Downtown San Mateo Travel Guide
San Francisco
Visit Downtown San Mateo
Popular places to visit
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.
Moscone Convention Center
During your trip, find out what's happening in Moscone Convention Center, a top convention centre in San Francisco. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this vibrant area.
Golden Gate Park
This beloved park offers relaxation among trees, flowers and wildlife, right in San Francisco’s backyard.
Oracle Park
Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.
Alcatraz Island
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.
Things to do
Napa, Sonoma and Exclusive Battery Spencer Small Group Wine Tasting Tour
Half Moon Bay Guided E-Bike Tour
Half Moon Bay Family Friendly Guided E-bike Tour
San Francisco to Zion, Bryce, and Grand Canyon 4 Day Tour
Silicon Valley Tour from San Francisco Private
San Francisco to Las Vegas and National Parks 6 Day Tour
Top hotels in Downtown San Mateo
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Nice workers and clientele
Reviewed on 16 Nov 2025
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Location was great! Would definitely stay again.
Reviewed on 17 Nov 2025
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Beautiful hotel and amazing breakfast spread unlike anything else
Reviewed on 21 Nov 2025
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Room is excellent
Reviewed on 20 Nov 2025
Fairmont San Francisco
$ 112.50 per night for overnight parking was unexpected, even for San Francisco.
Reviewed on 21 Nov 2025
Best Western Plus Grosvenor Airport Hotel
Clean room, nice accommodations. Close to airport and they had shuttle service, however, it ran every 45 minutes so we took an Uber instead from the airport.
Reviewed on 19 Nov 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown San Mateo
Excelsior
Though Excelsior may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Cow Palace and San Bruno Mountain State Park.
Potrero Hill
The live music and architecture are just a few things visitors like about Potrero Hill. San Francisco Bay and Letterform Archive 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. San Francisco Public Library 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.
Mission Bay
While you're in Mission Bay, take in top sights like Chase Center or Lucky Strike San Francisco, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at UCSF/Chase Center Stop or Mission Rock Station.
South of Market
Gourmet restaurants great entertainment and top sights from San Francisco Mint to Children's Creativity Museum – discover South of Market, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Downtown San Mateo Travel Guide
- Stanford University
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Pier 39
- Golden Gate Park
- Oracle Park
- San Francisco Bay
- Googleplex
- Alcatraz Island
- Jack London Square
- Presidio of San Francisco
- Stanford University Medical Center
- Oakland Arena
- Ferry Building
- Union Square
- Silicon Valley
- Embarcadero Center
- Ocean Beach
- Palace of Fine Arts
