San Mateo Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Coyote Point Park featuring a garden
Coyote Point Park featuring cycling as well as a small group of people
Coyote Point Park showing sailing and general coastal views
Coyote Point Park showing sailing and a bay or harbour
Coyote Point Park which includes a garden

Where to stay in San Mateo

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North Central

While North Central isn't home to many top sights, Poplar Creek Golf Course and CuriOdyssey are some notable places to visit nearby.

North Central
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East San Mateo

If you're spending some time in East San Mateo, San Francisco Bay and Elmar Beach are top sights worth seeing.

East San Mateo
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Central San Mateo

If you're spending some time in Central San Mateo, The San Mateo Japanese Garden and Cinemark Century San Mateo 12 are top sights worth seeing.

Central San Mateo
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South San Mateo

While visiting South San Mateo, you might make a stop by sights like Hillsdale Shopping Center and San Mateo County Event Center.

South San Mateo
Coyote Point Park featuring a garden

Shoreview

3/5(5 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Shoreview, San Francisco Bay and Poplar Creek Golf Course are top sights worth seeing.

Shoreview
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Downtown San Mateo

If you're spending some time in Downtown San Mateo, Cinemark Century San Mateo 12 and The San Mateo Japanese Garden are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown San Mateo
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites San Mateo-San Francisco SFO by IHG

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites San Mateo-San Francisco SFO by IHG

3 out of 5
330 N Bayshore Blvd, San Mateo, CA
The price is AU$186 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
AU$186
6 Sept - 7 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Mateo. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites San Mateo-San Francisco SFO by IHG
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
The price is AU$283 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$283
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,721 reviews)
"Parking was expensive and limited."

Reviewed on 26 Aug. 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
The price is AU$214 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$214
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,446 reviews)
"Cl"

Reviewed on 27 Aug. 2025

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
See all 5,080 properties in San Mateo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mid Century Garden View Home Parking

Mid Century Garden View Home Parking

2 out of 5
1732 Royal Ave, San Mateo, CA
Book a stay at this business-friendly vacation home in San Mateo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions JoinVille Park and Central ...
Mid Century Garden View Home Parking
Coral Reef Inn & Suites

Coral Reef Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
400 Park St, Alameda, CA
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Alameda. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Stunning Alameda Beachfront Apt. Spectacular Dtown SF Views- Book Now on VRBO!

Stunning Alameda Beachfront Apt. Spectacular Dtown SF Views- Book Now on VRBO!

2 out of 5
Alameda
Stay at this apartment in Alameda. Enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions San Francisco Bay and Jack London ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
Great time
"Very nice condo, and breathtaking view of the SF bay."

Reviewed on 9 Aug. 2025

Stunning Alameda Beachfront Apt. Spectacular Dtown SF Views- Book Now on VRBO!
See all properties in San Mateo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Golden Gate Park which includes flowers and a garden

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 Park
Pier 39 showing a city, street scenes and signage

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!

Pier 39
Golden Gate Bridge which includes general coastal views, a suspension bridge or treetop walkway and night scenes

Golden Gate Bridge

This iconic bridge, with its distinctive burnished red colour, is probably one of the world’s most instantly recognisable landmarks.

Golden Gate Bridge
Oracle Park

Oracle Park

Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.

Oracle Park
Moscone Convention Center

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 shops in this vibrant area.

Moscone Convention Center
Alcatraz Island showing island views and a coastal town

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.

Alcatraz Island

Activities

Golden Gate Bridge at night

San Francisco Night Tour

AU$81
per adult
78% of travellers recommend
San Francisco Night Tour
Alcatraz San Francisco Bay Cruise with Night Option

Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise

AU$213
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
San Francisco GoCar Tour

GoCar San Francisco Tour

AU$152
per traveller
96% of travellers recommend
GoCar San Francisco Tour
California Academy of Sciences General Admission

California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission

AU$75
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission
San Francisco: Flyer Theater, 7D Ride & Laser Maze Combo

San Francisco: Flyer Theater, 7D Ride & Laser Maze Combo

AU$43
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
San Francisco: Flyer Theater, 7D Ride & Laser Maze Combo
San Francisco: Inside Alcatraz Tour with Bay Cruise

San Francisco: Inside Alcatraz Tour with Bay Cruise

AU$207
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
San Francisco: Inside Alcatraz Tour with Bay Cruise
See all activities in San Mateo

Cities near San Mateo

Redwood City which includes street scenes and a city

Redwood City

San Francisco

San Francisco