Central San Mateo Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Central San Mateo
Popular places to visit
Golden Gate Bridge
This iconic bridge, with its distinctive burnished red colour, is probably one of the world’s most instantly recognisable landmarks.
Pier 39
This waterfront attraction offers all the fun of a traditional pier with rides, street performances and entertainment courtesy of a colony of resident sea lions!
Golden Gate Park
This wonderful park is a haven away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Come here to relax, enjoy the scenery, breathe in the air and watch the wildlife.
Moscone Convention Center
During your trip, find out what's happening in Moscone Convention Center, a top convention centre in San Francisco. Discover the acclaimed art galleries and notable monuments in this vibrant area.
Oracle Park
Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.
Lombard Street
Often incorrectly called the world’s crookedest street, this San Francisco roadway is an iconic spot to see, photograph and drive down.
Activities
Pacific Coast Highway App-Based Driving Audio Tour Bundle
2hr. SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay
Napa, Sonoma and Exclusive Battery Spencer Small Group Wine Tasting Tour
Muir Woods & Sausalito with EXCLUSIVE Battery Spencer Small Group Tour
Silicon Valley Self-Guided App-Based Driving Audio Tour
Half Moon Bay Family Friendly Guided E-bike Tour
Our pick of the best Central San Mateo Hotel Deals
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Carpets should be cleaned, other than that was good
Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Courteous staff (check in & service), check in was a breeze and swift (thanks!). Room was nice & good view.
Reviewed on 8 Jan 2026
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
The hotel here was very lovely and 26th floor had such a beautiful city view. Clean room, kind staff, and great amenities here. The only thing they do not have is a microwave in the room, but there is a restaurant on site and a mini cafe. Along with that, great restaurants around walking distance ...
Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026
Fairmont San Francisco
The STAFF!! So friendly, chipper, smiley, warm - the bellhops/valets, in particular, all seemed to love their work and their jobs and get along so well with one another. Their enthusiasm was palpable! I travel over 150 days/year for business and I can’t remember the last time I saw a more jovial ...
Reviewed on 8 Jan 2026
Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown
Great staff
Reviewed on 4 Jan 2026
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
We love this hotel! Clean, close to our son's house. Friendly, always helpful staff, good restaurant, good value for downtown SanFrancisco
Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Central San Mateo
Excelsior
Though Excelsior may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Cow Palace and San Bruno Mountain State Park.
Potrero Hill
The live music and architecture are just a few things visitors like about Potrero Hill. San Francisco Bay and Museum of Craft & Design are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at 20th Street Station or 23rd Street Station to get around the larger area.
Noe Valley
Appreciated for its churches and architecture, you might consider exploring Noe Valley. Check out the variety of things to see and do like 22nd St Hill, and jump on the metro at Church St & Clipper St Stop or Church St & 24th St Stop to get around the city.
Mission District
You might enjoy the bars while in Mission District. SF Armory is a notable sight, and you can get around town at 16th Street Mission Station or 24th Street Mission Station to see more of the city.
Mission Bay
While you're in Mission Bay, take in top sights like Chase Center or Lefty O'Doul Bridge, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at UCSF/Chase Center Stop or Mission Rock Station.
South of Market
Gourmet restaurants great entertainment and top sights from Oracle Park to San Francisco Bay – discover South of Market, a destination also famous for its shopping.
