Downtown San Mateo Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Downtown 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.
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 Bridge
One of the most iconic bridges in the world, walk the 2.7-kilometre marvel of engineering for the best views over the bay and the ocean beyond, fog permitting.
Pier 39
This waterfront location has a mix of thrilling rides and lively street entertainment, but watching the sea lions hanging out in the bay wins the day!
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
Take a trip to “The Rock”, home to the infamous and abandoned island prison, and discover how it earned its reputation as a bleak and unforgiving place.
Activities
2hr. SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay
Half Moon Bay Family Friendly Guided E-bike Tour
San Francisco to Las Vegas and National Parks 6 Day Tour
San Francisco to Las Vegas Grand Canyon 4 Day Tour
Redwood&Crater Lake National Park&Oregon 3-Day Tour from San Francisco
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)
Our pick of the best Downtown San Mateo Hotel Deals
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Clean room
Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Great
Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Our room was huge, spotless, and perfect. The staff is super friendly and helpful and the hotel is in a very safe and absolutely fantastic location! Great restaurants, shopping, and transportation all around. We can’t wait to go back and will be doing so in a few months!
Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026
Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown
No complaints, they did a great job.
Reviewed on 13 Feb 2026
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Great
Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Clean, spacious room. Not good pressure in shower. Very slippery floor in shower and non-slip mat was very small.
Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026
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.
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. SF Armory 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.
Downtown San Francisco
Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Francisco. Top attractions like Oracle Park and Warfield Theatre are major draws. Catch the metro at Market St & 5th St Stop or Market St & Taylor St Stop to see more of the city.
