Think of San Mateo County as San Francisco’s best neighbor. San Mateo County has it all including San Francisco International Airport, 90 miles of beaches shopping, nature parks, museums, great dining, and plenty to discover.
1.It’s Pez-ial: The Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia has the largest display of all things Pez, including the world’s largest Pez. An Austrian candy executive Eduard Haas invented Pez candy in 1927 but the dispenser didn’t make its debut until the 1950s. The word Pez is an abbreviation of the German word for peppermint.
2. Get wild: At Ano Nuevo State Reserve seals breed and give birth from December to April during which time access is only by guided tours. However, seal lions hang out at the reserve during the rest of the year. From Mid-April and Mid-may whales are often spotted close to shore at Gray Whale Cove State Park.
3. Coyotes and more: The Coyote Point Museum offers a multi-sensory introduction to the Bay Area’s natural history that includes an Environmental Hall, state-of-the-art interactive exhibitions, and outdoor wildlife habitats that contain natural settings for over 150 live species of animals. Wander the themed gardens.
4. The state of the estate: San Mateo County is home to several estates open to the public but Filoli is recognized as one of the finest. The 654-acre property includes the mansion and 16 acres of European-inspired gardens. Originally established as a private residence in 1917, the donated property joined the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1975.
5. Blue Lady: During the 1920s the Moss Beach Distillery was a gathering place for silent film stars and politicians looking for a place where Prohibition laws had little effect. At that time, a murder occurred and the ghost of the famed “Blue Lady” is said to haunt the premises to this day. Don’t believe it? Sit at the bar long enough and you will know she is around when the Tiffany-style lights above the bar start to sway.
6. Take flight: The Hiller Aviation Museum showcases the past, present and future of aviation with a wide array of aircraft, interactive hands-on displays, and multimedia presentations spanning the development of aviation since the mid-19th century. The small museum specializes in Northern California aircraft and helicopter history.
7. Low tide fun: The James Fitzgerald Marine Reserve offers one of the most diverse tide pool systems in California with a variety of seaweed, crabs, sponges, sea anemones, mollusks, starfish and fish. Naturalists are on hand to lead hikes and answer questions.
8. Saving money: There are plenty of places to save money shopping. In Burlingame the tree-lined streets, convenient parking, charming shops, designer boutiques, and fine arts galleries are a shopper’s delight. Every town has something to whet the appetite of the avid shopper.
10. It’s an airport – it’s a museum: SFO is not your average airport! It is also a museum. From displays celebrating 75 years of the San Francisco Ballet to gem stones to Warner Brothers Animation to aviation toys, there is something of interest for everyone.
10. Bart it! Visiting San Francisco couldn’t be easier. Take Bart or SamTram. Visiting from San Mateo means no driving and parking hassles. Plus the hotels are less expensive in San Mateo County.
You will never run out of things to do in San Mateo County. For more great things to see and do check www.visitsanmateocounty.com.
