20 Fun Things To Do In San Mateo, California
San Mateo is a city located in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, known for its diverse array of activities and attractions. Some fun things to do in San Mateo include visiting the San Mateo County History Museum, which features exhibits on the local history and culture of the area, as well as the Coyote Point Recreation Area, which offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking. Additionally, the San Mateo Japanese Garden is a beautiful and peaceful spot to take a stroll and admire the gardens and koi ponds. The Hillsdale Shopping Center is a great place for shopping, dining and entertainment. With a variety of stores and restaurants, it’s a perfect place to spend a day. Central Park is a great place for a family picnic, sports activities, and a playground for children. In this article, we will explore 20 exciting activities In San Mateo
20 Fun Things To Do In San Mateo
1. Visit the Japanese Garden at the San Mateo Central Park
The Japanese Garden at the San Mateo Central Park is a beautiful and serene garden that is designed to reflect the traditional Japanese gardens of the Edo period. The garden features a traditional tea house, a koi pond, a Zen garden, and a variety of Japanese plants and trees. The garden is a great place to relax and enjoy nature, and it is also a popular spot for photography and picnics. The garden is open to visitors year-round and admission is free.
Address: 50 E 5th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, United States
2. Take a stroll to San Mateo Arboretum
The San Mateo Arboretum is a botanical garden located within Central Park in San Mateo, California. The arboretum is home to a wide variety of plants, including many species of trees, shrubs, and flowers that are native to California. The arboretum also features a number of walking trails, a pond, and a stream, which provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area. The arboretum also offers educational programs and classes for visitors of all ages, including guided tours, workshops and lectures. The arboretum is open year-round, and admission is free.
Address: 101 9th Ave (Located-Central Park, San Mateo, CA 94401, United States
3. Visit the CuriOdyssey Science and Wildlife Center
CuriOdyssey is a science and wildlife centre located in San Mateo, California. The centre features a variety of interactive exhibits and educational programs that focus on the natural sciences and wildlife. Visitors can explore the centre’s live animal exhibits, which include animals such as snakes, lizards, birds, and mammals.
The centre also features a variety of hands-on exhibits that cover topics such as physics, chemistry, and biology. Additionally, CuriOdyssey offers a number of educational programs, including classes, camps, and workshops for visitors of all ages. The centre is open year-round, and admission fees vary depending on age and membership status.
Address: 1651 Coyote Point Dr, San Mateo, CA 94401, United States
4. Go shopping at the Hillsdale Shopping Center
The Hillsdale Shopping Center is a large shopping mall located in San Mateo, California. The mall features a wide variety of stores, including department stores such as Nordstrom and Macy’s, as well as a number of specialty stores, restaurants, and cafes. The mall also features a number of popular retailers such as H&M, Zara, Sephora, and Apple Store. The mall is known for its wide selection of merchandise and its convenient location. It also has a variety of events and activities throughout the year, such as holiday celebrations and live entertainment. The mall is open seven days a week, with varying hours depending on the store.
Address: 60 31st Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403, United States
5. Take a stroll along the Coyote Point Recreational Area
Coyote Point Recreational Area is a large park located in San Mateo, California. The park features a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. The park also features a number of picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields. The park is home to the Coyote Point Museum for Environmental Education, which has interactive exhibits that explore the natural history of the area and the impact of human activity on the environment. The park also has a large marina with a variety of water sports and fishing opportunities, and the park has a large playground for kids. It also has a number of picnic areas and places to BBQ, making it an ideal spot for family gatherings. Coyote Point Recreational Area is open year-round, and admission is free.
Address: 1701 Coyote Point Dr, San Mateo, CA 94401, United States
6. Get Entertained at San Mateo County Event Center
The San Mateo County Event Center is a multi-purpose event facility located in San Mateo, California. The centre hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, including trade shows, conventions, conferences, and public events. The centre features a number of large exhibition halls, meeting rooms, and outdoor spaces that can accommodate events of all sizes. The centre is equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual and lighting systems, and offers a variety of services such as catering, parking, and security. The centre is also home to the San Mateo County Fair, which is held annually and features live entertainment, carnival rides, and food vendors. The centre is open year-round, and event schedules vary depending on the time of year.
Address: 1346 Saratoga Dr, San Mateo, CA 94403, United States
7. Go to the San Mateo Farmers Market
The San Mateo Farmers Market is a weekly outdoor market featuring locally grown fruits, vegetables, flowers, and artisanal food products. The market is a great place to find fresh, seasonal produce and to support local farmers and food producers. The market also features a variety of food vendors selling items such as baked goods, cheese, honey, and prepared foods. The market is a great place to find unique, high-quality products, and it is a popular destination for foodies and families. The market is held on Sundays and sometimes on Saturdays, depending on the location. The market is open year-round, and admission is free.
Address: 1700 W Hillsdale Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94402, United States
8. Visit the San Mateo Public Library
The San Mateo Public Library is the main library of the San Mateo County Libraries system located in San Mateo, California. It offers a wide range of services and resources to the community, including books, periodicals, newspapers, audiobooks, e-books, and other digital media. The library also offers free internet access and computer use, as well as classes and programs for children and adults. The library has a number of meeting rooms available for public use, and it offers various services such as printing, scanning, and faxing. The library also hosts various events and activities such as author visits, book clubs, and children’s storytime. The library is open to all residents of San Mateo County and usually has extended hours of operation during the weekdays, with reduced hours on weekends.
Address: 205 W Hillsdale Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94403, United States
9. Visit Ryder Park
Ryder Park is a public park located in San Mateo, California. The park features a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, picnicking, and playgrounds. The park also features a number of sports fields, including baseball and soccer fields. The park is also home to the San Mateo Arboretum, which features a wide variety of plants, including many species of trees, shrubs, and flowers that are native to California. The park also features a number of walking trails, a pond, and a stream, which provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area. The park is open year-round, and admission is free.
Address: 1801 J Hart Clinton Dr, San Mateo, CA 94401, United States
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10. Enjoy the Outdoor SpaceLaurelwood Park
Laurelwood Park is a public park located in San Mateo, California. It offers a variety of recreational activities such as playgrounds, picnic areas, and sport fields. It also has a large playground for kids and a number of picnic areas and places to BBQ, making it an ideal spot for family gatherings. The park also features a number of hiking and biking trails that wind through the park’s natural beauty. Additionally, the park has a large lake with a fishing dock and a small lake with a stream running through it, which makes it a popular spot for visitors to relax and enjoy nature. It is open year-round and admission is free.
Address: 3471 Glendora Dr, San Mateo, CA 94403, United States
11. Visit the College of San Mateo
The College of San Mateo (CSM) is a community college located in San Mateo, California. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including associate’s degrees, certificate programs, and transfer programs to four-year universities. The college is known for its strong academic programs and its commitment to student success. CSM offers a diverse range of programs in fields such as business, engineering, health, and social sciences. The college also has a number of support services to help students achieve their academic goals, including tutoring, counselling, and career services. The college is open to students of all ages and backgrounds and has an open-door admissions policy.
Address: 1700 W Hillsdale Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94402, United States
12. Visit the Hillsdale Caltrain Station and take a scenic train ride
The Hillsdale Caltrain Station is a commuter rail station located in San Mateo, California. It is a stop on the Caltrain line, which runs between San Francisco and San Jose. The station is a popular transportation option for commuters and travellers, providing access to destinations throughout the Bay Area. The station features a number of amenities such as parking, bike storage, and electronic ticketing. The station also provides easy access to the Hillsdale Shopping Center, which is a large shopping mall located in the area. Passengers can also take the scenic train ride from Hillsdale station to many destinations, like San Francisco or San Jose. The station is open year-round and the train schedule varies depending on the time of day and day of the week.
Address: 50 E 28th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403, United States
13. Visit the San Mateo Art Supply
San Mateo Art Supply is a retail store that specializes in art supplies and materials for artists of all skill levels. They carry a wide range of supplies including paints, brushes, canvases, papers, and other art materials. They also carry art books, instructional videos, and other resources to help inspire and educate artists. They may also offer workshops, classes, and other educational opportunities to help artists develop their skills. They may also carry a variety of art-related gifts and home decor items. The store is open year-round, and the hours of operation vary depending on the day of the week.
Address: 3600 S El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94403, United States
14. Catch up with dome picnic experience at Indian Springs Park
Indian Springs Park is a public park located in San Mateo, California. The park features a playground, picnic areas, and sports fields. It also has a large playground for kids and a number of picnic areas and places to BBQ, making it an ideal spot for family gatherings. The park also features a number of hiking and biking trails that wind through the park’s natural beauty.
Additionally, the park has a large lake with a fishing dock and a small lake with a stream running through it, which makes it a popular spot for visitors to relax and enjoy nature. The park also has a community centre that hosts a variety of programs and events for the community. It is open year-round and admission is free.
Address: 313 W 39th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403, United States
15. Enjoy the City’s Best Coffee at Neal’s Coffee Shop
Neal’s Coffee Shop is a cafe/coffee shop located in San Mateo, California. The shop is known for its friendly atmosphere and good coffee. They serve a variety of coffee drinks, teas, and pastries. Neal’s Coffee Shop also serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch. They have a wide selection of sandwiches, salads, and soups that are made with fresh and high-quality ingredients. They also offer free Wi-Fi for customers. They also have a cosy and comfortable seating area. The hours of operation and the menu may vary, so please check with the specific location before visiting.
Address: 114 De Anza Boulevard, San Mateo, CA 94402, United States
16. Enjoy Your Favorite Beer at Wursthall
Wursthall is a German-inspired restaurant and beer hall located in San Mateo, California. It serves a variety of traditional German sausages, sandwiches and sides, as well as a selection of German beers and other beverages. The menu also includes a variety of appetisers, salads and sides. The restaurant has a casual and lively atmosphere, with communal seating and a large bar area. They also have outdoor seating for customers to enjoy nice weather. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and the hours may vary depending on the day of the week.
Address: 310 Baldwin Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401, United States
17. Catch up with some pilgrimage tours at Beresford Park & Recreation Center
Beresford Park & Recreation Center is a public park and recreation centre located in San Mateo, California. The park features a variety of recreational activities, including playgrounds, sports fields, and a swimming pool. The recreation centre has a gymnasium and a fitness room, as well as a variety of classes and programs for people of all ages and abilities. The park also has a community centre that hosts a variety of programs and events for the community. It also has a number of picnic areas and places to BBQ, making it an ideal spot for family gatherings. The park and recreation centre are open year-round, and admission is free.
Address: 2720 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo, CA 94403, United States
18. Grab a Bottle of Beer at Swingin’ Door
The Swingin’ Door is a bar and restaurant located in Bay Meadows, San Mateo, California. The establishment is known for its extensive selection of beers and whiskeys, as well as its casual atmosphere. The menu features American pub fare such as burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers. The Swingin’ Door is a popular spot for watching sports and enjoying live music.
Address: 106 E 25th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403, United States
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19. Play your Favourite Games at Hero Hangout VR Arcade
The Hero Hangout VR Arcade is a virtual reality arcade or gaming centre that offers customers the opportunity to play a variety of VR games and experiences. It may feature VR headsets, controllers, and other equipment to immerse players in a virtual world. The specific offerings and features of the Hero Hangout VR Arcade would depend on the specific location and owner.
Address: 37 E 4th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, United States
20. Enjoy different delicacies at FoodieLand Night Market
FoodieLand Night Market is an event that takes place in San Mateo, California. It is a gathering of street food vendors and food trucks, offering a wide variety of international cuisines and local specialties. The event often includes live music, cultural performances and other entertainment, and it is typically held on weekends in the evening. FoodieLand Night Market is a great place to try different foods, hang out with friends and family, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of a night market.
Address: 2701 S Delaware St, San Mateo, CA 94403, United States
Summary
In conclusion, San Mateo offers a wide range of fun and exciting activities for visitors and residents alike. From exploring the local history and culture at the San Mateo County History Museum, to enjoying the great outdoors at the Coyote Point Recreation Area, and shopping and dining at the Hillsdale Shopping Center. The San Mateo Japanese Garden is a beautiful and peaceful spot that showcases Japanese culture. Central Park is perfect for a family picnic, sports activities and playground for children. There’s something for everyone in San Mateo, making it a great destination for a weekend getaway or a day trip.
