The Best Things To Do And See In San Mateo, California

Nestled in the bayside area of San Mateo, Coyote Point serves as the perfect outdoor getaway for families and groups of friends alike. With large amounts of picnic tables you can reserve, Coyote Point is a great barbecue spot on a sunny weekend. There are also five walking trails you can venture on to get great views of the bay and to see the San Francisco skyline from a different perspective. With great beach access located on the bayside, there is a great opportunity to participate in various water sports. The most popular in Coyote Point is windsurfing, which also makes for great people-watching if you don’t feel too adventurous.

Coyote Point, 1701 Coyote Point Dr, San Mateo, CA, USA

While the San Francisco Japanese Garden gets all the attention, the San Mateo Japanese Garden does not disappoint. Unlike the one located in San Francisco, the one in San Mateo is free of charge. Along with that, the crowds are less populated, thus giving you a more intimate experience with the beautiful scenery.

San Mateo Japanese Garden, San Mateo, CA, USA

Located within the Crystal Springs Regional Trail, Sawyer Camp Trail is the most well-known and used segment. Spanning 12 miles along the San Andreas Fault, this trail is incredibly beautiful and a breath of fresh air among the heavily populated cities. Whether it’s a bike ride, hike, or a simple walk along the path, Sawyer Camp Trail provides a stellar backdrop to enjoy the outdoors. Make sure to be on the lookout for Jepson Laurel, the oldest and largest Laurel tree aged at about 600 years old.

Sawyer Camp Trail, Skyline Blvd & Crystal Springs Rd, San Mateo, CA, USA

Tucked inside Coyote Point is CuriOdyssey, an interactive science and wildlife center whose focus is on children and families. This is a great daytime activity with the family or a birthday party for a group of kids. Most of the animals are native to California and are there because, in their current condition, they would not survive in the wild. With constantly new and rotating exhibits, events, and activities, be sure to check out the website for something that catches your eye.

CuriOdyssey, 1651 Coyote Point Dr, San Mateo, CA, USA, +1 650 342 7755

Whether you want to have a picnic, give your kids free reign to roam around the park, or go on a scenic hike, Laurelwood Park should be your go-to. Located at the bottom of Sugarloaf Mountain, Laurelwood is a serene 200-acre park that serves as a perfect Saturday or Sunday outdoor oasis. With several trails leading into Sugarloaf Mountain, it is a great basecamp to explore the hills of San Mateo. Not to mention the views atop Sugarloaf Mountain offer some of the best panoramic views of the Bay Area skyline.

Sunny weather usually beckons all forms of outdoor activities. With that, bicycle rides are the perfect way to spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon. Every Sunday from 9am to 3pm, the San Mateo Parks Department offers ‘Bicycle Sunday.’ That means they close Canada Road between the Fioli Entrance and Highway 92, allowing for non-motorized activities. So not only does this gives bike riders a chance for the open road, but it also allows for jogging, roller-skating, and walking.

Bicycle Sunday, San Mateo, CA, USA

Similar to the Palace of Fine Arts, Pulgas Water Temple offers a less-crowded version of a water temple. Located in San Mateo County near Canada Road, this engineering marvel was built as a monument to commemorate the Hetch Hetchy Project. With a beautiful reflecting pool and great views of the Crystal Springs wilderness sprawling in the background, the Pulgas Water Temple is a great way to spend a couple of hours outside of San Francisco.

Pulgas Water Temple, 56 Cañada Road, Redwood City, CA, USA