Things to do in San Mateo

Activities, attractions and tours

A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, rocky cliffs, and the ocean.
A suspension bridge at sunset with city lights in the distance.
A forested mountain range with a sunrise or sunset.
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

Golden Gate Bay Cruise Service: sail around Alcatraz!

Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)

€34
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)
Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 25+ Attractions

Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions

€95
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions
California Academy of Sciences General Admission

California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission

€48
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission
San Francisco: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoia Tour

San Francisco: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour

€180
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
San Francisco: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour
Golden Gate Bridge at night

San Francisco Night Tour

€46
per adult
78% of travellers recommend
San Francisco Night Tour
San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tours

San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tours PLUS Night Tour

€61
per adult
72% of travellers recommend
San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tours PLUS Night Tour
Bridge 2 Bridge Tour: Golden Gate Bridge to Bay Bridge

San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise (90-minutes)

€42
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise (90-minutes)
1 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

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

€61
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
San Francisco 1 Day Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour
San Francisco City Lights Cruise

California Sunset Cruise (2-hours)

€51
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
California Sunset Cruise (2-hours)
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Most popular experiences in San Mateo

Tours & day trips

See all 31 activities
Silicon Valley Private 2-Hour Driving Tour

Silicon Valley Private 2-Hour Driving Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
7.4 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €44 per traveller*
Silicon Valley Private 2-Hour Driving TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 12 activities
Silicon Valley Private 2-Hour Driving Tour

Silicon Valley Private 2-Hour Driving Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
7.4 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €44 per traveller*
Silicon Valley Private 2-Hour Driving TourOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 3 activities
Napa, Sonoma and Exclusive Battery Spencer Small Group Wine Tasting Tour

Napa, Sonoma and Exclusive Battery Spencer Small Group Wine Tasting Tour

Activity duration is 9 hours
4.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €130 per traveller
Napa, Sonoma and Exclusive Battery Spencer Small Group Wine Tasting TourOpens in new tab

Water activities

See all 3 activities
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 8 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €122 per adult
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa CruzOpens in new tab

What to do in San Mateo

Stay near popular San Mateo attractions

A marina with numerous sailboats docked along the water.

Coyote Point Park

8.6/10 (188 reviews)
Coyote Point Recreation Area blends bay views with diverse activities for all ages. Explore the castle-themed Magic Mountain Playground, visit CuriOdyssey science museum, or watch planes landing at nearby SFO.
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Where to stay in San Mateo

Find the best San Mateo areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about San Mateo
Learn more about San Mateo
A large building with a dome, palm trees, and an American flag.

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.

A street with buildings, a clock tower, and a red truck.

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.

A coastal landscape with a large body of water, dense green forests, and rolling hills.

Highlands-Baywood Park

While Highlands-Baywood Park isn't home to many top sights, Sawyer Camp Trail and Hillsdale Shopping Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

A calm lake surrounded by forested hills.

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.

A white building with a dome and arched windows, surrounded by trees and a clear sky.

Belmont

A suspension bridge at sunset with city lights in the distance.

Burlingame

A modern multi-story building with red and white accents, located at a street corner with visible street signs and parked cars.

Redwood City

An aerial view of a coastal town with a marina, boats, and a bridge connecting to an island.

Foster 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.

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