Things to do in San Mateo

Activities, attractions and tours

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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

California Academy of Sciences General Admission

California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission

RM200
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission
Official Alcatraz Island Prison Tour with Free App Audio Packages

Alcatraz Inside Prison Tour with Free App Audio Packages

RM450
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Alcatraz Inside Prison Tour with Free App Audio Packages
1 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

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

RM286
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
San Francisco 1 Day Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour
San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise by Luxury Catamaran

San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise by Luxury Catamaran

RM368
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise by Luxury Catamaran
Bridge 2 Bridge Tour: Golden Gate Bridge to Bay Bridge

San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise (90-minutes)

RM196
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise (90-minutes)
Aquarium of the Bay General Admission Ticket

San Francisco, Aquarium of the Bay General Admission Ticket

RM118
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
San Francisco, Aquarium of the Bay General Admission Ticket
San Francisco City Lights Cruise

California Sunset Cruise (2-hours)

RM237
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
California Sunset Cruise (2-hours)
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What to do in San Mateo

Stay near popular San Mateo attractions

San Francisco Downtown and Bay Bridge in the golden hours. Panoramic view of San Francisco water front from Yerba Buena Island, California, USA.

San Mateo County Event Center

8.4/10 (184 reviews)
This versatile venue hosts the beloved San Mateo County Fair and innovative Maker Faire each year. Arrive early for major events to secure parking and enjoy the dynamic atmosphere of exhibits and performances.
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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 Topgolf Burlingame 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, Hillsdale Shopping Center and Crystal Springs Golf Course 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.

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Redwood 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.