Tiring your Kids Out in San Mateo, California - 24-Hour Travel Guide
Crystal Springs reservoir from Sawyer Camp Trail
Caltrain Station in downtown San Mateo
Overview - San Mateo is in the heart of the Peninsula (the region of Silicon Valley between San Jose and San Francisco.) It has some of the best weather in the USA, and many world-class activities to entertain your kids.
Breakfast -
THE breakfast spot in San Mateo is called Baywatch on 2nd avenue and
Ellis. The décor isn't the draw – the good service, consistent and
quality food and great coffee are. And there are a good number of kids
options to load them up for the day, including the superb chocolate
chip pancakes. After 9am, expect to wait 15 mins for a table.
Morning -
Assuming it's good weather (90% of the time in San Mateo it IS good
weather), drive 5 miles west to the Sawyer Camp Trail, a paved walking
and biking trail that runs 6 miles along the Crystal Springs
reservoirs. This is a popular trail (the most used pedestrian trail
west of the Mississippi) and with good reason – the views are
incredible and the first 3 miles are relatively flat.
Lunch -
Before you leave for the Sawyer Camp Trail, go to Drager's supermarket
(in downtown on 4th Avenue, one of the best independent grocery stores
in the country, and buy a picnic lunch. Choose from sandwiches, sushi
and prepared meals and salads. You won't want to miss out on their
incredible cookies (which have to be purchased separately at the
bakery by the front door). Enjoy the lunch on the trail at the benches
along the first 3 miles, or, if you are adventurous, the picnic tables
at mile 3.
Afternoon -
Drive east from downtown to Coyote Point and go to the nature museum
there. It's $5 per car for entry and a few dollars more for the
museum. Don't expect the Smithsonian in terms of exhibits, but the
crowds won't get you down. The best part is the zoo, where you can see
some native snakes and birds of prey. This is also a great place to
watch the big jets land at SFO Airport – they'll be coming in right
over your head. Another good bet at Coyote Point is the playground
which is only a few years old and has a huge slide and great views of
the bay.
Dinner -
Jeffrey's on 2nd and B St is the spot for burgers and sandwiches in
San Mateo, and your kids will love it. Everything is made to order.
It's like an independent Johnny Rockets without the cheesy 50s
decorations. Kids will love the seat to the left of the front door – a
corner booth – that has great views of the Caltrain commuter rail one
block away. The best things on the menu are the burgers, fries and
shakes, though the onion rings come in a close second. Parents may
prefer something lighter (if they can avoid the temptations of the
fries and burgers) and the chicken salads are amazingly good.
After Dark -
Hopefully, everyone will be wiped out and ready for an early evening,
but if they still have energy and you want to venture out, the
downtown cinema has 10 screens, and the cold stone creamery around the
corner on 2nd Avenue is sure to please.
Sleep -
The boutique Ben Franklin hotel is re-opening late 2008, and has a
great location downtown, near most of the places I've recommended.
Until then, or if you want to stay in a mainstream chain hotel, there
are a number of options on the east side of Highway 101 in Burlingame,
about 3 miles north towards the airport. The Hyatt in particular is
recommended. If you want a higher end experience, the Sofitel in
Redwood Shores is a great bet.