10 Free Things to do in San Mateo That You Shouldn't Miss

January 26, 2022 Jasper Kershner

San Mateo (/ˌsæn məˈteɪ.oʊ/ SAN mə-TAY-oh; Spanish for "Saint Matthew") is a city in San Mateo County, California, located in the high-tech enclave of Silicon Valley in the San Francisco Bay Area. With a population of 97,207 as of the 2010 census, it is one of the larger suburbs on the San Francisco Peninsula, located between Burlingame to the north, Foster City and San Francisco Bay to the east, Belmont to the south, and Highlands-Baywood Park and Hillsborough to the west. The 2015 population was estimated to be 103,536. San Mateo was incorporated in 1894.
Restaurants in San Mateo

1. Peninsula

Highway 84, San Mateo, CA
Excellent
60%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15 reviews

Peninsula

Take Highway 84 through La Honda and you won't regret this scenic coastal drive.

Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States

We like the Peninsula area of San Francisco Bay, There are nice places to go such as parks, museums, sports facilities, Stanford University and San Jose State is there. This is also where many high technology firms are located.

2. The San Mateo Japanese Garden

Fifth Ave., San Mateo, CA +1 415-377-4700 http://www.jgarden.org/gardens.asp?ID=277
Excellent
59%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 222 reviews

The San Mateo Japanese Garden

Japanese garden located in Central Park, a tranquil spot among the high rise buildings.

Reviewed By garydO8331YD

Want a slice of peace and quiet? The Japanese Garden is the place to go. One recent day I visited during a soft rainfall-it was magic. The rain drops hitting the surface of the koi pond created a magical atmosphere that only I witnessed-I was the only one present on that rainy day. Visit during the spring and you will be rewarded with blooms and new shoots from the many Japanese maple trees.

3. Sawyer Camp Trail

Skyline Blvd & Crystal Springs Rd, San Mateo, CA 94401, San Mateo, CA http://parks.smcgov.org/sawyer-camp-segment
Excellent
73%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 147 reviews

Sawyer Camp Trail

Tree-shaded trail stretching 12 miles.

Reviewed By JaneZu66 - San Mateo, United States

The views are beautiful and it's a great place to go for a walk or a bike ride! There are mile markers so you know how far you've gone. There are enough people using the trail in the first couple miles of the trail so that you're safe, but not so crowded that's loud or annoying.

4. Coyote Point Recreation Area

1701 Coyote Point Dr, San Mateo, CA 94401-1001 +1 650-573-2592 https://parks.smcgov.org/coyote-point-recreation-area
Excellent
55%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 187 reviews

Coyote Point Recreation Area

Reviewed By Chiuad0718 - San Francisco, United States

On a sunny day, bring you kids or grand kids here and enjoy a picnic, walking on the beach or the trail, watching the plane landing or taking family photos. Beautiful beaches. It will be a memorable day for you and family for a long time. It is quite windy, so be sure to bring some warm clothes.

5. Central Park

50 E 5th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401-4107 +1 650-522-7440 http://cityofsanmateo.org/exploreourparks/Parks/CENTRAL/centralpark.html
Excellent
41%
Good
52%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 79 reviews

Central Park

Reviewed By Larry-Calif - San Francisco, United States

Japanese Tea Garden - The Japanese Garden is beautiful throughout the year. In the late Winter and early Spring the cherry blossoms are in bloom. The walkways, koi pond, teahouse, pagoda, gazebo, shrine, landscaping & lantern sculptures through the garden makes this place a thrilling pleasure to visit each time. Rose Garden - With beautiful roses of purple, red, lavender, pinks, yellow, amber golden, light shade orange, orange, mango orange, red-tipped whites, and white color surrounding the Gazebo Butterfly & Hummingbird Garden - variety of shrubbery to attract both the butterflies and hummingbirds all year round. Mini Train - kiddie train is a childhood delight. It runs year-round on weekends and additionally on weekdays during the summer. After my 22-month old grandson rode it, he wanted to ride one more time. (Good thing it was lunch time; we were able to distract his attention). With the many easy level walkways and conveniently located benches, this park is ideal for seniors and parents with strollers. The park has the usual classic outdoor activities like baseball diamond, tennis courts, playground, very large lawn area for games, children's play structures, & several picnic areas for groups. The underground parking garage beneath the tennis courts provides for easy parking. The park is only 2 blocks from downtown making it convenient for relaxing lunch spots for the workers. We plan to come back again before the end of summer to CENTER OF BEAUTY & EXCITEMENT.

6. Seal Point Park

1901 J Hart Clinton Dr, San Mateo, CA 94401
Excellent
56%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 27 reviews

Seal Point Park

7. Laurelwood Park

3471 Glendora Dr, San Mateo, CA 94403-3945 +1 650-522-7400 http://www.cityofsanmateo.org/exploreourparks/Parks/LAURELWOOD/laurelwood.html
Excellent
50%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
6%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 18 reviews

Laurelwood Park

Reviewed By Lriveira

A beautiful hidden gem in San Mateo. Very well maintained park with plenty of open space grass area. Moderate hi Kiki game trails with an amazing overlook at the top of Sugarloaf Peak. It’s a climb but so worth it.

8. Hillsdale Shopping Center

60 31st Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403-3404 +1 650-345-8222 http://hillsdale.com/
Excellent
23%
Good
49%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
6%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 77 reviews

Hillsdale Shopping Center

9. Junipero Serra Statue

Interstate 280, San Mateo, CA http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM7HHN_Father_Junipero_Serra_Hillsborough_CA
Excellent
31%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
27%
Poor
19%
Terrible
11%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 26 reviews

Junipero Serra Statue

Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States

We were driving Route 280 and took the exit to see Junipero Serra Statue Its a large statue and there is a vista view from there as well Junipero Serra brought the mission system to California. As such, he is a very important in terms of bringing religion to the people.

10. The Swingin' Door

106 E 25th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403-2351 +1 650-522-9800 http://theswingindoor.com
Excellent
22%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
0%
Terrible
17%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 18 reviews

The Swingin' Door

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