CALIFORNIA – SAN MATEO – THINGS YOU SHOULD DO

You’ll find the unspoiled, quiet coastline of San Mateo County just 10 miles from San Francisco. These are the top things to do in San Mateo County, California. San Mateo is a great weekend getaway from San Francisco. Things to do, see, and eat in San Mateo. It features wild coastlines and charming wineries.

The breathtaking views of San Mateo in California are stunning, and the ocean breezes feel like a soothing balm for your eyes as you enjoy the beautiful scenery. This contrasts the busy technology hubs of Palo Alto and Menlo Park, Redwood City, Cupertino, and Mountain View. San This southerly route leads to forests and farms surrounded by mountain peaks.

Things to Do in San Mateo County

The drive from San Francisco to the coast should take approximately an hour unless you stop for some delicious food in the small towns along the route. This area is well-known for its beauty and incredible cuisine. These Coastal Towns Are Not To Be Missed On Your Next Trip to San Francisco

Coastal Route Experience

You can usually reach a destination by multiple routes, such as San Mateo. However, when it comes down to the coastline, the slow scenic road is the best. The stretch of the Pacific Coast is exciting and full of unique experiences. You’ll pass small towns, then return to the roughed coast. We chose three cities and the surrounding area to visit during our road trip.

Pacifica

The unique Pacifica town is located 6 miles from the beautiful San Mateo Valley. This town is a popular tourist destination for families and tourists. It has Montara Mountain to its south, beaches, and rocky hills to the west. Numerous hiking trails lead to panoramic views.

You can also fish for Striped Bass or Salmon and play golf at Sharp Park Golf Course, designed by Alister MacKenzie. Rockaway Beach is one of the most beautiful spots. Surfers should grab their boards and head to Linda Mar Beach.

Breathtaking Coastal Ocean Views

You don’t get to see the stunning views of the California coast every day, but it happened many times during this road trip. We stopped in every town we passed to enjoy the beautiful views and salty air. They go on for miles.

Moonraker Restaurant

Moonraker restaurant is in one of the most beautiful spots on the Pacific Ocean Coast! The breathtaking view from the floor-to-ceiling windows offers a stunning view of the ocean and distant surfers riding the waves. Although the interior is retro, it’s still classic, modern, and comfortable. Texturized treatments are used throughout the restaurant to give it a beachside feel.

It features traditional seafood dishes with modern twists and local wines and beers. This is a great spot to take your date. The Dungeness Crab Cakes are a great option with summer vegetables or the rare Ahi Tuna seared in a special sauce. Remember to try the oyster bar.

Tripps Distillery

Tripps Distillery is located in Pacifica and brews small batches of alcohol the old-fashioned, handcrafted way. Jason Tripp, a Silicon Valley refugee, is passionate about his business. The distillery is in a warehouse and produces Whisky, Vodka, Rum, Rum, and Gin. Tripp will be able to give tastings and explain the process of each batch. The distillery is a popular stop for cocktails, live entertainment, and a food truck serving different weekly foods.

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is best known for its location along the California coast. It offers several must-see beaches. You can find trees that seem to touch the sky in this small city near the Purisima Creek Redwoods.

Enjoy the sun and sand after you have explored the redwoods. Main Street is lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries. You can ride your horse along the scenic shoreline or play golf on the spectacular course that overlooks the ocean. Or browse the many shops and galleries located in the historical section.

Devil’s Slide Trail

The Devil’s Slide Trail 1.3-mile trail leads to the Devil’s Slide, right above the Pacific Ocean. It is located south of Pacifica and north of Half Moon Bay. You won’t slide down the trail, but don’t be alarmed. This natural beauty is something you should see and experience.

Barterra Winery

Half Moon Bay’s Barterra winery is another gem. They bottle premium wines ( Sonoma Valley, Sonoma, and Carneros) under their label. Bart and Mary Colluci were the founders of the business in 2005. They developed relationships with wineries and selected premium wines for the bottle.

Bart Colluci learned the basics of winemaking from his grandfather, who arrived in America in 1905 to provide a better lifestyle for his family. The Colluci’s had a keen eye for quality wines and established a wine club for those who love fine wines.

Ginger Minoletti and her son Paul bought Barterra Winery in 2019. The Minoletti family owns a local travel agency and saw an opportunity for Barterra Winery to continue its legacy.

San Mateo Wines are Winners

• These are their top-rated premium wines that you should try:
  • Alexander Valley cabernet – medal winner
  • 2012 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir- Double Gold, San Francisco Chronicle wine competition
  • 2010 Old Vine Zinfandel, Double Gold and Best Of Class, Amador County Fair
  • 2010 Chardonnay – Silver, Finger Lakes International Wine Competition

Flying Fish Bar & Grill

Half Moon Bay’s Flying Fish Bar and Grill is another excellent place to get your seafood fixed. The restaurant is ranked #9 in America for America’s Best Fish and Chips. You can also order delicious fish tacos (fresh cod and mahimahi salmon) or a crab melt. Remember the margaritas. Friendly staff, tropical vibe with murals and tiki accents.

Granola’s Coffee House

Half Moon Bay’s Granola’s Coffee House is a must-see on any coastal California adventure. The coffee house is great for breakfast and lunch and has the best homemade Granola. Enjoy one of their breakfast sandwiches or a bowl filled with fruity Granola.

Pescadero

Pescadero, located approximately 14 miles from Half Moon Bay, is a rural community that offers restaurants, shopping, and markets. It is close to Pescadero Marsh, a popular ranching area. The main street of the city is small. The beautiful beaches of Bean Hollow State Beach and Pescadero State Beach make it a popular tourist destination in the summer.

A quirky fact: The residents have a long-standing tradition of painting their homes white. It is believed that a lot of white paint was salvaged from a shipwreck in 1800. This tradition started.

Arcangeli Grocery Co – Norms Market

This is the best place to stockpile food and delicious treats for an excursion or picnic. Arcangeli Grocery Co. Norms Market is another fine establishment located in Pescadero. This charming town is home to the finest asparagus bread, sandwiches, and other prepared food.

Pigeon Point Lighthouse

It would help if you also visited the Pigeon Point Lighthouse in Pescadero. It was built in 1871 to guide ships on the Pacific Ocean. Today, it serves as an incredible historical reminder. It is also known as the West Coast’s tallest lighthouse.