2025 San Mateo County Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

🏝 California's Highway 1, stretching from San Francisco down to Los Angeles, winds through breathtaking coastal scenery between azure seas and skies. Although a small section in Big Sur remains under repair, it doesn't diminish the charm of other stunning coastal attractions along the way. Bookmark this guide to navigate around closed sections and still unlock the ultra-soothing coastal views! We’ll break down current road closures + smooth workarounds to avoid traffic and backtracking. 👷‍♀️【Latest Road Closure Updates】 🚗 Most attractions along Highway 1 are currently open. Starting from San Francisco, you can easily reach **Big Sur** and its popular spots. However, note that the **Rocky Creek Bridge** in Big Sur is still under repair, blocking southbound traffic. At this point, you’ll need to turn back to Monterey. 🗾 If you plan to continue south to Los Angeles, detour via **Highway 101** from Monterey to San Luis Obispo (SLO) to reconnect with the coastline, bypassing construction zones. The inland route offers equally stunning mountain and countryside views—perfect for scenic shots without retracing your steps! 🌁【Must-Visit Open Attractions】 Here’s a list of classic, fully accessible spots from San Francisco → Los Angeles (north to south) 👇 ✅ Half Moon Bay ✅ Pigeon Point Lighthouse ✅ Santa Cruz ✅ Monterey ✅ Old Fisherman’s Wharf ✅ 17-Mile Drive ✅ Carmel-by-the-Sea ✅ Bixby Creek Bridge ✅ Hearst Castle ✅ Elephant Seal Rookery ✅ Solvang (Danish Village) ✅ Santa Barbara ✅ Santa Monica Beach 🚗【Recommended Itinerary】 **Day 1｜Depart from San Francisco** San Francisco → Half Moon Bay → Pigeon Point Lighthouse → Santa Cruz → Monterey → Old Fisherman’s Wharf → Carmel-by-the-Sea **Day 2｜Big Sur Loop + Detour** Carmel → 17-Mile Drive → Bixby Creek Bridge (turn around here) → Detour via Highway 101 → San Simeon → Elephant Seal Rookery → Hearst Castle → San Luis Obispo **Day 3｜Arrive in Los Angeles** San Luis Obispo → Solvang (lunch at a Danish bakery) → Santa Barbara (waterfront + downtown) → Santa Monica Beach → Los Angeles ✅【Travel Tips】 ✔️ Download offline maps + fill up your tank (no service/gas stations in some areas)

#100WaysToTravel #citywalk #SanFrancisco #popularfood #vintage There were still many hours before I had to wait for my early morning flight, so I headed to the downtown Valencia Street recommended on the Internet. It has a collection of art, retro, hippie, vintage, home furnishings, aromatherapy, various interesting vintage shops, and many restaurants, which slightly alleviated my negative evaluation of SF 😅 🌟Must-try yogurt ice cream "Souvia": I ordered the honeycomb premium version of Baklava Crumbles & honey syrup $8. It's no wonder that the yogurt is so sour and refreshing, but I think the original flavor is fine! 📍758 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110 🌟 Must-buy chocolate souvenir "Dandelion Chocolate": It is a local chocolate brand in San Francisco, characterized by small-batch production at the place of origin. The store is very exquisitely decorated, with delicious coffee, various desserts, and many souvenir choices, all of which can be tasted! 📍740 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110 🌟There is also "The Drawing Room", a large gallery where you can paint and hold regular personal exhibitions; "Often Wander" is a very healing home store, and all kinds of aromatherapy small decorations are super cute; "Outset Coffee" Osmanthus Latte, with a strong osmanthus fragrance~ 💯You can spend a whole day on this street. I felt the charm of Valencia St in just a few hours. I also bought my first Jellycat in my life. It was really healing💕 Bye Bye SF!

We had a 12-hour overnight layover in San Francisco, and I have to say, for American airports, spending the night at SFO was not too bad. There were a few exhibits around to look at, and there were nap chairs to take a rest in. Although, the most popular places to sleep were the dining booths in the food courts. Overall, it wasn’t too bad, and staying in the international terminal saved us quite a bit of money versus staying at an airport hotel. #airport #layover #sanfrancisco

Stunning scenes and some wonderful history. Not too difficult to get to even in midday traffic. Very peaceful and a great place to explore. There are no puzzles or rooms filled with ridiculous levels where you have to fight your shadow.

Have a wonderful family vacation at this farm! A big farm with everything, big parking, shuttle service, pony rides...my granddaughter had a blast! This is fun for the family! Kids and adults will love this place with live music and a cafe! Highly recommended if you are looking for a great place to take your kids!

looking across the bay with the long road going on forever through the mountains and overlooking the Pacific Ocean is a marvelous view

#Overseas travel You can't miss the famous San Francisco tram! I paid $8 one way to ride it, and in about 30 minutes, you can go around the neighborhood! You can get a cheaper price if you download the Muni app and buy a ticket I captured the feeling of San Francisco's neighborhood while riding the tram! A truly beautiful San Francisco view..❤️

#triplocal The beach is amazing, it's hot but it's cleansing and the sand is awesome. I am going to miss it on my skin. Father Sky who in time for no man waits. This area is different from the rest of California, here and San Clemente I, are segregated naturally,and seem to have an inherent defense against worrisome outsiders. If the ocean gave way, the sand would learn a new language. To top if off, I'm lame as hell and alone. I got a year older this year for the first time in awhile. Happy Hunting. #triplocal

SFO to FLL I need Waiting 10 hours

📍 Location & Transportation - Address: 2 Venice Blvd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019. - Transportation: About 30 miles (48 km) from San Francisco, approximately a 35-minute drive. From San Francisco International Airport, it's about a 45-minute drive. ⏰ Opening Hours - Open all day, no admission fee. 🚶‍♂️ Itinerary 1. 🌲 Seal Cove Cypress Tree Tunnel: A viral photo spot with a dark, mystical vibe, perfect for pictures. Nearby Tide Pool is also worth visiting. 2. 🚶‍♂️ Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail: A popular coastal trail, round trip ~2.7 miles (4.3 km), takes about 1 hour. 3. 🦀 Pillar Point Harbor: Buy fresh seafood directly from fishing boats on weekends. 4. 🏖️ Poplar Beach: Great for picnics, parking fee $10. 5. 🌼 Cowell Ranch Beach: Ideal for ocean views, with rapeseed fields in spring. Free parking. 📸 Photo Spots - 🌲 Seal Cove Cypress Tree Tunnel: Instagrammable forest. - 🌊 Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail: Scenic ocean views for walking and photos. - 🦀 Pillar Point Harbor: Lively fishing port and seafood market, perfect for candid shots. 🍽️ Food Recommendations - 🍤 Sam’s Chowder House: Famous lobster rolls, ~$30-50 per person. - 🍳 Barbara’s Fishtrap: Signature fried fish and shrimp, ~$20-30 per person. 🏨 Accommodations - 🏨 Harbour View Inn: Great location, budget-friendly. - 🏨 Cypress Inn on Miramar Beach: Ocean-view hotel with excellent amenities. 🎉 Summary: Half Moon Bay is a perfect weekend getaway for Bay Area locals, offering ocean views and fresh seafood. May’s pleasant weather makes it an ideal time to visit.

Address - Ambiance/Facilities - Highlights - Avg. Price per Person - Rating -

SG > SFO 15hrs flight. 2hrs transit time at SFO. SFO > YYZ 5hrs flight. Total 22hours travel time Flight was a breeze. No delay from Singapore and arrived 30mins early at SFO. Transit was a rush, l highly recommend to book transit flight with minimum of 2.5hrs so you have ample time to reach your next flight location -SFO entry immigration(we arrived Monday night and the queue took 30-45mins to clear with a Singapore passport) - collect your baggage - recheck your baggage - SFO exit immigration(you gotta show your boarding pass and passport. Scan your hand carry and you personal items process will take around 20-30 mins especially if your bag was flagged for check) - walk to your gate(we are at Gate F21 and walking takes 10-15mins from the immigration) Arriving in Toronto, immigration was fuss free. Got out of airport after 30mins. Travel tips >Wear footwear that you can easily wear/remove - San Francisco airport needs you to remove your footwear during inspection >Bring empty water bottle - Singapore airport, San Francisco airport and Pearson Toronto airport have water refilling station >if your flying in Boeing 737MAX8 plane, I highly recommend to get a better leg space. I’m 156cm tall and i find the economy seat pretty narrow #unitedairline

| 3-Day 2-Night Trip from SF. Follow California's sunshine and listen to the ocean breeze as you embark on a coastal journey from San Francisco, capturing the most iconic ocean views along Highway 1. Stop by charming seaside towns to savor local delicacies—this 3-day, 2-night private tour is the perfect way to experience California's breathtaking scenery. 【⭐️3-Day Private Tour Itinerary】 🚩Day 1: San Francisco → Half Moon Bay → Pigeon Point Lighthouse → Monterey → 17-Mile Drive → Carmel-by-the-Sea 🚩Day 2: Bixby Creek Bridge → Elephant Seal Rookery → Hearst Castle → Pismo Beach → San Luis Obispo 🚩Day 3: Solvang → Santa Barbara → Santa Monica Beach → Los Angeles 【⌛️Tour Highlights】 🔎Private small group of 2-6 people for a comfortable experience 🚘Multiple comfortable vehicle options to choose from 🏨Stay at Marriott or Hilton-affiliated hotels for a cozy stay 【🔵3-Day Must-Visit Attractions】 Half Moon Bay: A crescent-shaped bay with waves crashing against cliffs, embodying the California vibe Pigeon Point Lighthouse: A classic lighthouse along Highway 1 where you can hear the waves from the viewing deck Monterey: A seaside town with Lovers Point Beach, where you might spot ground squirrels and enjoy fresh seafood Carmel-by-the-Sea: A fairytale-like artsy town with shops and restaurants lining the main street—just a short walk west to the beach Bixby Creek Bridge: The most iconic ocean view spot on Highway 1, connecting two mountains with waves beneath Elephant Seal Rookery: Watch herds of elephant seals basking on the sand Hearst Castle: A refined and classical private castle nestled in the California hills Pismo Beach: A small but lively beach with dunes and pelicans soaring above Solvang: A European-style fairytale town with Danish architecture, perfect for photos and delicious Danish cookies Santa Barbara: A picturesque spot with a pink castle and serene bay, blessed with year-round sunshine Santa Monica Beach: The final stop before Los Angeles, offering a quintessential West Coast sunset vibe ✅Highway 1 Adventure 🥳Learn More 🥳Book Now for Exclusive Deals

#springitinerary Why must visit: Standing tall against the rugged California coast, Pigeon Point Lighthouse is one of the tallest and most iconic lighthouses in America. Its dramatic cliffs, historic charm, and sweeping ocean views create the perfect backdrop for reflection, adventure, and unforgettable sunsets. Surrounding beaches, tide pools, and coastal trails make it a must-visit for road trippers, photographers, and those yearning to escape the everyday grind. ⸻ 2-Day Weekend Escape to Pigeon Point Lighthouse & Coastal Treasures Day 1: Lighthouse legends & ocean roads • Morning: Hit the road early from your city, enjoy the scenic drive along Highway 1, letting the Pacific views accompany you. • Late Morning: Arrive at Pigeon Point Lighthouse. Explore the historic grounds, visit the lighthouse museum, and take in the stunning coastline. • Afternoon: Walk down to the tide pools nearby, spot sea stars, crabs, and playful seals. • Evening: Stay at nearby Pigeon Point Hostel or a cozy inn in Pescadero. Catch the famous sunset at the lighthouse—it’s pure magic. • Dinner: Enjoy fresh farm-to-table dining at Duarte’s Tavern in Pescadero. Day 2: Coastal charm & quiet roads • Morning: Start your day with coffee and a walk at Bean Hollow State Beach—perfect for tide pooling and gentle strolls. • Mid-Morning: Explore the quaint town of Pescadero, visit Harley Farms Goat Dairy, or browse the local shops. • Afternoon: Take the slow scenic drive back, stopping at Half Moon Bay for a relaxed beachside lunch. • Evening: Return home refreshed, with the lighthouse’s glow still in your heart.

Just a snap from my time in SF

Your short holiday is coming soon! An 18-day US tour is just what you need! Savor the irresistible flavors of Shake Shack, Denny's family steak, and In-N-Out Burger. Explore Filoli Historic House & Garden and immerse yourself in its historical charm. Experience the thrill of live-fire shooting in Las Vegas. Don't miss the breathtaking scenery of California's Highway 1, where sunshine and ocean breezes await you! -------------------- The United States, located in the heart of North America 🗺️, boasts a rich and diverse history. Known as a melting pot and the land of the free, it offers both bustling cityscapes 🏙️ and captivating natural landscapes 🏞️. -------------------- Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in New Jersey and begin your US adventure! Days 2-3: Explore New York City, visiting iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Wall Street, and enjoy a signature Shake Shack burger. Day 4: Travel to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., and experience American history and culture. Day 5: Witness the magnificent Niagara Falls and try Buffalo wings in the evening. Days 6-8: Discover Salt Lake City and Yellowstone National Park, and experience the wonders of nature. Days 9-10: Explore Bryce Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Lower Antelope Canyon, and marvel at nature's masterpieces. Days 11-12: Enjoy free time in Las Vegas, then head to Los Angeles and savor California's famous In-N-Out Burger. Day 13: Visit San Diego and experience its naval history and historical sites. Day 14: Explore Los Angeles in depth, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Beverly Hills. Days 15-16: Drive along Highway 1, taking in the stunning Pacific views, and visit Silicon Valley and Filoli Historic House & Garden in San Francisco. Days 17-18: Depart from San Francisco, transit through Seoul, and conclude your delightful US journey! -------------------- 🧳 Travel Preparations: Essential items for your US trip! 📞 Phone Card and Adapter: Don't forget to get a US phone card for easy communication. Also, bring a plug adapter, as US outlets are different. 🪪 Complete Documents for Smooth Travels: Ensure you have your passport, visa, and translated driver's license for hassle-free travel and activities in the US. 👗 Dress for the Weather, Comfort is Key: The weather in the US in March is pleasant, so pack spring and autumn clothing. Don't forget comfortable shoes for all the walking! -------------------- 🎉 Embark on a memorable group tour of the US! We hope you have a fantastic time and return home with wonderful memories! 🎉

The Qingming Festival holiday is here! Check out this 3-day US travel guide to help you easily navigate the United States and not miss a single sight! -- 🚗Itinerary: Day 1: California State Route 1-> Half Moon Bay State Beach-> Pigeon Point Lighthouse-> Carmel-by-the-Sea-> Monterey Bay-> 17-Mile Drive Drive along California State Route 1 and enjoy the coastal scenery. Visit the fine sands of Half Moon Bay, the retro charm of Pigeon Point Lighthouse, the artistic atmosphere of Carmel-by-the-Sea, and the beautiful scenery of Monterey Bay and 17-Mile Drive. This itinerary is rich and colorful! Day 2: California State Route 1-> Bixby Creek Bridge-> Elephant Seal Vista Point-> Hearst Castle Continue driving along the coast to the magnificent Bixby Creek Bridge. Then, head to the Elephant Seal Vista Point and experience the wonders of nature. Afterward, visit Hearst Castle and savor the richness and grandeur of history. Day 3: Solvang (Danish Village)-> Old Mission Santa Barbara-> Santa Monica Pier On the third day, visit the Nordic-style Solvang (Danish Village), then head to the Old Mission Santa Barbara to experience tranquility and solemnity. Finally, arrive at the Santa Monica Pier to conclude your pleasant journey and create unforgettable memories! -- Must-see attractions: California State Route 1 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: California, USA - Opening hours: Open 24 hours - Duration: 2-3 days - With blue seas, blue skies, cliffs, and charming towns, this place gathers paradise-like scenery and is a paradise for driving enthusiasts! 17-Mile Drive ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: California, USA - Duration: 1 hour - The circular road surrounds the residential area, with picturesque scenery along the way, as if walking in a fairyland. Solvang (Danish Village) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: 320 Alisal Rd, Solvang, CA 93463, USA - Opening hours: Saturday-Sunday 10:00 am-4:00 pm; Closed Monday-Friday - Duration: 1 day - A pocket-sized town with Nordic scenery in the United States, it's like traveling through time to a fairy tale world, making people linger. Hearst Castle ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452, USA - Opening hours: January 1-November 26, 9:00 am-4:00 pm - Duration: 2-3 hours - With a distinctive Spanish Catholic church and bell tower, this castle is full of mystery and history, making it a great place to explore history. -- 🧳 Travel checklist: Must-have items for a trip to the US, depart with ease! 📞 Prepare your phone card for seamless communication in the US. 🔌 Bring a plug adapter to easily handle US standard power outlets. 🪪 Don't forget your passport and visa, essential documents for entering the US. 👗 The weather in the US in March is pleasant, a light jacket and jeans are enough. 🔋 Charger and power bank to charge your phone anytime. 💸 A small amount of cash and credit cards for convenient shopping and dining. -- May your US trip be filled with beautiful moments and unforgettable memories!🌟

#JapanFlightEvent DetailedLocation: San Francisco, CA 94128 United States San Francisco International Airport is a great place to travel anytime. It was nice to look around because there were comfortable seats and various duty-free shops. There were many shops open before boarding the night flight, so it was good to buy snacks or souvenirs.

#favouriteairline First I would like to say thank you to all the staff who was working during my trip. Everyone was extremely welcoming and helpful. From the start of the trip until the end i felt safe and looked out for. The layover in Amsterdam was lovely! I was not sure what to do for my 12 hours there so decided to take up one of klms lounges available for a fee. It was one of the best decisios and my money was well spent! They have a great website that allows you to easily check requirements for travel unlike some (qatar airways website is horrible and service is non existant) the online chat is very easy to use and the represantatives make sure that your issue is resolved.overall awesome

Domestic flight, California SFO Although it is winter now, some Californians wear short sleeves... There happened to be a game today, and my buddies were very enthusiastic and watched the game at the airport while waiting for the flight. I had dinner at SF Giants tonight. In order to lose weight, I ordered the must-eat Chowder soup and salad in San Francisco, as shown in the second and third pictures. San Francisco International Airport is the place that I remember most vividly. Several years ago, I happened to meet basketball star Kobe Bryant, who was sitting in the San Francisco International Airport eating a hamburger.

i had to catch shutter bus to get to the boarding gate of my next flight here at SFO. but nowadays it seems passengers only have to walk. #sfo

#JapanFlightEvent As soon as I arrived in San Francisco, I felt good seeing the phrase "Welcome to San Francisco" to announce the start of my trip. From the moment I left the airport, I was greeted by the city's vibrant atmosphere and unique architecture, and I could immediately feel the charm of San Francisco itself. Along with the feeling of being warmly welcomed, my anticipation for the trip grew.

#JapanAirlineEvent The AirTrain experience at San Francisco Airport was very convenient. It is free, and moving between major areas of the airport was quick and easy. I took the Blue Line to the rental car center, and the wait time was short, and the train was spacious and comfortable, so I was able to move around without any inconvenience even with a lot of luggage. It was also useful for moving to other terminals in the airport, saving time. The AirTrain was a very efficient means of transportation because the route was clear and easy to find.

#JapanAirlineEvent The process of renting a car at San Francisco Airport was very easy. I was able to get to the rental car center right away by AirTrain, and with my Gold membership, I was able to pick up the car quickly without waiting. It was convenient to move around even with a lot of luggage, and the car was in good condition, which was a great help for my out-of-town trip.

#JapanAirlineEvent The overall experience of renting a car at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) was convenient and satisfactory. The rental car center in the airport was easily accessible via shuttle or AirTrain, making it easy to get around. In particular, the AirTrain directly connects you to the desks of each rental car company, making the route efficient. The quality of service may vary depending on the rental car company, but most of them were able to receive the car quickly. The vehicle options were also diverse, with a wide range of choices from compact cars to SUVs. However, since the rates for airport rental cars may be slightly higher, it is recommended to make a reservation in advance to receive a discount. Since San Francisco has complicated roads and expensive parking fees, it is recommended to carefully plan your car use within the city. However, when crossing the Golden Gate Bridge or traveling to outlying areas such as nearby wineries or Yosemite National Park, renting a car was a great advantage. The vehicles were clean and easy to drive, making the trip much more comfortable.

#JapanAirlineEvent After finishing my one-month trip, the way to San Francisco Airport was a time to look back on my trip and feel regret and the last moments. The view of San Francisco outside the car window before arriving at the airport was a beautiful scenery that I could remember for the last time, and it was sad to leave seeing this scenery at the end of my trip. After arriving at the airport and completing the check-in procedure, while waiting for the flight, all the experiences I had during my trip over the past month flashed through my mind. The people I met and the places I experienced during this trip were still vivid in my memory. Although it was my last moment at San Francisco Airport, it was a time when I also felt anticipation for a new trip.