Downtown San Mateo Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Downtown San Mateo
Popular places to visit
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!
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
Enjoy the tranquil beauty of this beloved park in this oasis of calm away from the bustle of the city, yet 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
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
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
Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions
Our pick of the best Downtown San Mateo Hotel Deals
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Clean, very friendly staff, easy to navigate, safe
Reviewed on 8 Nov 2025
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Our stay at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco was truly wonderful! The location is perfect — as a mother of two, it was such a relief to be able to step right outside and enjoy the beautiful piers with my family without needing a car (which is great since parking in San Francisco can be tricky). We ...
Reviewed on 7 Nov 2025
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Clean room
Reviewed on 11 Nov 2025
Best Western Plus Grosvenor Airport Hotel
good
Reviewed on 9 Nov 2025
Fairmont San Francisco
Fairmont San Francisco was amazing! Excellent customer service and accomodations!😍
Reviewed on 10 Nov 2025
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
I think overall good experience among many hotels options. Convinient location and trust brand.
Reviewed on 8 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 Lefty O'Doul Bridge, 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 Oracle Park to Chase Center – discover South of Market, a destination also famous for its shopping.
