Downtown San Mateo Travel Guide
San Francisco
Visit Downtown San Mateo
Popular places to visit
Central Park
Central Park is just one of the places to see in San Mateo, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
Moscone Convention Center
During your trip, find out what's happening in Moscone Convention Center, a top convention centre in San Francisco. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this vibrant area.
Golden Gate Bridge
Cars trundle across it and ships sail under it, but the best way to experience this iconic bridge is on foot.
Pier 39
This waterfront attraction offers thrilling rides, innovative street performers and colorful souvenir shops, but it’s the sea lions that win the day.
Oracle Park
Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.
Alcatraz Island
Escape to “The Rock,” home of the infamous and abandoned island prison, and discover how it earned a reputation as a cold and unforgiving place.
Things to do
Napa, Sonoma and Exclusive Battery Spencer Small Group Wine Tasting Tour
2hr. SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay
Half Moon Bay Family Friendly Guided E-bike Tour
Half Moon Bay Guided E-Bike Tour
San Francisco to Zion, Bryce, and Grand Canyon 4 Day Tour
Redwood&Crater Lake National Park&Oregon 3-Day Tour from San Francisco
Top hotels in Downtown San Mateo
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Clean room
Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Excellent! We highly recommend the Hotel.
Reviewed on 13 Feb 2026
Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown
Clean room and friendly, courteous staff!
Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Great
Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026
Comfort Inn by the Bay
Great location and decent parking price. Parking lot very tight. Good breakfast spread.
Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Large spot on floor, wall dirty or scuffed up, very far from elevator for being an accessible room.
Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown San Mateo
Excelsior
Though Excelsior may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Cow Palace and San Bruno Mountain.
Noe Valley
Appreciated for its churches and architecture, you might consider exploring Noe Valley. Check out the variety of things to see and do like 22nd St Hill, and jump on the metro at Church St & Clipper St Stop or Church St & 24th St Stop to get around the city.
Mission District
You might enjoy the bars while in Mission District. SF Armory is a notable sight, and you can get around town at 16th Street Mission Station or 24th Street Mission Station to see more of the city.
South of Market
Gourmet restaurants great entertainment and top sights from Oracle Park to SOMA Pilipinas – discover South of Market, a destination also famous for its shopping.
South Park
Oracle Park and Brannan Street Wharf are a few top attractions in South Park. Hop around the city on the metro at 2nd & King Station or Fourth-Brannan Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.
Downtown San Francisco
Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Francisco. Top attractions like Oracle Park and Warfield Theatre are major draws. Catch the metro at Market St & 5th St Stop or Market St & Taylor St Stop to see more of the city.
