Attractions and Places To See in San Mateo County - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see in San Mateo County include a diverse range of natural landscapes, historical sites, and recreational areas. Situated between San Francisco and the Pacific Ocean, the region features dramatic coastlines, serene reservoirs, and expansive parklands. Visitors can explore a mix of outdoor activities and cultural experiences across its varied terrain.
Best attractions and places to see in San Mateo County
- The most popular attractions is Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir, a lake that is part of the 15-mile Crystal Springs Regional Trail. This trail offers paved paths for cycling and walking, routed along three lakes and through riparian woodlands.
- Another must-see spot is San Andreas Lake, a lake and historical site. This reservoir, originally a natural sag pond formed by the San Andreas Fault, offers peaceful beauty and scenic views from its surrounding trails.
- Visitors also love Devil's Slide bikeway (old Hwy 1), a cycle_way with coastal views. This former section of Highway 1 is now a bike path along the cliffs between Montara and Pacifica, providing ocean panoramas.
- San Mateo County is known for its extensive network of trails, scenic reservoirs, and coastal viewpoints. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from natural monuments to historical sites.
- The attractions in San Mateo County are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 60 upvotes and 6 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir
Highlight โข Lake
Speed limit: 15 mph, difficult for high-end road bikes to stay below, so bring a bell: some hikers stand and talk in the center of the trail ;-)
San Andreas segment: From Skyline Boulevard south of San Bruno Avenue the trail drops to the head of San Andreas Lake, with pretty views across to the west of the wilderness slope of Montara Mountain. It rides along the lake 2 miles to an access point near Larkspur and 0.6 miles to another (at Hillcrest) where it connects to the Sawyer Camp segment.
Sawyer Camp segment: This is a gorgeous, easy bike ride, where you drop 400 feet over the span of 6 miles to Crystal Springs Dam. The route descends into riparian woodlands for 2.5 miles to Jepson Laurel picnic grounds, then runs along Crystal Springs Reservoir for 5.2 miles. You can continue another 1.7 miles to Caรฑada Road for Bicycle Sunday (no cars).
Caรฑada Road/Crystal Springs segment: South along Upper Crystal Springs Reservoir for 2.1 miles to the Pulgas Water Temple. It continues another 2.1 miles past Filoli Botanical Center and Phleger Estate to Edgewood Road
sfgate.com/outdoors/sundaydrive/article/Crystal-Springs-Trail-links-lakes-woodlands-4723374.php
parks.smcgov.org/crystal-springs-regional-trail
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Old La Honda Road
Highlight (Segment) โข Climb
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Kings Mountain Road
Highlight (Segment) โข Cycleway
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San Andreas Lake
Highlight โข Lake
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Devil's Slide bikeway (old Hwy 1)
Highlight (Segment) โข Cycleway
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San Bruno Mountain State & County Park
Highlight โข Natural Monument
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Tunitas Creek Road and The Bike Hut
Highlight (Segment) โข Trail
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Junipero Serra Boulevard
Highlight (Segment) โข Cycleway
Car traffic is everpresent on this route, and it can get particularly busy during commute hours on weekdays, though this shouldn't concern you much because (other than having to switch to the left-hand side of the right-turn lane at some intersections) you will be mostly independent of the traffic lanes in your own bike lane during this ride. Meanwhile, weekends with good weather will result in heavy bicycle traffic, in which case it would be worthwhile to pay extra attention to fast riders that might be approaching from behind, at least when you're stopping or resuming after a stop.
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Pulgas Water Temple
Highlight โข Monument
On October 28, 1934, the roar of Hetch Hetchy mountain water greeted everyone gathered at Pulgas Water Temple to celebrate its arrival. With vivid memories of the fire that had raged after the Great Earthquake of 1906, the city rejoiced in its new secure, plentiful supply of high quality drinking water. The frieze above the columns expresses the cityโs relief: โI give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people.โ
Pulgas Water Temple was designed in the Beaux Arts style by William Merchant, a San Francisco architect trained by Bernard Maybeck. Merchantโs design featured fluted columns and Corinthian capitals to reflect the architecture of ancient Greeks and Romans, whose engineering methods were used to build the new water system. Artist and master stone carver Albert Bernasconi brought Merchantโs drawings to life.
Pulgas Water Temple is located about one-half mile south of the Caรฑada Road trailhead.
Open free to bikers & pedestrians every day, car parking opens only M-F 9-4
sfwater.org/index.aspx?page=93
Biketrail with more highlights and annotated photos at komoot.com/tour/11413421
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Woodside Store (Historic Site)
Highlight โข Historical Site
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Popular around San Mateo County
Bay Area Ridge Trail โ Circumnavigating the San Francisco Bay
Bay Area Ridge Trail โ Hiking the backbone of The Bay
On the most beautiful route of California - The Pacific Coast Route
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Hiking in San Mateo County
Road Cycling Routes in San Mateo County
Cycling in San Mateo County
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Tips from the Community
A fun, pretty place to stop while riding Caรฑada road. I has water and an air pump and bathrooms. Take a photo with friends.
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San Andreas Lake is a hidden gem tucked into the hills of San Mateo County, just south of San Francisco. Originally a natural sag pond formed by the San Andreas Fault, it was transformed into a reservoir in the late 1800s and now serves as a vital water source for the region. The lake is off-limits for swimming or boating, but you can enjoy its peaceful beauty from the San Andreas Trail or the popular Sawyer Camp Trail, which runs along its eastern edge. It's a serene spot where you can walk or bike with sweeping views of the water and surrounding hills, all while standing right on one of the worldโs most famous fault lines. Despite its proximity to urban life, San Andreas Lake offers a quiet, scenic escape steeped in natural and historical significance.
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You're not hallucinating: This monument was deliberately built in the style of ancient Greek and Roman architecture, to commemorate the Great Depression-era Hetchy Hetchy Project that brought water down from the mountains to the Bay Area. The frieze says, โI give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people.โ
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Devils slide itself is nice and just to the south is the beautiful Gray Whales Cove beach. There is plenty of parking at both places. Two notes for cyclist: 1. cycling along Hwy 1, coming from Pacifica, requires climbing on a relatively narrow but highly frequented road. It is not a long climb until the turnoff to Devils slide, but it might be stressful for cyclists who are not used to riding in heavy traffic. Hwy 1 south of Devils slide has enough space for everyone. 2. If you cycle on Hwy1, then check the wind forecast beforehand. Dominant wind direction is NW, which means cycling southbound maximizes tailwind and minimizes breathing in all the air pollution from stinky cars.
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Didnโt OLR used to turn into Dirt before reaching Skyline? Is it all pavement now?? Scott
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Woodside Store was built back in the 1850s by two pioneers who came to California for the gold rush. At the time it was the only stagecoach stop between San Francisco and Santa Clara, and it carried all the essential items that travelers riding between cities might need. The store has been restored, inside and out, to look exactly as it did centuries ago. You can call the museum ahead of your trip to book tours.
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The Crystal Springs Regional Trail is a top spot for cyclists, featuring mostly paved paths with minimal car traffic. The trail runs through scenic areas like Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir, offering beautiful lake views. On Sundays, you can ride the car-free Caรฑada Road segment for a more relaxed experience. Be mindful of the 15 mph speed limit, especially around hikers. The Sawyer Camp segment provides a gentle descent and stunning views, perfect for an easy ride through woodlands and along the reservoir.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the best hiking trails in San Mateo County?
San Mateo County offers a variety of hiking trails. For easy walks, consider routes like the Gray Whale Cove and Old San Pedro Mountain Loop or the Bear Gulch, Redwood, and Madrone Trail Loop. You can find more options in the Easy hikes in San Mateo County guide. For more challenging terrain, Montara Mountain and San Bruno Mountain State & County Park provide diverse ecosystems and stunning vistas. The Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir and San Andreas Lake also feature scenic paths like the Sawyer Camp Trail.
Are there family-friendly attractions in San Mateo County?
Yes, San Mateo County has several family-friendly options. Coyote Point Recreation Area features the Magic Mountain Playground and CuriOdyssey, a science and wildlife center with interactive exhibits. The Filoli Estate and Gardens offers beautiful grounds and seasonal events that appeal to all ages. Additionally, the Pulgas Water Temple is a unique architectural site that can be enjoyed by families.
What historical sites can I visit in San Mateo County?
You can explore a rich history in San Mateo County. The Sanchez Adobe Historic Site provides insight into early Spanish settlers and the Ohlone tribe. The San Mateo County History Museum, housed in the historic Redwood City Courthouse, showcases local history from Native American culture to the modern era. The Pulgas Water Temple is an architectural gem reflecting ancient engineering. The Woodside Store (Historic Site) also offers a glimpse into the past.
Where can I experience scenic coastal views or visit beaches?
For dramatic coastal scenery, visit Half Moon Bay, known for its picturesque beaches like Francis Beach and the famous Mavericks Beach. The Devil's Slide bikeway (old Hwy 1) offers incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged cliffs. Ano Nuevo State Park is home to a large elephant seal breeding colony and offers stunning ocean vistas. Pescadero State Beach & Marsh Natural Preserve is another beautiful spot for beaches and wildlife viewing.
Are there any unique cultural attractions in the area?
San Mateo County offers several unique cultural experiences. The San Mateo Japanese Garden in Central Park provides a tranquil oasis with traditional architecture and koi ponds. CuriOdyssey at Coyote Point offers hands-on science and wildlife encounters. Aviation enthusiasts will enjoy the Hiller Aviation Museum, while the Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia offers a quirky dive into pop culture. The Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park showcases artisans in a beautiful historical garden setting.
What are some hidden gems or less-known places to visit?
A hidden gem is the Pulgas Water Temple, an elegant Beaux-Arts structure that is part of the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct system, offering a serene and picturesque setting. The Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park is another less-known spot, featuring beautiful Spanish-inspired gardens and artisan shops. For nature lovers, Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve offers diverse plant communities and wildlife with views of Skyline Ridge and the San Francisco Bay.
What cycling opportunities are available in San Mateo County?
San Mateo County is a popular destination for cyclists. The 15-mile Crystal Springs Regional Trail offers mostly paved paths along three lakes. The Devil's Slide bikeway (old Hwy 1) is a scenic path along coastal cliffs. For more challenging rides, consider routes like Old La Honda Road or Kings Mountain Road. You can find more cycling routes in the Cycling in San Mateo County guide.
Can I see wildlife in San Mateo County?
Yes, San Mateo County is excellent for wildlife viewing. Ano Nuevo State Park is famous for its large mainland breeding colony of northern elephant seals, especially during winter. Pescadero State Beach & Marsh Natural Preserve is a significant nesting ground for over 60 bird species. Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve also hosts diverse wildlife, and you might spot various birds and small mammals along trails like the Sawyer Camp Trail near San Andreas Lake.
What is the best time to visit the San Mateo County coast?
The San Mateo County coast is beautiful year-round, but for the clearest skies and mildest temperatures, late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) are often ideal. Summer months can bring coastal fog, especially in the mornings, which often burns off by the afternoon. Winter is prime time for viewing elephant seals at Ano Nuevo State Park and for dramatic storm watching, though it can be wetter.
Are there any parks with panoramic views of the Bay or ocean?
Absolutely. San Bruno Mountain State & County Park offers stunning panoramas of the sea, Bay, and San Francisco from its 1,314-foot peak. The Devil's Slide bikeway (old Hwy 1) provides expansive ocean views from its cliffside path. Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve also offers views of Skyline Ridge, the Crystal Springs Lakes, and the San Francisco Bay.
What are the main natural features to explore in the region?
San Mateo County boasts diverse natural features. The Half Moon Bay coastline offers beaches and dramatic cliffs. Ano Nuevo State Park is known for its elephant seals and coastal environment. The Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir and San Andreas Lake provide serene waterside trails. Montara Mountain and San Bruno Mountain State & County Park offer extensive hiking with varied ecosystems and high-elevation views.
Most popular routes in San Mateo County
Most popular attractions in San Mateo County
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