San Mateo City Guide

Food highlights California's fresh ingredients with strong Asian, Mexican, and Italian influences. Many vegan and vegetarian options exist. Some late-night dining is available but limited compared to big cities.

Nightlife centers on downtown bars, pubs, and some live music. It’s relaxed compared to San Francisco, good for casual nights out.

Good coffee scene with national chains and independent shops focusing on specialty brews. Reflects Bay Area trends.

Tipping is expected in most service jobs. Restaurants usually require 15-20%, rideshares 15-20%, and personal services 15-20%. Small tips (a dollar or two) are common for quick services.

SIM cards are sold at carrier stores like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and electronics retailers such as Best Buy. eSIMs are widely available. Valid ID is needed for post-paid plans; pre-paid may require less info.

Streets and parks are generally clean. Waste and recycling services are reliable.

Some pharmacies and convenience stores operate 24/7. Emergency rooms are always open; urgent care centers usually have long hours.

You can find products from many cultures at supermarkets and specialty markets. Main stores include Safeway, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Mollie Stone's. Farmers markets offer local produce seasonally. Stores usually open 7 AM to 10 or 11 PM.

Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere. Mobile pay like Apple Pay and Google Pay are common. Cash is rarely needed except for small vendors or tipping.

ATMs are easy to find at banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo, plus grocery stores. Using a bank ATM avoids extra fees, which can be $2.50 to $5 for out-of-network machines.

Public schools teach primarily in English. Local high schools include San Mateo High, Aragon, and Hillsdale. International schools are rare in San Mateo but options exist nearby. Residency determines public school enrollment.

Nomad meetups are limited in San Mateo but nearby San Francisco has active groups. Good tech networking due to Silicon Valley proximity.

Parks like Central and Beresford offer shaded paths and good spots for running and walking.

Running routes include the Bay Trail and local parks. Running is generally safe with local clubs and scenic paths.

Many gyms offer day passes and short memberships. Sports courts and fields are in city parks.

Public tennis courts in parks are mostly hard courts. Some require reservations; coaching and clubs available.

No notable padel facilities reported.

Several studios offer various yoga styles and drop-in classes. All instruction is in English.

Several schools teach BJJ, Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, Muay Thai, and Boxing. English-speaking instructors and drop-in classes are common.

No nearby ski resorts. Lake Tahoe resorts are 3-4 hours away by car with good snow.

Kayaking and paddleboarding happen in the Bay and along the coast with good rentals and guided tours.

Surf spots at Linda Mar Beach and Mavericks are about a 20-30 minute drive. Water is cold and wetsuits are needed year-round. Linda Mar suits beginners; Mavericks is for experts.

Limited diving off the Northern California coast with variable visibility. Marine life includes kelp forests and seals. Certified centers and gear rentals are available in the Bay Area.

Hospitals like Kaiser Permanente and Mills-Peninsula have English-speaking staff. Care quality is high but expensive without insurance. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens offer OTC meds and advice. Emergency number is 911.

Tap water meets all state and federal standards and is safe to drink.

San Mateo offers many playgrounds, kid-friendly cafés, and baby supplies. Attractions include CuriOdyssey and Central Park Japanese Garden.

High LGBTQ+ acceptance and safety. Local groups exist, and major pride events are in nearby San Francisco.

Pet-friendly city with dog parks, vet clinics, and pet-friendly accommodations. Many outdoor spaces allow leashed dogs.