Top 10 Best Things to Do in San Mateo County
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Top 10 Best Things to Do in San Mateo County

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  • CA-1top_1
    󰺂6.4
    Monterey County94.3 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoCalifornia State Route 1 has been rated as a must-drive route
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜Parking & scenic views available
    󱓊Unique purple beach in the world
    󱨠Saved by 121 users󱨠126 positive reviews
    4.9/5
    生长在海边的果果生长在海边的果果

    The essence section is the section from San Francisco to Los Angeles, and it must be opened from San Francisco to Los Angeles, because the road on the right is facing the sea, this direction is open, and the scenery is beautiful. It is really the most beautiful road. We drove for 3 days, the first day from San Francisco to Monterey, the second day to Pismo Beach, the third day to Los Angeles, all the way to stop, while walking, playing, the sea view is invincible, a lot of flowers that have not been seen in China, really beautiful. The main attractions passing by are Half Moon Bay, Dove Point Lighthouse, Monterey Town, Carmel Town, 17 Mile Bay, Big Sur McVeigh Falls, Bixby River Bridge, Elephant Seal Beach, Pismo Beach, Solvan Danish Town, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica Beach, etc.

  • Silicon Valleytop_2
    󰺂6.1
    Mountain View30.8 km from downtown
    4.5/5
    云石雨云石雨

    Silicon Valley is the real source of innovation. You must come to see it when you come to California. Stanford University has beautiful scenery; Apple, Google, and many other high-tech companies; you can also visit the Computer Museum to see the birthplace of Silicon Valley.

  • Filoli Historic House & Gardentop_3
    󰺂6.1
    66.39
    San Mateo County9 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoFiloli's unforgettable holiday season | Nov 22, 2025-Jan 11, 2026
    4.8/5
    摩羯猫摩羯猫

    Filloli Manor can be briefly summarized in three points: Cultural value and activities Film and television and art: It has been used as a filming location for film and television works such as "Dynasty", attracting photographers and artists to create. ‌‌ ‌Public activities‌: Provide guided tours, natural hikes, weddings and art exhibitions; In 2013, it was selected as the second place in the "Top Ten Most Beautiful Gardens in North America". ‌‌ ‌International significance‌: On November 15, 2023, the heads of state of China and the United States held a meeting here, becoming a landmark place in diplomatic history.

  • Half Moon Bay State Beach
    4
    󰺂5.7
    Half Moon Bay6.9 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in San Mateo County
    󱨠30% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    生长在海边的果果生长在海边的果果

    Starting from San Francisco and driving along California Highway 1 towards Los Angeles, the first attraction I passed by was so beautiful. There were picnic tables, and the rose-red flowers blooming on the beach were very beautiful. Parking was also very convenient. It was April when I went there and it was not open to swim in the sea. There were not many people on the beach, it was very clean, the sand was very fine, there were no various charges and vendors' stalls like on domestic beaches, it felt very quiet

  • Pigeon Point Lighthouse
    5
    󰺂4.8
    San Mateo County27.9 km from downtown
    4.7/5
    生长在海边的果果生长在海边的果果

    This scenic spot along California Highway 1 is a must-see, it's very photogenic. In addition to the lighthouse and the small house below, the beach boardwalks on both sides are also very beautiful, don't ignore them. Go to the beach at the end of April to see the flowers in full bloom, which is extremely beautiful, not to mention taking pictures. Parking is easy, but the condition of the simple toilet is too poor, try to avoid using the toilet here.

  • San Francisco Bay
    6
    󰺂4.3
    Brisbane29.7 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoSan Francisco's Golden Gate Bay Cruise: Bridge to Bridge Adventure
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Night Attractions in San Mateo County
    Highlights:
    󱓊Blend of natural beauty & cityscape
    󰋄San Francisco Bay & world-class views
    󱨠36% positive reviews
    4.8/5
    菩提树下的笔墨菩提树下的笔墨

    The San Francisco Bay Area is highly recommended for travel. Fisherman's Wharf, Lombard Street, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the Golden Gate Bridge are all bustling with tourists, but the surrounding towns are also beautiful and cozy. Sausalito, Oakland, Silicon Valley, San Jose, and other small towns are also charming and picturesque, with picturesque seaside scenery! They're definitely worth a visit!

Best things to do in San Mateo County (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in San Mateo County? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, San Mateo County offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in San Mateo County

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full San Mateo County experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

CA-1

• Monterey County | 94.3 km from downtown

• : Parking & scenic views available,Unique purple beach in the world

Silicon Valley

• Mountain View | 30.8 km from downtown

Filoli Historic House & Garden

• San Mateo County | 9 km from downtown

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near San Mateo County

If you want to explore attractions just outside San Mateo County, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of San Mateo County, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in San Mateo County special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in San Mateo County

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in San Mateo County

Ready to explore the best of San Mateo County? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in San Mateo County?
These are all Best Things to Do in San Mateo County:CA-1, Silicon Valley, Filoli Historic House & Garden, Half Moon Bay State Beach, Pigeon Point Lighthouse
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in San Mateo County?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in San Mateo County include:CA-1:4.9, Silicon Valley:4.5, Filoli Historic House & Garden:4.8, Half Moon Bay State Beach:4.7, Pigeon Point Lighthouse:4.7
At what locations in San Mateo County can Best Things to Do in San Mateo County be found?
The Best Things to Do in San Mateo County are mainly located in:CA-1:Monterey County, Silicon Valley:Mountain View, Filoli Historic House & Garden:San Mateo County, Half Moon Bay State Beach:Half Moon Bay, Pigeon Point Lighthouse:San Mateo County
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