Couple horseback riding on the beach in Half Moon Bay, California.

Things to do in San Mateo County, San Francisco Peninsula 

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The next time that you’re visiting the city of San Francisco, consider adding on a trip to explore these top things to do in San Mateo County, in the San Francisco Peninsula.

Just south of the Golden Gate city lies the diverse county of San Mateo.

Cliffs and ocean at Devil's Slide Trail.

It’s a mix of stunning cliffs and coastline, fresh seafood, lush gardens and farmland, and the booming area of Silicon Valley.

The region spans from the coast, all the way to the San Francisco Bay, 60 miles of coastside and 30 miles across the bay.

Bin of artichokes for sale.

It’s one of the most diverse counties in the United States, as the temperatures can vary significantly from one side of the county to the other.

For instance, in the summer months, we experienced temperatures of 60 degrees F on the coast, only to be surprised with 95 degree temperatures just a 20 minute drive inland!

We explored the entire peninsula, finding you the top things to do in San Mateo county.

A horse in the stable at Half Moon Bay Horseback riding.

Horseback Riding in Half Moon Bay

Our favorite activity during our trip to the San Francisco peninsula had to be our horseback riding adventure with Sea Horse Ranch.

While we have been horseback riding in a number of destinations including Corpus Christi, Texas and Costa Rica, our time on The Peninsula’s coastside city of Half Moon Bay reigned supreme.

Horseback riding in Half Moon Bay, one of the best things to do in San Mateo County.

What made this excursion unique was the variety of topographies we encountered during the ride.

Karen mounted Blackjack the horse and Gavin rode Diamante and our journey started through a meadow of wildflowers. 

The aroma of fresh fennel plants growing amidst the flowers was intoxicating. 

Small rabbits dashed across the trail as our horses approached.

To our surprise, the horses led us through a water-filled mangrove area that was reminiscent of a jungle.

Horseback riding in Half Moon Bay, one of the best things to do in San Mateo County.

The horses were tromping through knee-deep water and we ducked our heads under the tree top canopies.

Finally, our horses guided us down a steep, sandy embankment to the shore of Half Moon Bay State Beach.

We rode our horses on the scenic ride along the coast of the beach in Half Moon Bay, and we watched the morning fog burn into the sunlight peeking behind the craggy cliffs on the edge of the shore.

Outside patio at Jettywave Distillery.

Enjoy a Tasting or a Cocktail at Jettywave Distillery

For craft libations with local flair, head to Jettywave Distillery

This distillery in Half Moon Bay uses local plants as their botanicals for a number of their liqueurs, some of which are grown right on their patio! 

Woman with a cocktail at Jettywave distillery, one of the Best Restaurants in Pacifica and Half Moon Bay.

You can also taste the alcohol offerings at Ketch which is a seafood restaurant down the road and owned by the same founder.

They get their seafood at Pillar Point Harbor, where fresh fish is sourced just a short walk away.

We loved both the artisanal gin and the gin aged in bourbon barrels.

Espresso martini on a flower lined patio.

The coffee liqueur also makes one heck of a good espresso martini. 

Additionally, it’s really rare to find absinthe produced at small distilleries so we were elated to discover they make their own absinthe. 

You can buy a bottle, a craft cocktail spritzer, or have it served with the traditional absinthe fountain where it drips over a sugar cube. 

Ocean view from Devil's Bunker in Pacifica, CA.

Marvel at Devil’s Slide Trail and Devil’s Bunker

Our favorite spot on the coast of San Mateo County is Devil’s Slide Trail

This scenic overlook on the edge of the Pacific Coast Highway has the most incredible views of the crystal blue water below and the jaggy cliffs are lined with beautiful wildflowers.

It’s a photographer’s heaven.

Devil's Bunker in Pacifica, California.

The juxtaposition of the natural beauty of the California coast with the urban graffiti on the freestanding Devil’s Bunker is really interesting. 

This old military lookout is now an abandoned building that is seemingly balancing in air.

Bagpipers at Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay.

See the Bagpipers at Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay

One of the most iconic spots in San Mateo county is the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay.

Boasting an incredible luxury resort, picturesque golfing, and fine dining, this resort is a destination for all. 

Outside of the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay.

You do not have to stay at the resort to dine at the restaurant or simply enjoy a beverage while taking in the view.

Plan your visit around sunset for a special surprise.

Woman drinking wine looking at the coast of the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay.

A traditional bagpiper circles the grounds leading up until dusk.

He even had a mini bagpiper-in-training following him for the last leg of his musical performance right in front of the outdoor restaurant!

Double decker bus at Cameron's pub.

Grab a Beer at Cameron’s Pub

Cameron’s Pub is filled to the brim with character. 

The outside of the inn and pub showcases a large, British double-deck bus, telephone booth, and a wall of love locks.

Upon stepping inside, you’ll be greeted by walls showcasing over 2,000 cans of beer on the walls and wild, cheeky decor.

The pub has been around for over a century, acting as a speakeasy and a World War II mess hall in the past.

They serve traditional English fare, but let’s be honest, you’re going to want to head there for a cold pint, first and foremost.

Outside building of Moss Beach Distillery.

Look for Ghosts at Moss Beach Distillery

Moss Beach Distillery is an oceanfront spot with lots of history. 

During the prohibition era, this spot was a popular speakeasy for silent film stars and politicians from the city. 

It’s also a popular spot for those interested in ghost stories, as rumors of “The Blue Lady” who reportedly still haunts the premises. 

There is even an Unsolved Mysteries episode on this famous ghost.

While Moss Beach Distillery isn’t ACTUALLY a distillery, it’s still a great place to visit for a drink and a snack while taking in the incredible view or relaxing on their large cliffside patio.

Woman walking into Half Moon Bay Lavendar shop.

Shop for Flowers at Pastorino Farms 

One of the draws of the region is all the lush farmland.

While this means that you are blessed to enjoy some amazing produce in local restaurants, there are also some incredible plant shopping.

Woman holding an air plant.

Head to the Pastorino Farms area to see greenhouses loaded with succulents, fresh and dried lavender, unique pots and plants.

While we did not have enough room in our suitcase to buy all the cool pottery we spotted, it was still a great pit stop in between eating all the farm-fresh meals.

Seals on rocks outside of Pigeon Point Lighthouse.

See Whales and Seals at Pigeon Point Lighthouse

Head down the coast towards Pescadero to visit the Pigeon Point Lighthouse. 

The lighthouse was being renovated during our visit, but the real treat was to walk to the point for the breathtaking views.

Fence next to the coast in Pigeon Point, California.

After a few minutes of staring at the stunning shoreline, we noticed dozens of seals were sunbathing on the rocks below.

Pigeon Point Lighthouse is an especially special destination during the spring months, as it is part of the migration route for a number of whale specifics, which makes it a great place for whale watching.

Sign outside of a barn that says "goat farm".

Pick up Fresh Goat Cheese at a Goat Farm

As foodies, we love to visit the purveyors of food. 

A quick visit to the Harley Goat Farms Dairy was a great stop as we ventured from Pigeon Point to Redwood City.

Visit with all the goats in their pens outside (in the spring and summer months you’ll likely see baby goats) prior to heading into their shop.

Goats in a pen at Harley Goat Farm.

The store sells a variety of products using goat’s milk that is harvested just a few steps from the shop.

We picked up the spreadable goat cheese, some goat’s milk feta, and a mini wheel of their ornately decorated filled goat’s cheese. 

Our selection was topped with apricots and filled with chopped pistachios. 

Harley goat farm goat cheese with flowers on top.

Without question, it was the most delectable goat cheese we’ve ever tasted.

In addition to their amazing cheeses, this goat farm also offers bath and body products that are made with the goat’s milk.

A couple kissing in front of a door at Filoili gardens.

Explore the Filoli Gardens 

If you’re a fan of historic mansions and beautiful gardens, don’t miss Filoli.

The gardens have a number of themes. You’ll pass through the rose garden on the way to the vegetable gardens, to the forest area.

Be sure to keep an eye out for when they have special events. 

Patio umbrellas under the mountains at Filoli Gardens.

We were lucky enough to visit in the summer months during the Summer Nights celebration.

A live jazz band serenaded guests on the green space on the lawn in front of the pool.

Folks enjoyed eating at the food trucks, and enjoyed wine, beer and cocktails at the pop-up bars on the gorgeous grounds.

Greenhouse outside at the Filoli Gardens.

We have had family members visit during the holidays and the light display is a romantic, hidden gem around Chrustmas time.

On your way to or from Filoli Garden, swing by Pulgas Water Temple for another picturesque spot.  

It’s just minutes from Filoli and an easy thing to check off as well. 

Stained glass ceiling at the San Mateo County History Museum.

Learn at the San Mateo County History Museum

Stop by the San Mateo County History Museum in Redwood City for interactive exhibits and a stunning display of stained glass. 

This historical building boasts an ornate stained glass dome ceiling in the atrium.

Learn about the history of the region as well as the state of California in this self-guided museum.

There is even a surfing simulator that you can try!

Trio of desserts from Twelvemonth restaurant.

Dine at Amazing Restaurants

Obviously, one of our favorite things to do is always EAT!

We dined at some really delicious restaurants while in the San Francisco Peninsula.

Don’t miss our article on the Best Restaurants in Pacifica and Half Moon Bay as well.

Vegan mushroom ceviche from Twelvemonth in San Mateo County.

Twelvemonth

Head to downtown Burlingame for a delicious culinary journey at plant-based Twelvemonth. Since we are definitely carnivores, you’d be shocked to know that the mushroom tartare was the best thing we ate ALL TRIP. 

Beyond the mushrooms we truly loved every dish from their vegan sourdough, fried green strawberries, to their pasta, to their vegan desserts. 

Deep fried pickled green strawberries from Twelvemonth in San Mateo County.

The food was so fresh and flavorful and the decor was jaw-droppingly stunning.

It’s the perfect place for an upscale date night even if you’re not vegan like us, and in our opinion it definitely is deserving of a Michelin star.

Platter with a sausage, mustard, and German potato salad from Wursthall in San Mateo County.

Wursthall 

For a German beer hall with a California twist, head to San Mateo and dine at Wurshhall.

This restaurant is owned by renowned chef and culinary expert Kenji Lopez-Alt.

Deviled eggs on a plate from Wursthall.

Both of the sausages that we tasted were amazing, and they are all made inhouse.

However, the standout star was surprisingly the deviled eggs!

Scallop appetizer in the shell at Hurrica restaurant.

Hurrica Restaurant 

Located in Redwood City, Hurrica offers dining right on the marina, which creates a romantic ambiance for a tasty meal.

Couple outside of a marina at sunset.

The restaurant is absolutely gorgeous, with its showpiece being the world’s largest restaurant jellyfish tank expanding across an entire wall. 

Lobster and oysters on ice at Hurrica restaurant in San Mateo County.

Many dishes are prepared on the hearth grill including the kombu-wrapped lobster, which is cooked in the embers and the whole roasted dorade which is also made on the grill. 

Be sure to also order the broiled live sea scallop. It’s expertly presented, tender, and oh-so-flavorful.

Fish tacos from Angelina's in San Mateo County, CA.

Angelica’s 

Start with brunch at Angelica’s then wander down the streets of downtown Redwood City.

Fountain on a garden patio at Angelina restaurant in San Mateo County, CA.

The patio at this restaurant is lined with lush plants that were designed and maintained by Angelica’s husband. It’s so beautiful that they even host weddings on their back patio. 

We savored latin-inspired dishes like the lechera pancakes as well as a trio of her taco offerings.

Corned beef and hash with 2 poached eggs and hollandaise sauce.

Be sure to also order the corned beef and hash with eggs and a homemade hollandaise sauce. 

Scallops from a top restaurant in downtown Half Moon Bay.

Fattoria e Mare

Right in downtown Half Moon Bay, Fattoria e Mare is the pinnacle of farm (and sea) to table.

This restaurant really showcases the region by purveying their seafood from local fishermen and their produce from local farmers. 

The burrata with fava beans were smoked and presented tableside in a cloche and was one of our favorite bites of the summer. Another star of the meal was the seafood platter.

The grilled branzino fish was perfectly cooked and loaded with flavor thanks to the salsa verde.

Garden clock tower seen through a window at Filoli Gardens.

Planning Your Visit

For our trip we started in Pacifica, staying at the Fairfield Inn and Suites Pacifica steps away from the Rockaway black sand beach. This is a great hotel to stay at while you are spending time in a coastal area of Half Moon Bay and Pacifica.  The beach is just steps away from the hotel!

Rockaway beach in Pacifica, CA.

From there, we traveled down to Pescadero and over to Redwood City, where we spent time inland near the gardens and the cities of Redwood City and Woodside, staying at the Grand Bay Hotel.  We loved the central location of the hotel, the spacious room, and the lakeside pool.

Finally we spent time in the city of San Mateo and Burlingame, where we stayed at The Westin San Francisco Airport in Millbrae which is really convenient because it is so close to the San Francisco International Airport, for when it’s time to depart.  It was really cool being able to see planes landing right outside.

Locks on a fence at Rockaway Beach in California.

Be sure to check out The San Francisco Peninsula’s resources and more things to do when planning your trip.

Click this link to pin this guide on the Top Things to do in San Mateo County and the San Francisco Peninsula on Pinterest.

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Oceans cliffs with the text 'Can't miss things to do in the San Francisco Peninsula".

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