Central San Mateo Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Central San Mateo
Popular places to visit
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.
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 Bridge
This iconic bridge, with its distinctive burnished red colour, is probably one of the world’s most instantly recognisable landmarks.
Oracle Park
Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.
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 notable monuments in this vibrant area.
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
Private Half Moon Bay Coastal Delights Driving Tour
Las Vegas and National Parks 6 Day Tour from San Francisco
Premium Small Group SF - Stanford - 17-Mile - Carmel - Yosemite 5-Day Tour:
SUV Tour To Silicon Valley Including Stanford Walking Tour
California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission
Our pick of the best Central San Mateo Hotel Deals
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites San Mateo-San Francisco SFO by IHG
Reviewed on 30 Jul. 2025
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Reviewed on 30 Jul. 2025
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Reviewed on 1 Aug. 2025
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Reviewed on 31 Jul. 2025
Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG
Reviewed on 1 Aug. 2025
Soma House
Reviewed on 29 Jul. 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Central San Mateo
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. San Francisco Public Library 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.
Eureka Valley
While you're in Eureka Valley, take in top sights like Castro Street or Castro Theatre, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Castro Station or 17th St & Castro St Stop.
South of Market
Gourmet restaurants great entertainment and top sights from Oracle Park to Chase Center – discover South of Market, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Outer Sunset
When in Outer Sunset and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like Ocean Beach or San Francisco Botanical Garden and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Judah St & 34th Ave Stop or Judah Street & Sunset Boulevard Station.
Downtown San Francisco
Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Francisco. Top attractions like Oracle Park and Chase Center are major draws. Catch the metro at Market St & 5th St Stop or Market St & Taylor St Stop to see more of the city.
- The San Mateo Japanese Garden
- Stanford University
- Golden Gate Park
- Pier 39
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Oracle Park
- Chase Center
- San Francisco Bay
- Alcatraz Island
- Presidio of San Francisco
- Jack London Square
- Lombard Street
- Googleplex
- Shoreline Amphitheatre
- University of San Francisco
- Ocean Beach
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
- Bill Graham Civic Auditorium