Welcome to San Mateo
A coastal community with excellent healthcare and education systems close to San Francisco.
San Mateo is a city in Northern California on the San Francisco Peninsula. It is in the heart of Silicon Valley, approximately 20 miles south of San Francisco; and approximately 30 miles north of San Jose. It is world-renowned for its mild climate with outdoor recreation opportunities available year-round.
San Mateo has a vibrant history going back more than 100 years and has been a place of innovation since it became a city more than a century ago. It is one of the many Bay Area communities to become a city-sized community in the early 20th century. It is also home to several technology companies and has excellent healthcare and education systems. San Mateo residents enjoy an outstanding quality of life and take great pride in community residents, businesses, and events.
The city is in the San Francisco Bay Area region of northern California and is part of the Peninsula and South Bay regions. San Mateo is bordered by the cities of Belmont, Highlands-Baywood Park, Burlingame, and Redwood Shores. It is a coastal city noted for its liberal and artsy lifestyle, seaside location, and relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. San Mateo is a popular area for hiking and biking and is home to thousands of techies.
What to Love
- Community pride and local events
- Excellent healthcare and education systems
- Close to San Francisco and other thriving areas
- Upscale shopping and dining
Local Lifestyle
San Mateo is a city with a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant social life surrounded by magnificent natural beauty. San Mateo is known for its arts and cultural heritage, natural environment, colorful and lively atmosphere, and
people who value the arts and their community.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
San Mateo has incredible views and exciting attractions in the region. If you're looking for a laid-back and relaxing getaway, San Mateo is the place for you. If you're planning an adventure, San Mateo has plenty to offer. Sushi Yoshizumi is a small sushi bar that serves quality ingredients on a chef’s choice menu. Fieldwork Brewing Company is a beer garden and brewpub that serves a range of house beers and small plates in an industrial dining space.
Hillsdale Shopping Center offers shopping, dining, and entertainment, including an escape room, cinema, virtual experience room, and bowling. There are high-end stores like Ethan Allen, Lululemon, Michael Kors, Nordstrom, and more at Hilldale. Draeger’s Market is an upscale grocery store that provides fresh produce and meat, delivers, and has a cooking school.
Things to Do
San Mateo is an ideal community to find indoor and outdoor activities and attractions. Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival is an annual event with live music and entertainment, family activities, local food and drink, and fun events like a pumpkin weigh-off. The San Mateo County Fair is a popular yearly event that offers rides, art and competitive exhibits, concerts and live entertainment, food, and more.
Coyote Point Recreation Area is more than 600 acres and has many amenities, including a large castle-themed playscape, picnic tables, and beach access for swimming and water activities. Seal Point Park is a waterfront park that offers swimming, windsurfing, a dog park, and pathways for walking and biking.
Schools
San Mateo-Foster City School District strives to inspire lifelong learning and provide rigorous education emphasizing technology use. The district has 21 schools that serve more than 10,000 students in San Mateo and Foster City. There are also private schools in the area.