Things to do in San Mateo

    Discover amazing San Mateo activities and premium in-home experiences.

    San Mateo is a vibrant city where innovation meets natural beauty, seamlessly blending Silicon Valley’s dynamic energy with picturesque parks and charming neighborhoods. From the bustling downtown filled with diverse eateries to leisurely strolls through Central Park's verdant landscapes, San Mateo offers a perfect balance of urban sophistication and tranquil retreat for visitors seeking both excitement and relaxation.

    Popular Activities in San Mateo

    Foster City Lagoon Private Electric Boat Tour with Driver

    Relax on a 2-hour cruise as a licensed skipper navigates Foster City Lagoon

    4.8 100 reviews
    $799/ boat

    Fogcutter San Francisco Small-Group City Tour

    Explore top landmarks and neighborhoods in 4 hours with a local guide.

    5.0 115 reviews
    $70/ person

    Fogcutter San Francisco Small Group City Tour With Alcatraz

    See top San Francisco sights in a small group and visit Alcatraz with ferry and cellhouse audio tour included

    5.0 115 reviews
    $70/ person

    Muir Woods and Sausalito Half-Day Tour

    Walk among ancient redwoods and enjoy Sausalito’s waterfront on a convenient half-day escape

    4.7 601 reviews
    $65/ person

    Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour with Muir Woods & Sausalito

    Pedal across the Golden Gate Bridge, explore Sausalito, and visit Muir Woods in one guided day

    4.7 601 reviews
    $155/ person

    Alcatraz Day Tour and Aquarium Plus Muir Woods and Sonoma Wine

    Experience Alcatraz and the Aquarium, then wander redwoods and savor Sonoma and Napa wines over two days

    4.7 601 reviews
    $205/ person

    Alcatraz Night Tour, Aquarium, Muir Woods and Sonoma Wine

    Experience Alcatraz at night, explore the Aquarium, and enjoy redwoods and curated wine tastings over two days

    4.7 601 reviews
    $210/ person

    Alcatraz Day Tour and San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise

    Visit Alcatraz by day and unwind on a scenic sunset cruise around San Francisco Bay

    4.7 601 reviews
    $70/ person

    Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tour

    Experience the South Rim on a guided motorcoach tour with three scenic viewpoints

    4.7 601 reviews
    $127/ person

    Monterey Bus Tour With Carmel-by-the-Sea

    See Highway 1 coastal highlights: Cannery Row, 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, and Carmel aboard a luxury motor coach

    4.7 601 reviews
    $110/ person

    Silicon Valley Tech Tour

    Visit Apple, Google, and the Computer History Museum with extended Silicon Valley stops

    4.7 601 reviews
    $1,911

    Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Tour from San Francisco

    Experience Yosemite Valley and hike to Tuolumne Grove with a professional guide

    4.7 601 reviews
    $150/ person

    Alcatraz and Aquarium with Yosemite Day Tour

    Discover Alcatraz, Aquarium of the Bay, and Yosemite in two days with guided touring and free time to explore

    4.7 601 reviews
    $215/ person

    Aquarium, Alcatraz Night Tour, and Yosemite Day Trip

    Experience Aquarium of the Bay, Alcatraz at night, and a guided Yosemite day trip

    4.7 601 reviews
    $220/ person

    Yosemite Day Tour from San Francisco

    Explore Yosemite’s waterfalls, cliffs, and meadows with a professional guide on a day trip from San Francisco

    4.7 601 reviews
    $150/ person

    Mystical Insights Private Divination Experience

    Gain clarity with a private tarot or astrology reading in an immersive art space

    4.8 185 reviews

    Indoor Tour: Into the Rabbit Hole

    Explore the Ultimate Weird House in San Francisco

    4.8 185 reviews
    $87/ person

    Bespoke San Francisco Experience

    Let us design your perfect San Francisco adventure - on your schedule!

    5.0 25 reviews

    Private San Francisco City Tour by Electric Van

    Design your ideal San Francisco route in a private electric van with a dedicated local guide.

    5.0 25 reviews

    San Francisco City Tour

    Explore the heart of San Francisco with our expert guide!

    5.0 25 reviews
    $80/ person

    Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Private Tour

    See Yosemite highlights on a private day trip with pickup in San Francisco

    5.0 8 reviews
    $1,200

    1-Hour Kayak or SUP Rental at Jack London Square

    Explore the Oakland Estuary at your own pace with a 1-hour self-guided rental

    4.5 58 reviews
    $23/ craft

    2-Hour Kayak and SUP Rental at Jack London Square

    Paddle the Oakland Estuary on a self-guided outing with gear included

    4.5 58 reviews
    $35/ craft

    3-Hour Kayak or SUP Rental in Jack London Square

    Paddle the Oakland Estuary with gear included on a flexible self-guided rental

    4.5 58 reviews
    $58/ craft

    Haight-Ashbury Food Walking Tour

    Savor five tastings as a local guide reveals Haight-Ashbury's counterculture and street art

    5.0 18 reviews
    $80/ person

    Mission and Castro Food Walking Tour in San Francisco

    Taste five local bites while exploring Castro and Mission history with a local guide

    5.0 18 reviews
    $80/ person

    Chinatown Dim Sum & Tea Tour in San Francisco

    Sample authentic dim sum, teas, and local secrets on a 3-hour guided exploration of San Francisco's Chinatown.

    4.8 327 reviews
    $42/ person

    North Beach and Little Italy Food Tour

    Taste classic North Beach flavors on a leisurely 7–8 block stroll with all food and drinks included

    4.8 327 reviews
    $42/ person

    Chinatown and North Beach Little Italy Walking Tour

    Sample dim sum, see fortune cookies made, and explore Beat hangouts on a relaxed neighborhood stroll

    4.8 327 reviews
    $53/ person

    North Beach to Golden Gate Bridge E-Bike Tour

    Glide on premium e-bikes with a local guide to SF's iconic sights from North Beach to the Golden Gate

    5.0 46 reviews

    Golden Gate Bridge Electric Bike to Sausalito

    Ride across the Golden Gate Bridge with an easy-to-use electric bike and explore Sausalito

    4.6 22 reviews
    $85/ bike

    Alcatraz Island Tour with Ferry & Audio Guide

    Secure your entry to Alcatraz with ferry transport and audio guide included

    4.6 22 reviews
    $51/ person

    Muir Woods & Wine Country Day Tour from SF

    Savor California wines and stroll ancient redwoods on an all-day excursion from San Francisco.

    4.6 22 reviews
    $122/ person

    Golden Gate Bridge Bike Rental with Map & Helmet

    Ride across the Golden Gate Bridge with helmet, lock, and map included

    4.6 22 reviews
    $30/ bike

    Alcatraz Island Experience + San Francisco Adventure Upgrade

    Go inside Alcatraz with ferry, audio tour, and your choice of bike rental, hop-on hop-off bus, or Bay Cruise

    4.6 22 reviews
    $134/ person

    Escape From the Rock Alcatraz Cruise

    Cruise under the Golden Gate and around Alcatraz with gripping escape stories

    4.6 22 reviews
    $38/ person

    Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour from Fisherman's Wharf

    See towering redwoods, Golden Gate views, and a Sausalito stop on a 4.5-hour trip

    4.6 22 reviews
    $73/ person

    San Francisco Bay Cruise with Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz

    Sail under the Golden Gate Bridge and circle Alcatraz on a flexible 60-minute bay cruise.

    4.6 22 reviews
    $30/ person

    San Francisco Night Tour by Open-Top Bus

    See San Francisco's skyline on a 1-hour open-top night tour with Bay Bridge crossing and a Treasure Island photo stop

    4.6 22 reviews
    $42/ person

    San Francisco Bike Rentals with Maps & Gear

    Ride high-quality bikes to the Golden Gate Bridge and beyond, with gear and maps included

    4.3 195 reviews
    $26/ bike

    Explore the Charm of San Mateo

    San Mateo offers a delightful blend of urban convenience and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking variety. Known for its vibrant downtown area, you can stroll along Third Avenue to discover unique boutiques, cozy cafes, and local eateries that reflect the diverse culinary scene. The city is also home to Central Park with its Japanese Tea Garden—a serene spot perfect for relaxation or a leisurely afternoon picnic.

    Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to love in San Mateo as well. A short drive takes you to Coyote Point Recreation Area where outdoor activities abound. Whether you're hiking scenic trails or enjoying water sports on the bay's edge, this park provides stunning views and fresh air aplenty. Nearby Sawyer Camp Trail is another favorite among locals; it's an inviting path through lush greenery that's great for walking or cycling.

    For those interested in history and culture, San Mateo boasts attractions like the historic Kohl Mansion and Filoli Estate—both offering glimpses into California’s storied past amidst beautiful gardens and architecture. With its mild climate year-round, every season brings something special here—from summer festivals celebrating arts and music to winter holiday markets brimming with festive cheer.

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