San Mateo, California is full of family-friendly activities including alligator tours, athletic adventures, architecture appreciation, balmy beaches, brunches by the bay and so much more.
This remarkable township which boasts quaint parks and fascinating museums in addition to a downtown district teeming with unique boutiques and eateries is well positioned on the San Francisco Peninsula.
From beautiful lakeside parks, historic neighborhoods, and delicious local eats abound everything is found in this place. If you want to know interesting places to visit, here is a list of the best 20 things to do in San Mateo.
1. Discover The San Mateo Japanese Garden
The San Mateo Japanese Garden located in San Mateo, California is an exquisite and perfectly-maintained escape that provides an oasis of calm away from the noise of urban life. It consists of classic Japanese components like koi pools, meandering pathways, rich green vegetation, and beautiful rock lamps.
The garden’s serene atmosphere allows for peaceful walks through it, thereby enabling guests to admire the planting which raises their tranquility levels. It is also a great place to reflect on one’s self or enjoy serenity since its sights are something else and so are its sounds capturing what landscapes look like across Japan.
2. Venture Along Sawyer Camp Trail
Located in San Mateo, California, Sawyer Camp Trail is a breathtaking setting that is highly sought after by nature lovers who want to escape into its wilderness. The beautiful Crystal Springs Reservoir runs along this trail, which covers approximately 6.2 miles, boasting magnificent sights of both the water and nearby mountain ranges.
The way is excellent for hiking, running, and cycling thanks to its level, a neatly kept track that can be used by anyone regardless of their state of physical fitness. While you walk down the trail look out for various species of animals as well as peaceful landscapes or moments when birds appear.
3. Shop At San Mateo Farmers' Market
San Mateo Farmers' Market is always a dynamic and spirited location. Found in the central region of San Mateo, California, this bustling market concentrates on locally grown fresh farm produce, handmade products, and elite delicacies.
Many local sellers display their colorful fruits with other vegetables, and hand-made cheese that they offer on this occasion; among other specialties they will showcase. Besides being the place for procuring high-quality groceries it’s also meant to be an assembly place where individuals relax with loud music, have hot meals, and share sweet moments with rural agriculture producers and artists as well.
4. Enjoy The Outdoors At Coyote Point Recreation Area
Situated by the bay of San Francisco, this vast park provides scenic views, nicely kept pathways, and lots of room to picnic or unwind. Hiking and biking trails throughout the park allow visitors to explore while there are also waterfront walks as well as large picnic spots with barbeque facilities.
The recreational area is where CuriOdyssey museum is situated and visitors can do hands-on science exhibits here plus observe local wildlife residing in their natural habitats. Water activities including sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking on the bay can be found at the park for some people who are interested in them.
5. Uncover The Treasures At Hillsdale Shopping Center
One of the most interesting things to do in San Mateo California is to discover the treasures at the Hillsdale Shopping Center. It is a top-notch shopping area that encompasses a range of different shops from stylish personalized shops to well-known departmental stores.
Here, visitors can have their meals at one of numerous restaurants or food courts offering casual dining experiences or gourmet ones. In addition, the shopping center is used for special events and seasonal activities thereby providing it a lively atmosphere and community feel.
6. Unwind At San Mateo Central Park
In Central Park, San Mateo you will find a peaceful green space located at the center of San Mateo, California. A sprawling area of 16 acres, this park provides numerous sites for recreation and picturesque views for its visitors.
This park has well-cultivated gardens like a Japanese garden with still water ponds containing koi fishes in addition to different playgrounds designed specifically for children as well as beautiful spaces meant for picnicking and resting. Furthermore, different community gatherings are organized every year in this park contributing to more lively cultural events within the vicinity.
7. Wander Through Laurelwood Park
Laurelwood Park located in San Mateo, California is the perfect outdoor location for families, naturalists, and nature lovers. The large park has clean trails that run through its green scenery making it a walking trail making hikes ideal.
With grassy stretches and playgrounds in abundance, it’s an excellent choice for picnics, informal games or just unwinding amidst picturesque scenery. Hence, the park also features athletic fields together with tennis courts meant to accommodate different forms of physical activity.
8. Enjoy The Fun At Magic Mountain Playground
The Magic Mountain Playground in San Mateo, California is a preferred family location known for its lovely, vast play zones. Since it was built with innovativeness and adventure in mind, this busy play area has several climbing towers, slides, swings as well as interactive playgrounds.
Its amusing design motivates children to discover things while playing and taking part in active play that helps them physically and creatively. The park is surrounded by beautiful landscaping where parents can comfortably sit down while their kids play around happily.
9. Delve Into The San Mateo County History Museum
The San Mateo County History Museum, situated inside the historic Old County Courthouse in Redwood City, is a captivating exploration into the extensive tradition of San Mateo County. Many exhibitions are available for visitors that illustrate various parts of the history of this region such as Native Americans native Ohlone through the current Silicon Valley period.
Attractions at this museum include well-restored courtrooms that prompt reflection on justice during different periods in history; displays concerning how the county developed over time or artifacts narrating stories about some local industries, transportation matters, or daily life over centuries. Additionally, it is a good point for families plus history lovers through interactive exhibits and programs meant for learning purposes.
10. Catch A Movie At Cinemark Century San Mateo 12
Cinemark Century San Mateo 12 is the ultimate cinema in San Mateo, California that delivers a cinematic experience like no other. Featuring its cutting-edge projection equipment and twelve screens, it shows major box office hits, art movies as well as exclusives once in a while.
Already being there means every movie-goer is relaxed by cushy chairs backed up by advancing audio devices with exceptional sharpness. As part of its customer service range, this building has several types of fast foods some being traditional munchies such as classic popcorn while others are snacks and beverages.
11. Experience The San Mateo County Event Center
The San Mateo County Event Center is a lively center of activities and the preferred venue for different events in San Mateo, California. As the most important event center on the Peninsula, it hosts all types of events – trade shows, conventions, expos, concerts, and community festivities among others.
It has large outdoor areas as well as multipurpose indoor facilities which makes it appropriate for both big events and small gatherings at the same time. From much loved yearly occasions such as the San Mateo County Fair with its amusement park rides, games, and ongoing performances to unique exhibitions featuring contemporary technology, life-enhancing developments, etc visitors can enjoy all.
12. Enjoy The Beauty Of Beresford Park
In Beresford Park, which is located in San Mateo, California, various activities can be enjoyed by visitors of different generations. For sports enthusiasts, there are well-furnished sports facilities like tennis courts together with two soccer fields as well as a baseball field.
A considerable playground designed for families has modern equipment providing a safe and fun-filled environment for kids. Additionally, this park houses a recreation center where several community events and classes take place throughout the year. Also, nature lovers can have a walk on beautiful paths and then sit down under trees in the shadows or use barbecue pits to prepare their food outdoors.
13. Unleash Adventure At Safari Run, San Mateo
San Mateo, California’s Safari Run is an exciting and dynamic place for families and kids in search of enjoyment and exercise. This indoor playground is characterized by its unique jungle setting where children can climb, slide, and explore till they drop.
Safari Run contains several play structures with obstacles and interactive games that enhance physical movement as well as imagination. Besides open play sessions, Safari Run has fitness classes, camps, and birthday party packages as well. Therefore, it is one of the best things to do in San Mateo.
14. Immerse Yourself In Seal Point Park
Seal Point Park is a beautiful park with a waterfront that provides multiple outdoor activities and natural beauty. This park, located on the San Francisco Bay, has a lovely path for walking and biking where people can get amazing views of the bay and the surrounding area.
People enjoy visiting the park for walks, mild picnics, or bird watching along its shores. The park also has neat lawns ideal for family gatherings and outdoor sports. Hence, it is one of the most beautiful San Mateo California things to do.
15. Admire The Junipero Serra Statue
Among the most famous landmarks within California’s mission history is the Junipero Serra statue which celebrates Father Junipero Serra’s legacy. This monument, located at the core of San Mateo, serves as a reminder of Serra’s part among other things in creating the mission system along the Pacific Coast of America during the latter part of the seventeen hundreds.
Set amid lovely gardens surrounding it, this figure provides its audience an opportunity for peaceful contemplation over early Californian history as well as Father Serra’s contributions therein. A lot of individuals interested in San Mateo’s historic and cultural facets often make this stop when they are traveling around town.
16. Uncover The Charm Of Downtown San Mateo Association
The Downtown San Mateo Association is currently a lively activity center located in San Mateo, California, which has a wide range of experiences for tourists. Thus, visitors may experience various activities within this busy neighborhood that is characterized by its enchanting streets filled with distinct kinds of shops, boutiques, or dining places.
Restaurants serving anything from haute cuisine to bistros can be found alongside specialty boutiques offering unique merchandise and trading outlets; local markets too are available here. Aside from that, there are many events held throughout the year to create an entertaining atmosphere.
17. Discover Crystal Springs Reservoir
Crystal Springs Reservoir is an incredible place full of outdoor recreation opportunities and beautiful nature. Located right in the Crystal Springs Water Shed, it consists of two parts called Upper and Lower Crystal Springs Reservoirs surrounded by green areas with hills and hills.
In addition to this, those who visit the area can hike or ride their bicycles along the Crystal Springs Regional Trail which offers beautiful sights over the water and its environment. Lastly, it is one of the best activities in San Mateo.
18. Experience Create, Mix and Mingle
In the creative atmosphere of San Mateo, California, visitors can let loose their artistic flair in a lively art studio known as Create, Mix & Mingle. This well-known location hosts painting classes among other events such as ceramics designed for people with various proficiency levels.
Under the direction of skilled teachers, guests can produce lovely pieces even as they chat with family members or make new friends. Isn't it perfect for San Mateo attractions?
19. Stroll Along Coyote Point Drive
Coyote Point Drive is a stunningly versatile setting for visitors of all ages in San Mateo, California. The road leads you to Coyote Point Recreation Area.
While driving along this road, there are several picnic spots, ideal for family days out or just chilling with buddies over lunch. For boating fans, there is a marina while there is also a sandy beach for sunbathing and playing in the water. Moreover, the park features various hiking routes as well as biking paths that go through its length and breadth.
20. Experience CuriOdyssey
In San Mateo, California, there is CuriOdyssey a hands-on science and wildlife center for all ages to learn through fun. Located in Coyote Point Park, this institution has interactive exhibits on physics, earth sciences, as well as natural phenomena.
Various animals are accommodated in the wildlife habitats which enable people to see them closely including bobcats, river otters, and birds of prey. This combination of science and nature makes CuriOdyssey an amazing destination for families, school groups, and all others interested in understanding more about the environment.
