San Mateo vacation rentals
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Top-rated vacation rentals in San Mateo
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Popular amenities for San Mateo vacation rentals
Other great vacation rentals in San Mateo
Guest suite in San Bruno
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 866 reviewsModern room & loft, private entrance
Guesthouse in Sunnyvale
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 387 reviewsPrivate cottage in a garden
Guesthouse in Redwood City
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 504 reviewsStylish Separate Loft/Cottage Walk to Redwood City
Guesthouse in Belmont
4.84 out of 5 average rating, 202 reviewsCharming Cottage Studio
Apartment in Burlingame
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 404 reviewsHome away from home in wonderful Burlingame
Guest suite in Millbrae
4.78 out of 5 average rating, 1083 reviewsCharming Private Studio Near SFO
Guest suite in Emerald Hills
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 148 reviewsElegant retreat in Redwood City
Guesthouse in Pacifica
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 372 reviewsNEW Private Studio! Close to SF/SFO/Beach Sanitize
Other great vacation rentals in San Mateo
Apartment in Pacifica
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 668 reviewsSeaside Private Studio! Near SFO, SF and Beach!
Guesthouse in Redwood City
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 159 reviewsModern Studio Cottage with Private Entrance
Home in East Palo Alto
4.82 out of 5 average rating, 945 reviewsCozy private guesthouse near Stanford
Home in San Mateo
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 106 reviewsLovely Mid-Century home near SF, SFO, & Peninsula
Home in Sunnyvale
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 274 reviewsComfortable, Modern, Bright w/Patio
Guest suite in South San Francisco
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 368 reviewsCozy Tiny studio 20Min to DwTn SF & 7min to SFO
Home in Redwood City
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 290 reviewsPrivate suite
Guest suite in Burlingame
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 195 reviews2 Bedroom Home Away from Home
Quick stats about vacation rentals in San Mateo
Total rentals
590 properties
Rentals with dedicated workspaces
320 properties have a dedicated workspace
Rentals with a pool
90 properties have a pool
Pet-friendly rentals
130 properties allow pets
Family-friendly rentals
190 properties are a good fit for families
Total number of reviews
17K reviews
Your guide to San Mateo
All About San Mateo
Nestled between the hilly metropolis of San Francisco and urban San Jose, with the sweeping sands of Half Moon Bay to the west, the city of San Mateo boasts easy access to cultural hotspots, natural beauty, and a world-class food scene.
People are drawn here to admire nearly 45,000 artworks at the Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University, hike among the dramatic scenery at either end of Purisima Creek, and savor hard-to-beat ramen and crab nigiri at one of San Mateo’s established cluster of Japanese restaurants. There’s also public art to enjoy all around town, with vivid murals on numerous buildings, including the 1963 mosaic mural on South El Camino Real.
Less than half an hour west of San Mateo, Half Moon Bay boasts Surfers’ Beach for beginners and Mavericks for seasoned pros who want to take on wild waves. The same distance north, you can taqueria-hop in San Francisco’s Mission District and ride the city’s famous cable cars.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in San Mateo
San Mateo is known for its mild, damp winters and dry summers. A lot of activities are outdoors, from kayaking in the bay to hiking and biking, so the summer and fall seasons are the best times to book San Mateo vacation rentals. Temperatures are at their most comfortable from April through October, and the changing colors of the leaves bring a range of pumpkin beers from the region’s breweries.
Layers are important in the colder months, as drizzle and searing sunshine are both possibilities in different parts of the Bay Area at any one time. You can see gray whales at Pacifica between February and April.
Top things to do in San Mateo
Japanese Tea Garden
The Japanese Tea Garden is one of the main attractions in Central Park, San Mateo’s main community park. The garden covers over 16 acres of manicured lawns, including a pagoda tower, a koi pond, and a teahouse for a quiet afternoon among delicate cherry blossoms. This serene site was designed by the landscape architect who worked on the Tokyo Imperial Palace.
Coyote Point
Less than 20 minutes from downtown by bike or road, Coyote Point is a popular spot for activities like windsurfing and sailing. If you’re cycling, the San Francisco Bay Trail crosses the park, so you can extend your ride north all the way to San Francisco or south to Palo Alto. At the water’s edge, you’ll find a marina and a beach, backing onto an 18-hole golf course.
Filoli Historic House & Garden
A 15-minute drive from San Mateo, this Georgian Revival house and its pristine landscaped gardens span over 650 acres. Wander around the terraces for commanding views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and cross Fault Creek Bridge to step over the famous San Andreas Fault. A spring visit will be rewarded with fragrant cherry and apple blossom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I stay in San Mateo?
Make yourself at home in San Mateo by choosing from our most frequently booked neighborhoods. We have over 700 vacation rentals in Vintage Park, over 700 vacation rentals in San Mateo Woods, and over 580 vacation rentals in Hillsdale.
Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in San Mateo?
Four-legged friends are welcome in San Mateo. Choose from more than 130 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.
Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in San Mateo?
Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 320 vacation rentals in San Mateo featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.
Are there San Mateo vacation rentals on Airbnb with pools?
Yes! Dive into the perfect getaway at one of over 90 vacation homes with pools in San Mateo, available on Airbnb. Make a splash and soak up the sun in style!
Do house rentals in San Mateo have air conditioning?
Absolutely! We offer over 110 house rentals with air conditioning in San Mateo. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
How much does it cost to stay in guesthouse rentals in San Mateo?
Experience the best of San Mateo with our guesthouse rentals, starting at about $30 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.
Do house rentals in San Mateo have wifi?
Absolutely! We offer over 270 house rentals with wifi in San Mateo. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
Do house rentals in San Mateo have a bbq area?
Absolutely! We offer over 40 house rentals with a bbq area in San Mateo. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
Are there family-friendly apartment rentals in San Mateo?
San Mateo has more than 30 family-friendly apartment rentals. Amenities on the property may include high chairs, travel cribs, or strollers.
Do house rentals in San Mateo have a gym?
Absolutely! We offer over 20 house rentals with a gym in San Mateo. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
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