Location: San Mateo
Top Things to do in San Mateo
Countries
8 Budget-friendly Things to do in San Mateo That You Shouldn't Miss
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. The San Mateo Japanese Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
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.
2. Sawyer Camp Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
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.
3. CuriOdyssey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
CuriOdyssey is a science playground and zoo in San Mateo where families see wild animals up-close and real scientific phenomena in kid-friendly exhibits. CuriOdyssey's wild animals are rescued native wildlife that include bobcats, a river otter, fox, opossum, eagles, owls and more. CuriOydssey is open to visitors with advance reservations required on Wednesdays - Sundays, 10am-5pm. Make reservations at: https://curiodyssey.org/visit/hours-admission/
Reviewed By nycbos8 - San Francisco, United States
Such an awesome place to bring your little ones. Our two year old loves CuriOdyssey. Their zoo is filled with adorable (and some creepy) local animals. Our little one especially loves the bobcats, eagles, and sea otter. The zoo is the perfect size. Not too big, not too small. Just the perfect amount amount of nature to hang out with for an afternoon. And when you're done with the zoo, they have an entire interactive, hands-on science museum to go play and learn from. Lots of awesome exhibits that are both fun and educational. I would highly recommend a visit if you have a toddler, and if you live in the area, the annual membership is totally worth it.
4. Coyote Point Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 187 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
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
7. Laurelwood Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 18 reviews
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.
