Things to Do in San Mateo in 2024

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 {42 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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Recommended things to do in San Mateo

Number of things to do	42
Things to do from	$10
Cheapest thing to do	Stanford's Art and Architecture: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Top 5 things to do	San Mateo City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Zombie Scavengers Ultimate American Southwest Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle Tour of California Self-Guided Driving Bundle BEST Redwood Forest &Santa Cruz Harbor Day Tour from San Francisco BEST Golden Gate Bridge&Fisherman's Wharf Day City Tour from San Francisco
Under $25	San Mateo City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Zombie Scavengers Silicon Valley Self-Guided Driving Tour Stanford's Art and Architecture: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Palo Alto Prowl Scavenger Hunt Redwood City Scavenger Hunt
With kids	BEST Golden Gate Bridge&Fisherman's Wharf Day City Tour from San Francisco BEST Carmel &17-Mile Drive & Monterey Day Tour from San Francisco Filoli House & Garden Private Walking Tour in Stanford University Hiking along Pacifica State Beach Coastline

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!

Frequently asked questions

What to do in San Mateo on a sunny day?

If you want some fun under the sun, check out these outdoor experiences:

What to do in San Mateo on a rainy day?

Try some of these indoor activities and turn a miserable, rainy day into something memorable:

Are there cheap things to do in San Mateo?

There are lots of fantastic experiences here that are ideal if you’re traveling on a tight budget:

What can you do in San Mateo for free?

Your break in San Mateo doesn’t have to cost a fortune with free attractions like these to keep you on the go:

Coyote Point Park
Hillsdale Shopping Center
Los Prados Park
Sawyer Camp Trail

Discover the most popular places to visit in San Mateo

Oracle Park

4.5/5(1,454 reviews)

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

Pier 39

4.5/5(6,817 reviews)

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

Golden Gate Park

4.5/5(5,122 reviews)

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

Moscone Convention Center

4/5(598 reviews)

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

Alcatraz Island

4.5/5(2,752 reviews)

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.

Presidio of San Francisco

4.5/5(818 reviews)

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

Lombard Street

4.5/5(4,615 reviews)

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

San Francisco Zoo

4.5/5(238 reviews)

See the exotic and native animals who live at San Francisco Zoo during your travels in San Francisco. Discover the beautiful sunsets and shops in this vibrant area.

University of San Francisco

4/5(782 reviews)

Enjoy the collegiate vibe at University of San Francisco during your visit to San Francisco. Discover the beautiful sunsets and shops in this walkable area.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in San Mateo

Central San Mateo

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

East San Mateo

4/5(26 area reviews)

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

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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.

Shoreview

3.5/5(217 area reviews)

While visiting Shoreview, you might make a stop by sights like San Francisco Bay and Coyote Point Park.

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.

Downtown San Mateo

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

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Things to do in San Mateo

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