In the mid-1800s, San Mateo was founded thanks to a stagecoach stop. Today, it's developed into a popular destination with countless opportunities for outdoor recreation.

San Mateo sits right between San Francisco and San Jose, near the San Francisco International Airport. The city’s temperate climate and convenient location make it the perfect place for exploring nature, history and culture in the surrounding area. Start out by visiting the center of San Mateo with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Here, you can get a feel for the city, as well as grab a direct train into San Francisco if you’d like to explore the different attractions and neighborhoods in San Fran. However, most visitors will find that there are plenty of things to do in San Mateo itself. For example, head to the Central Park and stroll around the beautiful Japanese Tea Garden. A trip to San Mateo wouldn’t be complete without paying a visit to the Coyote Point Park, where you can enjoy a day at the beach or hiking and cycling through the many available trails. Other places to enjoy nature include the San Andreas Lake, Rancho Corral de Tierra and San Francisco Bay Trail for walking and cycling. Visitors looking for a culture fix should check out the Peninsula Ballet Theater, Broadway by the Bay and San Mateo Performing Arts Center.