What to do in San Mateo, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

Coyote Point Park featuring a garden
Coyote Point Park featuring cycling as well as a small group of people
Coyote Point Park showing sailing and general coastal views
Coyote Point Park showing sailing and a bay or harbour
Coyote Point Park which includes a garden

Places to Visit in San Mateo

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in San Mateo, San Francisco while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best San Mateo attractions from NZ$18, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group San Mateo tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 31 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular San Mateo. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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What to do in San Mateo

Discover the most popular places to visit in San Mateo

Golden Gate Park which includes flowers and a garden

Golden Gate Park

4.5/5(205 reviews)

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.

Golden Gate Park
Pier 39 showing a city, street scenes and signage

Pier 39

4.5/5(308 reviews)

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!

Pier 39
Golden Gate Bridge which includes general coastal views, a suspension bridge or treetop walkway and night scenes

Golden Gate Bridge

4.5/5(293 reviews)

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.

Golden Gate Bridge
Oracle Park

Oracle Park

4.5/5(36 reviews)

Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.

Oracle Park
Moscone Convention Center

Moscone Convention Center

3.5/5(13 reviews)

During your trip, find out what's happening in Moscone Convention Center, a top convention centre in San Francisco. Discover the acclaimed art galleries and notable monuments in this vibrant area.

Moscone Convention Center
Alcatraz Island showing island views and a coastal town

Alcatraz Island

4.5/5(190 reviews)

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.

Alcatraz Island
Presidio of San Francisco featuring a monument, landscape views and a park

Presidio of San Francisco

4.5/5(23 reviews)

This former military base combines history and culture with open spaces, spectacular views and the Jedi Master Yoda!

Presidio of San Francisco
Lombard Street

Lombard Street

4.5/5(248 reviews)

Often incorrectly called the world’s crookedest street, this San Francisco roadway is an iconic spot to see, photograph and drive down.

Lombard Street
Union Square

Union Square

4/5(10 reviews)

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Union Square during your stay in San Francisco. Discover the charming cafes and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Union Square

Explore areas of San Mateo

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North Central

While North Central isn't home to many top sights, Poplar Creek Golf Course and CuriOdyssey are some notable places to visit nearby.

North Central
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East San Mateo

If you're spending some time in East San Mateo, San Francisco Bay and Elmar Beach are top sights worth seeing.

East San Mateo
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Central San Mateo

If you're spending some time in Central San Mateo, The San Mateo Japanese Garden and Cinemark Century San Mateo 12 are top sights worth seeing.

Central San Mateo
Coyote Point Park featuring a garden

Shoreview

3/5(5 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Shoreview, San Francisco Bay and Poplar Creek Golf Course are top sights worth seeing.

Shoreview
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South San Mateo

While visiting South San Mateo, you might make a stop by sights like Hillsdale Shopping Center and San Mateo County Event Center.

South San Mateo
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Hayward Park

While Hayward Park isn't home to many top sights, San Mateo County Event Center and Hillsdale Shopping Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

Hayward Park

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from San Mateo

Redwood City which includes street scenes and a city

Redwood City

Photo by Mallikarjun Mudagall

Foster City

San Francisco

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.