San Mateo

As one of the Bay Area’s largest suburbs, San Mateo has lots to brag about. Not only is it in the perfect location of being close to San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and such Bay Area treasures as Orinda, Pacifica and Palo Alto - it’s also surrounded by lush natural beauty and situated along one of the Bay’s best sand-draped coastlines. Add to this its diverse offerings of restaurants, shopping, and activities, and there’s no room for doubt: San Mateo has well deserved bragging rights.

The key to San Mateo’s success is its ability to offer something for everyone. Whether it is state-of-the-art shopping facilities like Bridgepointe and Hillsdale or the unique boutiques of the city’s many fascinating neighborhoods or simply enjoying the quality of life that a picturesque city in a beautiful setting has to offer - everyone who visits San Mateo leaves satisfied.

Points of Interest

Dining

Downtown San Mateo is a gastronomical aficionado’s dream. On every side of every street there’s a new taste to be tried. For Classic Americana try 231 Ellsworth or Central Park Bistro, located adjacent to the city’s arboretum-like Central Park. For a simple breakfast, nobody knows New York better than Noah’s New York Bagels. Or head to the waterfront for breakfast with a view at Bay Watch. Chinese is served at Chez Nicole and Hakka while The Melting Pot specializes in do-it-yourself fondue. Ono Grill’s specialty is Hawaiian and the Clay Oven has your craving for curry covered. Add to this a handful of Mexican, French, Italian, Sushi, Mediterranean, Spanish, Thai, Malaysian, and Vietnamese restaurants, and San Mateo is the equivalent of eating at the United Nations’ food court.

Shopping

San Mateo is also a shopper’s destination as it has an assortment of name brand retail outlets and a diverse collection of uniquely local specialties. Downtown is the place for local shopping and hosts over 800 businesses scattered throughout the city’s various historical buildings. Hillsdale Shopping Center is considered by many as being the Bay Area’s most prized retail area. Here one can find Nordstrom, Macy’s Mervyns, Sears, Bebe, Disney and The Body Shop. The ultra-modern Bridgepointe Shopping Center is home to Target, Old Navy, Home Depot, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Pier 1 Imports. 25th Avenue is a stretch of local specialties, and El Camino Real is a promenade of such name brand leaders as Borders.

A Natural History

San Mateo has long enjoyed a robust natural setting. Anchoring this history is Coyote Point Park, an iconic natural area recognized by its rocky outcrop that projects itself into the San Francisco Bay. Today it is the base for outdoor recreation, especially walking, biking and picnicking. It is also home to a marina and shooting range. Located within the park’s boundaries is the Coyote Point Museum, perhaps California’s best natural history museum. Here one can come face to face with some of the Bay area’s most interesting live animals. San Mateo is also a historically well-preserved city, and history buffs will enjoy exploring its many historical buildings. The San Mateo County Genealogical Society will get you on your way.

Did You Know?

• Due to it being shielded from the Pacific Ocean by the Santa Cruz Mountains, San Mateo has a uniquely Mediterranean climate.
• The total population of the city is roughly 90,000.
• San Mateo’s high schools have seen such people as Alicia Silverstone, Kris Kristofferson, Tom Brady and Barry Bonds pass through their halls.
• San Mateo is home to many leading businesses including Franklin Templeton Investments, YouTube, and Wikia Inc.
• Such celebrities as Merv Griffin, Patty Hearst and Tom Brady call San Mateo their hometown.

Visiting San Mateo

San Mateo is home to numerous subtle, yet worthwhile attractions. Not only is it blessed with a spectacular coastal beach providing stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, it is also home to the Bay Meadows Horse Racing Track, a nostalgic California classic. San Mateo is a biker friendly city and offers a well laid-out city-wide biking map. Golfers will enjoy the numerous greens found in the area including the newly created Poplar Creek Golf Course. And regardless of how warm it may be outside, it’s always cool inside the Ice Chalet - a popular place for public skating and hockey.

Getting There and Around

Located in the heart of the Bay Area Metropolitan community, San Mateo is easy to get to and from. Although primarily served by the right-next-door San Francisco International Airport, it is also close to the Oakland International Airport. San Mateo can also brag about having some of the best roads and Interstates in the Bay Area, making driving to and from an ideal method of transportation - especially when your vehicle is a luxurious San Mateo limousine from Nationwide Limousine Service.

With a San Mateo limousine, the city of San Mateo won’t be the only one doing the bragging. Call NLS today at 800-339-8936!