Downtown San Mateo Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Downtown 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.
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 acclaimed art galleries and notable monuments 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.
Activities
2hr. SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay
Silicon Valley Self-Guided App-Based Driving Audio Tour
Napa, Sonoma and Exclusive Battery Spencer Small Group Wine Tasting Tour
Half Moon Bay Family Friendly Guided E-bike Tour
Half Moon Bay Guided E-Bike Tour
Muir Woods & Sausalito with EXCLUSIVE Battery Spencer Small Group Tour
Our pick of the best Downtown San Mateo Hotel Deals
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Did not eat at the hotel nor did I have a car while staying.
Reviewed on 31 Mar 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Ac is okay, pillow was given 3, but rather soft. Overall good location, good and decent hotel, but whenever nearby room door is closed, the air will make a loud sound to my door too. So when chambermaid is cleaning up rooms around mine, it will be endless slamming sound on my door too.
Reviewed on 30 Mar 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Breakfast is really good
Reviewed on 31 Mar 2026
YOTEL San Francisco
I’ll take the hit for not better preparing myself for the terrible parking situation. For those that haven’t been in downtown San Francisco in a while it’s as disgusting and urine filled as ever. I wasn’t excited about the $40 tourism charge upon check-in even though I had prepaid on Expedia. And ...
Reviewed on 30 Mar 2026
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Tired and old property neglect of maintenance, upkeep ,functionality and quality of a Hilton standards one would expect
Reviewed on 31 Mar 2026
Hilton San Francisco Union Square
The restroom door handle was broken and we were not able to close and lock the door. Same for toilet paper handle. WiFi works only first day.
Reviewed on 31 Mar 2026
Check Downtown San Mateo hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown San Mateo
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.
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.
