Things to Do in San Mateo, CA - San Mateo Attractions
Things to Do in San Mateo
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See what other travelers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a closer look at the region.
- Adventure Toursfromper adult$299
- Fun & Gamesfromper group (up to 10)$20
- Full-day Toursfromper adult$224
- Historical Toursfromper adult$129
- fromper adult$169
- fromper adult$109
- fromper adult$96
- Historical Toursfrom
$148per adult$133 - Audio Guidesfromper adult$63
- Full-day Toursfromper adult$209
Other Top Attractions around San Mateo
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travelers are saying
- SFTRVLRSan Francisco, CA2,099 contributionsGorgeous trail alongside a reservoir. Favorite local place to run or walk. Lovely on both sunny and rainy days.Written December 12, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SitesAndFoodCalifornia87 contributionsThis is a good place to visit if you are in the area. There is fish in the pond and plenty of shade if you are there during the summerWritten June 28, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SFTRVLRSan Francisco, CA2,099 contributionsNice area on the bay with frequent races . The bayside course runs up to SFO airport and down along the bay.Written December 12, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SFTRVLRSan Francisco, CA2,099 contributionsWe enjoyed coming here when the kids were little. Very limited exhibits but managably sized for 2-3 hours with small kids.Written December 12, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lifetraveler1Atlanta, GA1,353 contributionsGreat place to kill a few hours before a flight.
Had a flight leaving in about 8 hours from San francisco, and decided to try a few places I had not been before. Seal point Park showed up on my list when I did an inquiry of parks near the airport.
Here's what I found.
1. The park is in San Mateo about 10 minutes from the airport.
2. It consists of a mound of straw covered dirt about three stories tall. Could not tell whether it was a repurposed landfill.
3. At the top of the hill there are 10 parking spaces, one of them dedicated to disabled car owners.
4. There is a much larger parking lot at the bottom of the hill.
5. There is a concrete walking trail at the base surrounding the hill.
6. There are gravel walking past at the top of the hill.
7. It has an excellent view of the Bay between the airport and the bridge that crosses between San Mateo and Oakland.
8. In watching aircraft land, it provides an excellent view, for those who are into plane spotting, such as myself. A 300-600 lens is needed.
9. There is a dedicated dog park for large dogs as well as small dogs. All those some people insisted on taking those dogs on the walking trails at top, so you have to watch where you're walking.
10. There is no fee for entering the park and it opens around 8:00 a.m.
11. I saw several places to sit at the top of the hill, but I did not see any tables.
12. They have a couple of wind related pieces of metal art.
13. There were walkers as well as bikers, in the park when I was there.
So check it out if you want to kill some time while waiting for a flight.Written July 10, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - PrincessWashington DC, DC215 contributionsWow, beautiful mall. Quite the upscale feeling.
Large and spacious enough not to feel too crowded.
There's even a few spots just for selfies/photos.Written July 13, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - miniFremont, CA199,283 contributionsWe went to Central Park and enjoyed seeing the Japanese Gardens. There are also sports field. There are trails for walking and bikingWritten December 12, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- miniFremont, CA199,283 contributionsWe like the Peninsula area of San Francisco Bay, There are nice places to go such as parks, museums, sports facilities, Stanford University and San Jose State is there. This is also where many high technology firms are located.Written September 24, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- IMollyQSan Francisco, California, USA59 contributionsBeautiful place for a hike. Nice clean area with beautiful views. Generally very safe, but always take precautions wherever you go. It is especially wonderful on warm summer days.Written March 11, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LH LSan Mateo, CA142 contributionsIf one hikes to the top of Sugarloaf from this park, the views are spectacular. However the trails are NOT clearly marked, making it easy to get confused or lost. Even locals who go there regularly were not sure about some trails. Climb to the top whether by stairs or wooded trails is steep for some of us. There is also a lot of poison oak on some of the trails. The park also features a wonderful grassy area, new playground equipment for the kids and picnic area. There is a small parking lot and street parking. All FREE!Written July 21, 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- caretaker690Santa Rosa, CA15 contributionsThis is a FREE site to visit and take a break from driving! Rest stop on Hwy 280 corridore. Looks larger than from the road, and worth a stop to see.Written April 2, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Happy vegan travelSan Francisco, CA78 contributionsThe market has relocated to the back of the campus which is a bit more tedious to get to, but it is now larger and has the most beautiful panoramic view of the bay you can get than any other markets.
They open on Saturdays, and go early to select your best produce or before the lines for the bread gets too long.Written July 2, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about San Mateo
- The top attractions to visit in San Mateo are:
- The San Mateo Japanese Garden
- Sawyer Camp Trail
- Coyote Point Recreation Area
- CuriOdyssey
- Hillsdale Shopping Center
- The best outdoor activities in San Mateo according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- The San Mateo Japanese Garden
- Sawyer Camp Trail
- Coyote Point Recreation Area
- Central Park
- Seal Point Park
- The most popular things to do in San Mateo with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- The San Mateo Japanese Garden
- Sawyer Camp Trail
- Coyote Point Recreation Area
- CuriOdyssey
- Central Park