See what other travelers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings. Book these experiences for a closer look at the region. These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data —we consider traveler reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location. 1. The San Mateo Japanese Garden. San Mateo[a] is the most populous city in San Mateo County, California, United States, on the San Francisco Peninsula. It is part of the San Francisco Bay Area metropolitan region, and is located about 20 miles (32 km) south of San Francisco. Located in San Mateo just off California Highway 101, Hillsdale Shopping Center is a large shopping venue that features more than 100 retailers. For those who’ve tired of the area’s historical and outdoor attractions, it’s a great place to relax, dine, and shop out of the elements. Don’t miss the koi ponds and pagoda at the park’s serene Japanese Garden, which is considered one of the finest in California. To experience the natural side of San Mateo, head over to the city’s stretch along San Francisco Bay. Get directions, maps, and traffic for San Mateo, CA. Check flight prices and hotel availability for your visit. There are a lot of cool things to do in San Mateo, from visiting parks to checking out historical sights and everything in between. Driving from San Francisco to San Jose, you’ll pass by the charming city of San Mateo. Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. Best of San Mateo: Find must-see tourist attractions and things to do in San Mateo, California. Yelp helps you discover popular restaurants, hotels, tours, shopping, and nightlife for your vacation. San Mateo County is included in the San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA MSA (metropolitan statistical area), Silicon Valley, and is part of the San Francisco Bay Area, the nine counties bordering San Francisco Bay. Find information about candidates and measures, how to register to vote, check voter status, or learn about how to vote. This November, voters will elect Council Members for Districts 1, 3, and 5, and decide on two citywide ballot measures.