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.
Oracle Park
Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.
Golden Gate Bridge
Arguably the most famous and enduring icon of San Francisco which you can drive along or even explore on foot.
Pier 39
Enjoy the street entertainment, the souvenir shops and the rides at this waterside attraction, where you can see sea lions playing.
Golden Gate Park
Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere among the trees and wildlife here at San Francisco's much-loved park.
Moscone Convention Center
During your trip, find out what's happening in Moscone Convention Center, a top convention centre in San Francisco. Discover the acclaimed art galleries and notable monuments in this vibrant area.
Top hotels in Downtown San Mateo
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
The hotel is very central to restaurants, the Big Bus tours, and cable cars. Also a mile or two from the Marketplace, chinatown, bay cruises and lots more.
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Great area , the bed wasn ’t very comfortable and the bathroom counters weren’t completely cleaned
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Clean rooms. Staff was friendly. The only down fall was the really small bathrooms and the 60.00 a night garage parking. Other than that it was a very convenient place to stay with kids since its located close to the wharf.
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
YOTEL San Francisco
Yotel is an idea spot, especially if you are going to shows at Bill Graham Civic center! Suvch a quick walk! We also loved that Bay Wheels was right up front. We used the bikes to get all around the city and had a blast!
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
Hotel Julian
Clean room & staff was okay. Had 24 hour security which was nice. No valet parking like the website states, breakfast was not available & the restaurant was not open at all like it was advertised on the website either anytime i had a question in regards to either , staff had no answer.
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Embassy Hotel
This hotel was absolutely filthy and not up to code in my view. The elevator did not work, there were pipes showing everywhere. The room was unclean. Sheets, bedding, and carpet were so old they were tattered.
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Check Downtown San Mateo hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown San Mateo
Bernal Heights
Appreciated for its bars and architecture, you might consider exploring Bernal Heights. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Esmeralda Slide Park, and jump on the metro at 30th St & Dolores St Stop or San Jose Ave & Randall St Stop to get around the city.
Potrero Hill
The live music and architecture are just a few things visitors like about Potrero Hill. San Francisco Bay and Museum of Craft & Design are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at 20th Street Station or 23rd Street Station to get around the larger area.
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. SOMA Pilipinas 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.
