Central San Mateo Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Central San Mateo
Popular places to visit
Central Park
Central Park is just one of the places to see in San Mateo, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the 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.
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.
Golden Gate Bridge
This iconic bridge, with its distinctive burnished red colour, is probably one of the world’s most instantly recognisable landmarks.
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 theatre scene and shops in this vibrant area.
Activities
Pacific Coast Highway App-Based Driving Audio Tour Bundle
2hr. SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz
Beginner Surfing in San Francisco at Pacifica Beach
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)
California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission
Our pick of the best Central San Mateo Hotel Deals
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hidden fee is too high
Reviewed on 1 May 2026
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
I think that a valet service would have been great. With parking at 49/night plus tax and an odd flow of traffic in and out of the front of the hotel it would has been very helpful
Reviewed on 1 May 2026
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Elevators could be renovated, nothing major
Reviewed on 30 Apr 2026
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Staff was helpful. Bathroom was sufficient but awkwardly arranged and poorly finished. A/C had a dripping sound. Otherwise, the room was basic but comfortable.
Reviewed on 1 May 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
The Handlery has maintained some of the original character of the hotel while updating for modern convenience. The staff are polite, helpful, and very accommodating. The rooms are comfortable and quiet, and the convenience and proximity to downtown and restaurants makes it very walkable inconvenient. ...
Reviewed on 1 May 2026
YOTEL San Francisco
The rooms are small, clean, and efficient, location is super practical. Temp easy to manage. The homelessness situation on Market street has much improved - I recommend chatting with some of the team working on it. Breakfast is light, but pleasant. It's a good solo traveler option.
Reviewed on 1 May 2026
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.
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.
South Park
Oracle Park and Brannan Street Wharf are a few top attractions in South Park. Hop around the city on the metro at 2nd & King Station or Fourth-Brannan Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.
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 San Francisco Bay are major draws. Catch the metro at Market St & 5th St Stop or Market St & Taylor St Stop to see more of the city.
