Top 10 Best Things to Do in San Mateo County
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Top 10 Best Things to Do in San Mateo County

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • CA-1top_1
    󰺂6.4
    Monterey County94.3 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoCalifornia State Route 1 has been rated as a must-drive route
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜Parking & scenic views available
    󱓊Unique purple beach in the world
    󱨠Saved by 119 users󱨠127 positive reviews
    4.9/5
    生长在海边的果果生长在海边的果果

    The essence section is the section from San Francisco to Los Angeles, and it must be opened from San Francisco to Los Angeles, because the road on the right is facing the sea, this direction is open, and the scenery is beautiful. It is really the most beautiful road. We drove for 3 days, the first day from San Francisco to Monterey, the second day to Pismo Beach, the third day to Los Angeles, all the way to stop, while walking, playing, the sea view is invincible, a lot of flowers that have not been seen in China, really beautiful. The main attractions passing by are Half Moon Bay, Dove Point Lighthouse, Monterey Town, Carmel Town, 17 Mile Bay, Big Sur McVeigh Falls, Bixby River Bridge, Elephant Seal Beach, Pismo Beach, Solvan Danish Town, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica Beach, etc.

  • Silicon Valleytop_2
    󰺂6.1
    Mountain View30.8 km from downtown
    4.5/5
    云石雨云石雨

    Silicon Valley is the real source of innovation. You must come to see it when you come to California. Stanford University has beautiful scenery; Apple, Google, and many other high-tech companies; you can also visit the Computer Museum to see the birthplace of Silicon Valley.

  • Filoli Historic House & Gardentop_3
    󰺂6.1
    371
    San Mateo County9 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoFiloli's unforgettable holiday season | Nov 22, 2025-Jan 11, 2026
    4.8/5
    摩羯猫摩羯猫

    Filloli Manor can be briefly summarized in three points: Cultural value and activities Film and television and art: It has been used as a filming location for film and television works such as "Dynasty", attracting photographers and artists to create. ‌‌ ‌Public activities‌: Provide guided tours, natural hikes, weddings and art exhibitions; In 2013, it was selected as the second place in the "Top Ten Most Beautiful Gardens in North America". ‌‌ ‌International significance‌: On November 15, 2023, the heads of state of China and the United States held a meeting here, becoming a landmark place in diplomatic history.

  • Half Moon Bay State Beach
    4
    󰺂5.7
    Half Moon Bay6.9 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in San Mateo County
    󱨠30% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    生长在海边的果果生长在海边的果果

    Starting from San Francisco and driving along California Highway 1 towards Los Angeles, the first attraction I passed by was so beautiful. There were picnic tables, and the rose-red flowers blooming on the beach were very beautiful. Parking was also very convenient. It was April when I went there and it was not open to swim in the sea. There were not many people on the beach, it was very clean, the sand was very fine, there were no various charges and vendors' stalls like on domestic beaches, it felt very quiet

  • Pigeon Point Lighthouse
    5
    󰺂4.8
    San Mateo County27.9 km from downtown
    4.6/5
    生长在海边的果果生长在海边的果果

    This scenic spot along California Highway 1 is a must-see, it's very photogenic. In addition to the lighthouse and the small house below, the beach boardwalks on both sides are also very beautiful, don't ignore them. Go to the beach at the end of April to see the flowers in full bloom, which is extremely beautiful, not to mention taking pictures. Parking is easy, but the condition of the simple toilet is too poor, try to avoid using the toilet here.

  • San Francisco Bay
    6
    󰺂4.2
    Brisbane29.7 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoSan Francisco's Golden Gate Bay Cruise: Bridge to Bridge Adventure
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Night Attractions in San Mateo County
    Highlights:
    󱓊Blend of natural beauty & cityscape
    󰋄San Francisco Bay & world-class views
    󱨠36% positive reviews
    4.8/5
    菩提树下的笔墨菩提树下的笔墨

    The San Francisco Bay Area is highly recommended for travel. Fisherman's Wharf, Lombard Street, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the Golden Gate Bridge are all bustling with tourists, but the surrounding towns are also beautiful and cozy. Sausalito, Oakland, Silicon Valley, San Jose, and other small towns are also charming and picturesque, with picturesque seaside scenery! They're definitely worth a visit!

What Best Things to Do are there in San Mateo County?
These are all Best Things to Do in San Mateo County:CA-1, Silicon Valley, Filoli Historic House & Garden, Half Moon Bay State Beach, Pigeon Point Lighthouse
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in San Mateo County?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in San Mateo County include:CA-1:4.9, Silicon Valley:4.5, Filoli Historic House & Garden:4.8, Half Moon Bay State Beach:4.7, Pigeon Point Lighthouse:4.6
At what locations in San Mateo County can Best Things to Do in San Mateo County be found?
The Best Things to Do in San Mateo County are mainly located in:CA-1:Monterey County, Silicon Valley:Mountain View, Filoli Historic House & Garden:San Mateo County, Half Moon Bay State Beach:Half Moon Bay, Pigeon Point Lighthouse:San Mateo County
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