in my view. The elevator did not work, there were pipes showing everywhere. The room was unclean. Sheets, bedding, and carpet were so old they were tattered.
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Check Central San Mateo hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Central 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.
