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!
Moscone Convention Center
During your trip, find out what's happening in Moscone Convention Center, a top convention centre in San Francisco. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this vibrant area.
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.
Oracle Park
Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.
Alcatraz Island
Home to the world’s most notorious prison, tour this famous landmark to understand why it gained its reputation as such a cold and unforgiving place.
Activities
Pacific Coast Highway App-Based Driving Audio Tour Bundle
Napa and Sonoma Small Group Wine Tour from San Francisco
Silicon Valley Self-Guided App-Based Driving Audio Tour
Muir Woods & Sausalito with EXCLUSIVE Battery Spencer Small Group Tour
Half Moon Bay Family Friendly Guided E-bike Tour
Half Moon Bay Guided E-Bike Tour
Our pick of the best Central San Mateo Hotel Deals
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites San Mateo-San Francisco SFO by IHG
I didn't get the breakfast but everything else was good.
Reviewed on 14 Nov 2025
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Best ever thank you
Reviewed on 17 Nov 2025
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Amazing!
Reviewed on 19 Nov 2025
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Clean room and great breakfast buffet. Staff at front desk were friendly and helpful. Great location and walking distance to Pier 39. Would stay again!
Reviewed on 23 Nov 2025
Fairmont San Francisco
$ 112.50 per night for overnight parking was unexpected, even for San Francisco.
Reviewed on 21 Nov 2025
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Check in staff person was friendly and welcoming. The room was clean and well maintained. The location is very convenient.
Reviewed on 22 Nov 2025
Check Central San Mateo hotel availability
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. SOMA Pilipinas 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 SOMA Pilipinas to San Francisco Mint – discover South of Market, a destination also famous for its shopping.
