The San Francisco Peninsula

Balancing the sophistication of world-class cities with small-town charm, The San Francisco Peninsula connects San Francisco to Silicon Valley.

Nestled between the San Francisco Bay to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, explore the diverse offerings of The San Francisco Peninsula. Getaways here place you right in the middle of world-class dining, events, attractions with redwood forest escapes, and water adventures and beaches just minutes away. 

• Opened in 1941, the Cow Palace is a historic venue that has hosted everything from livestock shows and rodeos to major concerts and sporting events.
• Legendary performers including The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and The Rolling Stones have appeared on its stage, making it a landmark for music fans.
• Located just minutes from San Francisco, it offers convenient access for visitors exploring the Peninsula and nearby city attractions.
• The name “Cow Palace” reflects its agricultural roots and remains a unique symbol of the region’s history.

• Brisbane is a quiet hillside community offering sweeping San Francisco Bay views and quick access to San Francisco International Airport.
• Community Park features a playground, picnic areas, and a weekly Thursday farmers market that draws both locals and visitors.
• The Brisbane Marina and nearby Sierra Point Yacht Club provide scenic waterfront access and boating opportunities.
• Adjacent San Bruno Mountain State and County Park offers miles of hiking trails and panoramic Peninsula vistas.

• South San Francisco is known as the “Birthplace of Biotechnology” and is home to leading life sciences companies like Genentech.
• The iconic hillside sign reading “South San Francisco The Industrial City” reflects its early manufacturing roots and remains a popular landmark.
• Grand Avenue and El Camino Real offer a wide variety of dining, shopping, and cultural experiences for visitors.
• Its central Peninsula location provides easy access to both San Francisco and Silicon Valley destinations.

• Located just one mile from San Francisco International Airport, the conference center is highly convenient for domestic and international travelers.
• The venue offers over 20,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, including a bright atrium.
• It is surrounded by thousands of nearby hotel rooms, making it ideal for conferences and large gatherings.
• Its proximity to Oyster Point places visitors near the heart of the Peninsula’s biotech hub.

• San Bruno is home to San Bruno Mountain, where visitors can spot the rare Mission Blue butterfly found only in this region.
• Its mild weather and location have historically made it ideal for aviation and aerospace development.
• The city is just minutes from San Francisco International Airport, making it a convenient base for travelers.
• San Bruno is also home to YouTube’s global headquarters, highlighting its role in the tech industry.

• Pacifica sits along the Pacific Coast and offers scenic ocean views just 20 minutes from San Francisco.
• Popular beaches like Linda Mar and Rockaway attract surfers year-round, including events like the Dog Surfing World Championships.
• The city was formed by combining several coastal communities, each contributing to its unique character.
• Visitors can enjoy oceanfront dining at the famous Taco Bell Cantina, one of the most scenic fast-food locations in the world.

• Millbrae is located next to San Francisco International Airport, making it one of the most accessible cities on the Peninsula.
• It is home to a major intermodal transit hub connecting BART, Caltrain, and regional bus services.
• Visitors can enjoy walking and biking along scenic Bay Trail paths with waterfront views.
• A self-guided history walk highlights landmarks such as the Millbrae Train Museum and other historic sites.

• San Francisco International Airport is a major West Coast gateway offering flights across North America, Europe, and Asia.
• Located about 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco, it provides easy access to Peninsula cities like Millbrae and Burlingame.
• The on-site BART station connects travelers directly to San Francisco, the East Bay, and beyond.
• Visitors can use the AirTrain to reach terminals, parking, and the Grand Hyatt at SFO hotel.

• Burlingame’s Broadway and Burlingame Avenue offer a vibrant mix of boutique shopping, dining, and local cafés popular with visitors.
• Known as the “City of Trees,” the community features beautiful streetscapes and access to scenic waterfront trails along the Bay.
• The historic Burlingame train depot, built in 1894, is the nation’s first permanent Mission Revival-style station.
• Located just minutes from San Francisco International Airport, Burlingame is a convenient base with a range of waterfront and business-friendly hotels.

• San Mateo offers a lively downtown with diverse dining options, shopping, and entertainment for visitors of all ages.
• Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the San Francisco Bay Trail and Coyote Point Recreation Area for scenic waterfront activities.
• Central Park features a tranquil Japanese Garden and the historic San Mateo Arboretum, ideal for a relaxing visit.
• The city is also home to Hillsdale Shopping Center, a popular destination for upscale retail and dining.

• The San Mateo County Event Center hosts year-round events including fairs, concerts, expos, and trade shows.
• It is home to the annual San Mateo County Fair, one of the region’s most popular community events.
• The venue accommodates over 15,000 attendees across its indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Originally established in the 1940s, the site has long served as a gathering place for agriculture and community celebrations.

• Foster City is a planned waterfront community known for its scenic lagoon system and family-friendly atmosphere.
• Visitors can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and electric boat rentals along its calm waterways.
• Leo J. Ryan Park and Amphitheater hosts community events, outdoor concerts, and festivals throughout the year.
• Over 160 acres of parks and open space offer trails, sports courts, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

• Belmont offers a blend of small-town charm and convenient access to Silicon Valley and Peninsula attractions.
• Waterdog Lake Open Space Preserve features scenic hiking and biking trails suitable for a variety of skill levels.
• The city is home to Notre Dame de Namur University, adding to its historic and cultural character.
• Belmont will celebrate its Centennial in 2026, highlighting its long-standing community heritage.

• San Carlos, known as the “City of Good Living,” offers a welcoming downtown filled with restaurants, shops, and community events.
• The Hiller Aviation Museum showcases the history of flight and features interactive exhibits for all ages.
• The city maintains an international connection as a sister city to Ōmura, Japan.
• San Carlos will celebrate its Centennial in 2025, marking over a century of community growth and development.

• Redwood City boasts a lively, walkable downtown with theaters, restaurants, and year-round community events.
• Its slogan “Climate Best by Government Test” reflects the area’s mild and comfortable weather.
• Visitors can explore cultural institutions such as the San Mateo County History Museum and Domini Hoskins Black History Museum.
• Outdoor attractions like Edgewood Park, the Pulgas Water Temple, and the Port of Redwood City offer diverse recreation opportunities.

• Woodside is known for its towering redwood trees and rural atmosphere just minutes from Silicon Valley.
• The area features over 50 miles of equestrian trails, reflecting its strong horseback riding culture.
• Visitors can tour the historic Filoli estate, including its grand mansion and formal gardens.
• A “no streetlights” policy helps preserve dark skies, making it a unique destination for stargazing on the Peninsula.

• Built in 1917, Filoli is a beautifully preserved estate featuring Georgian Revival architecture and expansive formal gardens.
• The property sits on the ancestral land of the Ohlone people, adding cultural and historical significance to the site.
• The name “Filoli” represents the guiding principles “Fight for a just cause, Love your fellow man, Live a good life.”
• Filoli has served as a filming location for productions such as “Dynasty,” “The Joy Luck Club,” and “The Wedding Planner.”

• East Palo Alto is home to the Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley and its renowned Quattro Restaurant.
• The nearby Baylands Preserve spans over 1,900 acres and is a key stop along the Pacific Flyway for migratory birds.
• Ravenswood Open Space Preserve offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching and family-friendly outdoor exploration.
• Its location provides easy access to both Silicon Valley tech hubs and scenic Bayfront trails.

• Mountain View features a vibrant downtown along Castro Street with restaurants, shops, and a historic train depot dating back to 1876.
• The city offers clear views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, which inspired its name.
• Shoreline Amphitheatre is a popular outdoor venue hosting concerts and events in a scenic lakeside setting.
• The Computer History Museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of computing artifacts, attracting tech enthusiasts from around the globe.

• Montara is a quiet coastal community offering scenic ocean views, sandy beaches, and a relaxed small-town atmosphere along Highway 1.
• The historic Point Montara Lighthouse is a popular landmark that also operates as a unique hostel for overnight stays.
• Visitors can enjoy coastal hiking, beachcombing, and photography along the rugged shoreline.
• Its location between Pacifica and Half Moon Bay makes it an ideal stop on a scenic coastal drive.

• Moss Beach is known for the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, where visitors can explore tide pools filled with diverse marine life.
• The area offers opportunities for horseback riding, beach walks, and scenic coastal relaxation.
• The California Coastal Trail runs through Moss Beach, making it popular for hiking, jogging, and ocean-view strolls.
• Boutique accommodations like Seal Cove Inn provide peaceful oceanfront stays just steps from the beach.

• Half Moon Bay features stunning coastal scenery and luxury accommodations, such as the Ritz-Carlton overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
• Its charming Main Street offers local shops, restaurants, galleries, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere.
• The surrounding area is home to working farms, wineries, and Pillar Point Harbor, where visitors can purchase fresh seafood.
• The annual Art & Pumpkin Festival draws large crowds each October and is one of the region’s most popular events.

• Pescadero is a rural coastal town known for its historic charm, local farms, and scenic countryside.
• The nearby Pigeon Point Lighthouse is one of the tallest in the United States and a popular photo destination.
• Outdoor enthusiasts can explore nearby beaches, Memorial Park, and Butano State Park for hiking and nature experiences.
• Arcangeli Grocery Co., also known as Norm’s Market, has been serving visitors with fresh baked goods since 1929.

• Menlo Park’s downtown along Santa Cruz Avenue offers a walkable district filled with restaurants, cafés, and boutique shops.
• The city provides easy access to outdoor recreation in the Santa Cruz Mountains, including nearby Windy Hill Open Space Preserve.
• A vibrant farmers market and local events contribute to its welcoming, small-town atmosphere.
• Bedwell Bayfront Park offers scenic waterfront trails, picnic areas, and expansive views of the San Francisco Bay.