San Mateo Travel Guide

San Mateo is located on the Peninsula in the San Francisco Bay Area of California.

By air, San Mateo is conveniently located near San Francisco International Airport. Oakland and San Jose are alternative airports, though not preferable.

By rail, use CalTrain or BART from Millbrae.

By car, US-101 and I-280 run through the city. It is also connected to the East Bay via the San Mateo-Hayward Bay Bridge.

The most convenient way is by car. If you're using public transit, check out the trip planner on http://www.511.org.

It is also easy to get around by bike or by walking. Lots of good destinations. There are two downtown shopping areas: the primary downtown is between 2nd and 5th streets, bordered by El Camino Real and the train tracks. The big, new San Mateo Public Library is also downtown. The "other" downtown is south about 15 blocks, at 25th ave on the West side of El Camino Real. Continuing south on El Camino Real is the Hillsdale Mall.

Central Park is located off of El Camino Real between 5th Ave and 9th Ave. Inside the park is a beautiful Japanese Tea Garden. There is also a small train on rails for children that runs for a few hours each weekend day all year round and during the week during the summer.

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