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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Both of the sausages that we tasted were amazing, and they are all made inhouse.
However, the standout star was surprisingly the deviled eggs!
Hurrica Restaurant
Located in Redwood City, Hurrica offers dining right on the marina, which creates a romantic ambiance for a tasty meal.
The restaurant is absolutely gorgeous, with its showpiece being the world’s largest restaurant jellyfish tank expanding across an entire wall.
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.
Angelica’s
Start with brunch at Angelica’s then wander down the streets of downtown Redwood City.
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.
Be sure to also order the corned beef and hash with eggs and a homemade hollandaise sauce.
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.
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!
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.
Be sure to check out The San Francisco Peninsula’s resources and more things to do when planning your trip.
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