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

    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
    $85/ person

    Gregangelo Museum 360° Virtual Tour

    Explore nine immersive rooms online at your own pace from anywhere

    4.8 185 reviews
    $11/ ticket

    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
    $75/ 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

    USS Potomac Dockside Tour: Visit the Floating White House

    Explore FDR’s presidential yacht on a docent-led, one-hour dockside tour

    4.8 59 reviews
    $15/ person

    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
    Contact for pricing

    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
    $32/ 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
    $42/ person

    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
    $89/ bike

    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
    $115/ 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
    $36/ bike

    Alcatraz Tour with Ferry, Audio Tour and Bike, Bus or Bay Cruise

    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
    $25/ bike

    San Francisco Bike Rental with Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

    Combine a full-day bike rental with a 1–2 day bus pass to explore San Francisco your way

    4.3 195 reviews

    Cruise Around Alcatraz and Bike Across the Golden Gate Bridge

    Combine a bay cruise with a bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge

    4.3 195 reviews
    $73/ person

    Cruise Around Alcatraz and Under the Golden Gate Bridge

    Enjoy a 60-minute bay cruise with audio tour, valid for any departure time.

    4.6 498 reviews
    $28/ person

    Golden Gate Bridge Bike Rentals

    Ride across the Golden Gate with optional ferry return and gear included

    4.6 498 reviews
    $28/ bike

    San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour and Bike Rental

    1-day bus ticket plus 1-day bike rental to explore at your own pace

    4.6 498 reviews
    $84/ person

    Hop-On Hop-Off Open-Top Bus Tour of San Francisco

    Explore top sights at your own pace with 1- or 2-day unlimited hop-on, hop-off access

    4.6 498 reviews
    $61/ person

    Alcatraz & San Francisco Electric Bike Tour

    Experience Alcatraz Island then explore San Francisco neighborhoods by electric bike over two days

    4.5 2.8K reviews
    $249/ bike

    1 Day Hop-On-Hop-Off City Tour

    See iconic San Francisco sights at your pace with a 24-hour hop-on, hop-off pass

    4.5 2.8K reviews
    $69/ person

    Alcatraz and Full-Day Electric Bike Rental

    Visit Alcatraz and explore San Francisco with a full-day electric bike rental

    4.5 2.8K reviews

    Alcatraz & the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Tour

    Explore Alcatraz then bike across the Golden Gate to Sausalito over two days for a classic San Francisco experience.

    4.5 2.8K reviews

    2-Hour Bike Rental from Fisherman's Wharf

    Ride a well-maintained bike with maps and gear included for an easy city outing

    4.5 2.8K reviews
    $21/ bike

    All-Day Bike Rentals at Fisherman's Wharf

    Explore San Francisco all day with quality bikes, helmets, and maps included

    4.5 2.8K reviews
    $27/ bike

    Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Bike Tour

    Ride the waterfront and cross the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, with a ferry return option

    4.5 2.8K reviews
    $69/ bike

    Private California Sunset Tour

    Cross the Golden Gate at sunset with a private guide and all-day bike rental

    4.5 2.8K reviews
    $122/ person

    Private Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Bike Tour

    Ride with a private guide over the Golden Gate to Sausalito with a custom start time and all-day bike rental

    4.5 2.8K reviews
    $122/ person

    Private Golden Gate Park Tour

    See Golden Gate Park on a private tour with a dedicated guide and all-day bike rental

    4.5 2.8K reviews
    $122/ person

    Private Streets of San Francisco Tour

    Explore San Francisco's neighborhoods by e-bike on a private 4-hour tour

    4.5 2.8K reviews

    San Francisco City Tour in a VW Bug

    See San Francisco highlights in 2 hours aboard a VW Bug

    4.5 2.8K reviews
    $90/ person

    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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