Things to do in San Mateo

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

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

San Mateo Attractions

There's something quite special about smaller cities. Whether you're on your way to San Mateo for a weekend or you're planning on staying a bit longer, you'll soon fall in love with this destination. In fact, with so many fun things to do and impressive attractions to see, you probably won't want to leave!

Discover the best sights in San Mateo with some popular tours & day trips, or try out our list of {34 fun activities in San Mateo fun activities in San Mateo}. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can relax and put your energy into planning your perfect vacation.

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Most popular activities in San Mateo

Tours & day trips

See all 23 activities
Redwood Forest & Santa Cruz Harbor Day Tour from San Francisco

Redwood Forest & Santa Cruz Harbor Day Tour from San Francisco

Activity duration is 12 hours and 30 minutes
6.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $194 per traveler
Redwood Forest & Santa Cruz Harbor Day Tour from San FranciscoOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 3 activities
Napa Valley & Sausalito Day Tour from San Francisco

Napa Valley & Sausalito Day Tour from San Francisco

Activity duration is 11 hours and 55 minutes
4.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $194 per traveler
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 3 activities
Half Moon Bay Guided E-Bike Tour

Half Moon Bay Guided E-Bike Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $110 per adult
Half Moon Bay Guided E-Bike TourOpens in new tab

What to do in San Mateo

Free Things to Do in San Mateo

Touring on a budget in San Mateo? Spend time, not money, on awesome experiences.

Coyote Point Park - Stay a while in this vibrant place and imagine life as a local.

Lakeshore Park Beach - Keep your eyes peeled for exotic shells and other seaside treasures scattered along the coastline here.

Sawyer Camp Trail - Bring your camera and let Mother Nature spark a sense of wonder in you.

Fiesta Meadows Park - If you like spending time in the garden, this place will appeal to your inner green thumb.

Things to Do in San Mateo with Kids

There's fun for all the family no matter where you go in San Mateo. Here are a few family friendly experiences you can do together that will make your vacation a blast:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in San Mateo? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in San Mateo

Golden Gate Park featuring a garden and flowers

Golden Gate Park

This beloved park offers relaxation among trees, flowers and wildlife, right in San Francisco’s backyard.

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

Pier 39

This waterfront attraction offers thrilling rides, innovative street performers and colorful souvenir shops, but it’s the sea lions that win the day.

Pier 39
Golden Gate Bridge illuminated at night with city lights in the background in California, USA

Golden Gate Bridge

Cars trundle across it and ships sail under it, but the best way to experience this iconic bridge is on foot.

Golden Gate Bridge
Oracle Park featuring a bay or harbor and street scenes as well as a small group of people

Oracle Park

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

During your trip, find out what's happening at Moscone Convention Center, a top convention center in San Francisco. Discover the fascinating museums and notable monuments in this vibrant area.

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

Alcatraz Island

Escape to “The Rock,” home of the infamous and abandoned island prison, and discover how it earned a reputation as a cold and unforgiving place.

Alcatraz Island
Presidio of San Francisco which includes landscape views, a monument and a statue or sculpture

Presidio of San Francisco

Discover history, culture, open spaces, spectacular views and the Jedi Master Yoda at this former military base.

Presidio of San Francisco
Lombard Street featuring flowers and a garden

Lombard Street

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

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Union Square during your trip to San Francisco. Discover the top-notch restaurants and acclaimed theater scene in this walkable area.

Union Square

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in San Mateo

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Central San Mateo

While visiting Central San Mateo, you might make a stop by sights like The San Mateo Japanese Garden and Cinemark Century San Mateo 12.

Central San Mateo
#farmersmarketfinds #eatfresh #fun #figs #naturescandy #yum #Mmm

South San Mateo

3.5/5(132 area reviews)

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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East San Mateo

4/5(26 area reviews)

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

East San Mateo
Coyote Point Park featuring a park

Shoreview

3.5/5(217 area reviews)

While visiting Shoreview, you might make a stop by sights like San Francisco Bay and Poplar Creek Golf Course.

Shoreview
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North Central

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in North Central and surrounding area, you can visit The San Mateo Japanese Garden and Poplar Creek Golf Course.

North Central
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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.

Hillsdale
See our Where To Stay guide

 

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.

 

 

Popular day trips from San Mateo

Belmont

Belmont

Photo by Tonette Pineda✈⛵🚌🚉🚃🚅🚀

Burlingame

Redwood City featuring a city and street scenes

Redwood City

Photo by Mallikarjun Mudagall

Foster City

San Francisco featuring a bay or harbor and a bridge

San Francisco

Frequently asked questions

Is San Mateo worth visiting?
Known for its history and culture, discovering fun things to do in San Mateo is simple. Make sure to add Coyote Point Park to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in San Mateo?
When you've checked off leading attractions like Coyote Point Park and Hiller Aviation Museum, spend some time enjoying San Mateo's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in San Mateo?
Coyote Point Park is one of the top tourist attractions in San Mateo and should be high on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in San Mateo?
You can easily tour top attractions like Coyote Point Park, Hiller Aviation Museum and Lakeshore Park Beach with a three-day break in San Mateo. On average, most travelers book three days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a bit longer and head to San Francisco.
Is San Mateo a walkable city?
Some leading attractions in San Mateo, like Coyote Point Park and Lakeshore Park Beach, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Just 2 miles from central San Mateo is East San Mateo and Shoreview is 1 mile away.
What are some activities to do in San Mateo with kids?
If you are after sights and tours for all of your group, here are some great ideas for what to do in San Mateo with kids.

What to do in San Mateo for adults?
Oceanic Foot Spa and Burlingame Museum of PEZ Memorabilia are just a couple of the things to do in San Mateo. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in San Mateo?
From enjoying parks to wandering around exciting neighborhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in San Mateo. If you're looking for inspiration, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Coyote Point Park is a must for anyone planning to save on their travel adventures.