10 Best Places in San Mateo, California To Visit By Charter Bus

Planning a group trip to San Mateo? The city is a Peninsula gem packed with world-class museums, bustling downtown districts, beautiful parks, and unique attractions — all within easy reach of the rest of the Bay Area. Booking a charter bus rental in San Mateo gives you the flexibility to tailor your itinerary and travel on your own schedule, whether you’re planning a school field trip, a corporate team-building day, or a private group sightseeing adventure. We’ve rounded up ten must-see destinations that are perfect for exploring by charter bus, so read on for our top picks! Ready to get started? Call 650-715-2880 24/7 for an instant quote!

Coyote Point Recreation Area

Address: 1701 Coyote Point Dr, San Mateo, CA 94401

This sprawling bayside park is a favorite spot for outdoor fun and group gatherings. Your charter bus can drop off your group steps from grassy picnic areas, playgrounds, and scenic trails along the waterfront. Don’t miss the CuriOdyssey science museum and zoo, where kids and adults alike can get hands-on with interactive exhibits and meet rescued native animals. There are also sandy beaches for sunbathing or launching kayaks, plus windsurfing and kiteboarding spots for the adventurous. With ample parking and ADA-accessible facilities, Coyote Point makes it easy to plan a stress-free day enjoying San Mateo’s natural beauty.

Downtown San Mateo

Address: Around 3rd Ave & B St, San Mateo, CA 94401

San Mateo’s walkable downtown core is a vibrant mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Charter buses can easily navigate to public lots near Central Park, making it convenient for your group to explore on foot. Foodies will love the diverse restaurant scene, which ranges from Michelin-rated sushi bars to casual taquerias and trendy boba shops. Browse indie boutiques and national retailers, or catch a movie at the historic Century 12 Theatre. Downtown also hosts seasonal events like farmers markets, street fairs, and holiday parades, giving your group plenty of ways to experience local culture. It’s a great starting point for a day of urban exploration!

Japanese Tea Garden at Central Park

Address: 50 E 5th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401

Nestled within Central Park, this tranquil Japanese Tea Garden offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Your charter bus can unload passengers at the park’s main entrance, just a short stroll from the garden’s ornate gates. Inside, winding paths lead past koi ponds, arched bridges, stone lanterns, and manicured bonsai trees. It’s a picturesque setting for group photos, quiet reflection, or guided tours focused on Japanese horticulture and design. The larger Central Park area also features tennis courts, a playground, picnic tables, and a rose garden, making it a popular spot for large group picnics or team-building activities. The garden is wheelchair accessible and free to enter, making it an affordable and inclusive destination for visitors of all ages.

San Mateo County History Museum

Address: 2200 Broadway, Redwood City, CA 94063

While technically located in nearby Redwood City, the San Mateo County History Museum is well worth the short drive for anyone interested in local heritage. Housed in a stunning former courthouse with a stained-glass dome, the museum chronicles the history of the Peninsula from Native American settlements through the modern tech boom. Exhibits cover topics like agriculture, transportation, immigration, and innovation, with artifacts ranging from antique vehicles to vintage electronics. Group tours can be arranged in advance, and there are special programs for students, seniors, and other community groups. The museum is fully ADA-compliant, and the surrounding Courthouse Square offers additional space for outdoor gatherings or lunch breaks.

Hillsdale Shopping Center

Address: 60 31st Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403

If your group loves to shop, dine, or catch a show, Hillsdale Shopping Center is a one-stop destination. This modern mall features over 120 stores, including major brands like Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Apple, as well as specialty boutiques and pop-up shops. The Dining Terrace offers a wide variety of cuisines, from fast-casual bites to sit-down restaurants like Shake Shack and Paul Martin’s Grill. For entertainment, check out the luxury Cinepolis theater or seasonal events like craft fairs and live music. Charter buses can use designated loading zones and oversized parking areas, making it easy to coordinate arrivals and departures. It’s a comfortable, climate-controlled option for groups seeking retail therapy or indoor fun.

Bay Meadows Park

Address: 3030 Baze Rd, San Mateo, CA 94403

Located in the master-planned Bay Meadows neighborhood, this spacious park is designed for active recreation and community gatherings. Amenities include soccer fields, basketball courts, a large playground, and open lawns ideal for yoga classes or group games. There’s also a community garden and a dog park, catering to a variety of interests. The park hosts regular events like outdoor movie nights, fitness bootcamps, and food truck festivals, which can be a fun addition to your group itinerary. Charter buses can drop off passengers curbside and find parking in nearby lots or on-street spaces. The park is ADA-accessible and offers clean restrooms, shaded seating, and drinking fountains for visitor comfort.

Seal Point Park

Address: 1901 J Hart Clinton Dr, San Mateo, CA 94401

For panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, bring your group to Seal Point Park, a reclaimed landfill turned eco-friendly green space. The park features paved walking and biking trails, native plant gardens, and a large hilltop overlook perfect for group photos or birdwatching. There’s also a popular dog park, windsurfing launch, and interpretive signs about local wildlife and restoration efforts. The park’s layout accommodates large groups, with multiple picnic areas and wide-open spaces for outdoor activities. Charter buses can access the main parking lot via J Hart Clinton Drive, and the park’s trails are mostly flat and wheelchair-friendly. It’s an excellent spot for nature lovers, photographers, or anyone looking to enjoy fresh air and bay breezes.

College of San Mateo Planetarium

Address: 1700 W Hillsdale Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94402

Inspire your group with a journey through the cosmos at the College of San Mateo’s state-of-the-art planetarium. The facility offers immersive shows on astronomy, space exploration, and Earth sciences, using a high-definition digital projection system to recreate the night sky. Public programs are held regularly, or you can request a private show tailored to your group’s interests—perfect for school field trips, scout troops, or science clubs. The campus has ample bus parking and ADA-accessible entrances, ensuring easy access for all attendees. Pair your visit with a stroll around the college’s scenic grounds or a meal at the on-site cafeteria for a full day of educational enrichment.

Sugarloaf Mountain Open Space

Address: 2099 Shasta Dr, San Mateo, CA 94402

Escape the urban bustle with a hike or picnic at Sugarloaf Mountain, a 225-acre open space preserve in the foothills west of downtown. The area boasts several miles of trails that wind through oak woodlands, grasslands, and rocky outcrops, offering sweeping views of the Peninsula and beyond. Trails range from easy loops suitable for beginners to steeper climbs that reward more experienced hikers with panoramic vistas from the summit. There are no formal facilities, but trailheads have limited parking where a charter bus can drop off passengers before parking elsewhere. The preserve is a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts, photography groups, or anyone seeking a peaceful retreat into nature. Remind your group to bring water, wear sturdy shoes, and follow Leave No Trace principles to help protect this local treasure.

Filoli Historic House & Garden

Address: 86 Canada Rd, Woodside, CA 94062

Just a short drive south of San Mateo, Filoli is one of California’s most spectacular estates, renowned for its grand Georgian mansion and 16 acres of formal gardens. Groups can arrange guided tours of the house, which is filled with period furnishings, art, and stories of the families who lived there. The gardens are a highlight year-round, featuring themed rooms of flowers, fountains, and rare plants, plus woodland trails and orchards. Seasonal events like spring bulb displays, summer concerts, and holiday light shows make Filoli a dynamic destination for repeat visits. Charter buses have dedicated parking and drop-off zones, and the estate is committed to accessibility, with paved paths, shuttle service, and wheelchairs available. Whether your group loves history, horticulture, or simply stunning scenery, Filoli delivers an unforgettable experience.

Book Your San Mateo Charter Bus Rental Today

With so many amazing places to visit, San Mateo is an ideal destination for groups of all sizes and interests. Renting a charter bus gives you the freedom to customize your itinerary, keep everyone together, and travel in comfort across the Peninsula and beyond. From scenic parks and cultural landmarks to shopping centers and historic estates, these ten attractions offer something for every group — and they’re all easily accessible by bus. Ready to start planning your San Mateo adventure? Call 650-715-2880 today to get a personalized quote and reserve the perfect ride for your next group outing!