San Mateo, CA - 3 Days Itinerary

• Day 1: Start your day with a visit to the CuriOdyssey museum. This interactive museum is perfect for families and features various exhibits that showcase wildlife habitats, ecosystems, and natural phenomena. Next, head over to the Hillsdale Shopping Center for some retail therapy. This mall has over 130 stores, multiple dining options, and a movie theater. End your day with a dinner at Pausa Bar & Cookery, where you can enjoy Italian cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.
• Day 2: Spend the morning exploring the San Mateo Farmers Market at the College of San Mateo. Stroll around and indulge in fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal crafts from local vendors. Next, stop by the Coyote Point Recreation Area where you can enjoy a picnic, hike, or fly a kite while taking in the beautiful waterfront views. Complete your day with dinner at B Street & Vine where you can enjoy wine and tasty tapas plates in a cozy atmosphere.
• Day 3: Start your day with a visit to the San Mateo Japanese Garden at Central Park. This serene and beautiful garden features various Japanese plants, trees, and architecture. The garden also features a koi pond, bridges, and a teahouse. Next, head over to the Hiller Aviation Museum where you can take a tour of various aircraft and learn about aviation history. End your day with dinner at Gajalee where you can enjoy authentic and flavorful Indian cuisine.

Time and Cost Estimates

• CuriOdyssey (2 hours, $15 per adult)
• Hillsdale Shopping Center (3 hours, varies)
• Pausa Bar & Cookery (2 hours, $30 per person)
• San Mateo Farmers Market (1-2 hours, varies)
• Coyote Point Recreation Area (2-3 hours, $6 parking fee)
• B Street & Vine (2 hours, $25 per person)
• San Mateo Japanese Garden (1-2 hours, $6 per adult)
• Hiller Aviation Museum (2-3 hours, $18 per adult)
• Gajalee (2 hours, $25 per person)

Total Estimated Costs: $105 per person

Transportation

San Mateo is easily accessible by car, and most of the points of interest listed above have parking available. Public transportation through Caltrain and SamTrans bus services is also an option. Travel costs for Caltrain range from $5 to $10 one way depending on your starting point. SamTrans bus fare is $2.25, and visitors can purchase day passes for $6.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider driving over to the Half Moon Bay State Beach for a day of sun, sand, and surf. The beach is about a 25-minute drive from San Mateo. If you have less time, consider skipping the Hillsdale Shopping Center or the farmers market, and instead focus on the other points of interest.