Destination guideCalifornia · United States
33 Things to Do in San Mateo (2026)
San Mateo, California, is situated on the San Francisco Peninsula and possesses a documented history beginning with the Ohlone people, who inhabited the region for several thousand years before European contact.
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Spanish explorers arrived in 1776, establishing an outpost of the Mission San Francisco de Asís near San Mateo Creek in 1793. Following the secularization of missions under Mexican rule in 1822, the land was divided into ranchos, including Rancho San Mateo and Rancho de las Pulgas.
- 33 spots
- 8 must-try dishes
- Researched October 2026
- 24 sources
Must-try in San Mateo8 dishes
Galbi Eggs BenedictAt Whisper
Sourdough and Pastries Where to order it in San Mateo
Ceremonial Grade Matcha Lattes Where to order it in San Mateo
Lanzhou Hand-Pulled Noodles Where to order it in San Mateo
Shengjian Bao (Pan-Fried Dumplings) Where to order it in San Mateo
Crepas Con Mariscos Where to order it in San Mateo
Beef Jjim Where to order it in San Mateo
Raspberry Chicken Salad Where to order it in San Mateo
The short answer
- The top things to do in San Mateo, from 24 sources researched October 2026, start with:
- CuriOdyssey (Shoreview)
- Coyote Point Recreation Area (Shoreview)
- Seal Point Park (Shoreview)
- Draper University (Downtown)
- Whisper (Downtown)
- 8 must-try dishes are on the map, each with the places to order them.
33 places worth your time in San Mateo
Things to see and do
CuriOdyssey
Why it’s on the map
A premier science center and wildlife zoo that offers immersive, hands-on exhibits designed to spark curiosity in natural phenomena.
1651 Coyote Point Dr, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
Coyote Point Recreation Area
Why it’s on the map
This expansive 670-acre regional park offers a diverse coastal experience along the San Francisco Bay.
1701 Coyote Point Dr, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
Seal Point Park
Why it’s on the map
A waterfront destination offering panoramic vistas across the San Francisco Bay, this park features a series of wind-swept trails and unique large-scale outdoor sculptures.
1901 J Hart Clinton Dr, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
Draper University
Why it’s on the map
Housed within the historic Benjamin Franklin Hotel building, this nine-and-a-half-story structure is a premier example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture in downtown San Mateo.
44 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
Garden · Downtown
University · Western Hills
Place to see · San Mateo County
History Museum · Centennial
Garden · Golden Gate Park
Post Office · Central San Mateo
Library · Baywood - Aragon
Non Profit Organization · San Carlos
Tourist Attraction · Downtown
Where to eat
See the full San Mateo food guide: where to eat and what to order.
Whisper
Why it’s on the map
Opened in early 2026, this modern Asian fusion venue occupies a sprawling 140-seat space and is led by a former Sweet Maple chef.
Try: Galbi Eggs Benedict
310 Baldwin Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
Mexican Restaurant · Downtown
Asian Grocery Store · Downtown
Tea House · Downtown
Korean Barbecue Restaurant · Downtown
Italian Restaurant · Downtown
Sushi Restaurant · Downtown
Coffee Shop · South San Mateo
Bakery · Downtown
Restaurant · East San Mateo
Ramen Restaurant · Downtown
Chinese Noodle Restaurant · North Central
Restaurant · Downtown
Brunch Restaurant · Downtown
Breakfast Restaurant · South San Mateo
Mediterranean Restaurant · South San Mateo
Vietnamese Restaurant · Downtown
Chinese Restaurant · North Central
Shops and markets
Shopping Mall · Sugarloaf
Clothing Store · Downtown
28 more places on the map
17 to eat · 9 to see and do · 2 to shop · 8 must-try dishes with where to order each
StartWhen is the best time to visit San Mateo?
- The best time to visit San Mateo is from September to October, when the coastal fog clears and temperatures are warmest, typically in the mid-70s. While the region enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate year-round, winter (December to February) brings the most rain and cooler evenings. Summer is the peak tourist season, but visiting during the spring or fall shoulder seasons offers a perfect balance of pleasant weather, lower hotel rates, and fewer crowds.
How do I get around San Mateo?
- Caltrain Commuter Rail This is the primary rail link connecting San Mateo to San Francisco and San Jose. The city has three stations (San Mateo, Hayward Park, and Hillsdale) with frequent service during peak hours and hourly service on weekends.
- SamTrans Bus System SamTrans provides extensive local bus coverage throughout the city and county. Key routes like the ECR run along El Camino Real, while Route 292 offers a direct connection between downtown San Mateo and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
- BART and Millbrae Transfer To reach San Mateo from further regions like the East Bay or SFO, travelers can take BART to the Millbrae Intermodal Station and transfer to a southbound Caltrain or a SamTrans bus for the final short leg of the journey.
What should I know before visiting San Mateo?
- Dress in layers to accommodate the microclimate, as temperatures often drop significantly once the coastal fog rolls in during the late afternoon.
- Expect a standard gratuity of 18-20% at sit-down restaurants, and note that many popular downtown spots do not take reservations on weekends.
- Utilize the Caltrain station for efficient travel to San Francisco or San Jose, but ensure you purchase and tag your Clipper card before boarding to avoid fines.
- Park in the multi-level public garages downtown rather than searching for street spots, as parking enforcement is strict and meters have short time limits.
- Observe pedestrian right-of-way at all times and use designated crosswalks, as the city is highly walkable but traffic can be heavy during commute hours.
What’s new in San Mateo in October 2026?
- Dine & Discover Downtown San Mateo: A city-wide culinary event extended through October 25, 2026, featuring check-ins for prizes at over 150 local eateries.
- Whisper: A newly popular Asian fusion brunch and dinner spot on Baldwin Avenue that recently replaced the former Wursthall space.
- Boos and Brews on B Street: An upcoming Halloween-themed festival on October 24, 2026, featuring trick-or-treating and live music on the downtown pedestrian mall.
- East Bay Card Show: A major collectibles event coming to the San Mateo County Event Center on October 24–25, 2026, with over 400 tables of sports and TCG cards.
Research receipt
How this San Mateo guide was researched
- Live web search, 14 of 14 research areas completed.
- Places verified against real place data — address, hours and coordinates come from the place record, not the article.
- Researched October 2026. A newer build for San Mateo replaces this page automatically.
Sources checked
Planning questions
What are the top things to do in San Mateo?
Start with CuriOdyssey, Coyote Point Recreation Area, Seal Point Park, Draper University, and Whisper: the places Varedelo's research (from 24 sources researched October 2026) puts first, each with its reason in the list on this page. All 33 places are pinned on the San Mateo map.