San Mateo County makes up the bulk of the San Francisco Peninsula—the thumb of land less than 10 miles wide and 60 miles long that separates San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean. You’ll find San Francisco International Airport (SFO), numerous bay-side parks with a range of wildlife, and coastal enclaves such as Half Moon Bay and Pacifica. In addition to urban areas like South San Francisco, Redwood City, and San Carlos, the San Francisco Peninsula boasts sandy beaches and renowned surf breaks—which are among some of the most unforgettable stops along Highway 1—as well as enriching cultural sites, and more than 50 small farms and craft brewers. The southern reaches of the county blend into Silicon Valley, and the peninsula also includes tech hubs such as Menlo Park and East Palo Alto where titans like Meta (Facebook), Electronic Arts, and GoPro reside.
Things to Do in San Mateo County
With a little more than 100,000 residents, San Mateo is the most populous city in its namesake county and the perfect place to start exploring everything the peninsula offers. The compact downtown is a half-mile squared, served by a Caltrain station, and peppered with restaurants, cafes, and a range of shops. South of downtown is Central Park, a 16-acre verdant oasis that’s home to the Japanese Garden featuring a granite pagoda, tea house, koi pond, and bamboo grove, all designed by landscape architect Nagao Sakurai of the Imperial Palace of Tokyo. The park is also home to a rose garden, a mini train, and the San Mateo Arboretum, and frequently hosts concerts and special events. Shoreline Parks is a collection of open spaces along the San Francisco Bay, including Seal Point Park, where cyclists and dog walkers take in panoramic views across the water and along bird watching trails. Another great spot to get outside is the Pulgas Ridge Preserve, a 366-acre space with trails winding through canyons and over ridge tops overlooking the bay.
Learn about the history of the San Francisco Peninsula at the San Mateo County History Museum, which holds exhibits on the Ohlone natives who lived throughout the Bay Area, and early Spanish Explorers in Northern California. One of the peninsula’s more specialized museums is the Hiller Aviation Museum, home to a collection of unique early aircraft and boundary-breaking prototypes.
For a taste of one of the Bay Area’s most renowned industries, head to San Francisco Wine School in South San Francisco. Founded by Master Sommelier David Glancy in 2011, the school offers tastings, seminars, and other oenological events.
Coastal Towns in San Mateo County
The peninsula’s oceanside towns are linked by Highway 1, an iconic route—aka the Pacific Coast Highway—lined with jaw-dropping coastal vistas. Head south from San Francisco and make a stop in Pacifica, where Linda Mar Beach (known by the parks department as Pacifica State Beach) is popular with sunbathers and surfers alike. Pacifica Pier is the perfect spot for a stroll and beautiful sunsets.
Continuing south you’ll arrive in historic Half Moon Bay, home to the Mavericks big-wave surf competition (more on that below) and a collection of unique shops, restaurants, farms, and wineries. Known as the pumpkin capital of the world, the annual Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival is held here every October and includes a popular pumpkin weigh-off (winners clock in at over 2,000 pounds). Pillar Point Harbor offers kayaking, boat tours, a brewery, seafood bought straight off the boat, and superb wildlife viewing.
On the quieter side, Pescadero is a farming and ranching community at the southern en