San Mateo County, A Family Destination for all Seasons

 
Pumpkin farms, as-fresh-as-it-gets produce, lighthouses, whale watching, surfing, golf, exquisite gardens, world class dining, unparalleled shopping, beach, mountains, and wildlife…San Mateo is one of the state’s most diversely rich and plentiful counties where exceptional beauty, history, fun, and culture all come together for families of all types and sizes.

With family friendly hotels, restaurants, endless outdoor and indoor activities, museums, farms, and festivals, no better location exists for a family destination that offers something for each and every member of the clan.

San Mateo County is situated on a peninsula fifty miles in length, immediately south of San Francisco and is bordered on the east by San Francisco bay and on the west side by the Pacific Ocean, and finally on the south by Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties.

The aviation museum in Burlingame is a wonderful must see stop for kids and for wanna-be kids of all ages where hands on exhibits, historical memorabilia and more make this museum one of the  best of its kind in the state.

Half Moon Bay with its bountiful harvests of flowers, berries pumpkins, gourds, and artichokes is an absolute have-to stop where kids will want to learn about farming from generations old farms and try their hand at berry picking. The charming town of Pescadero with its rich and flavorful history is an important place to stop and soak in the little coastal town’s many charms if for nothing else than to try some world famous artichoke bread or melt-in-your-mouth ollaliberry muffins or cobbler.

Nebbia winery in Half Moon Bay has exceptional wines and mom and dad will want to stop in there to appreciate a sampling of local vintages and for the kids to explore the beautiful grounds.

The Harley Farms Goat Dairy is a wonderful culinary and educational experience and any trip to San Mateo County simply would not be complete without at least an hour or two to see, learn about, and appreciate this unique and beautiful working dairy farm where cheeses are much more than delicious but rather a true art form to be admired and savored.

Filoli Gardens is a magnificent 654 acre estate including a 36,000 square foot home with 16 acres of formal gardens. It is a must do excursion any time of year.

From the lavish decadence in the middle of Silicon Valley of the Four Seasons in East Palo Alto to the quiet relaxed coastal inns of Half Moon Bay, accommodations to fit all preferences and pocket books abound in San Mateo County. The same goes for food where “fresh” takes on a whole new meaning from local chefs utilizing the county’s vast array of its best fresh produce in restaurants like 231 Ellsworth and Sofitel San Francisco Bay in Redwood City where culinary experiences beyond compare will leave your family with memories of a lifetime in dining and cuisine.

For a fun and casual sea side dining experience, any family will enjoy the Moss Beach Distillery where homemade specialties, a breathtaking view of the coast, and an eerie paranormal history with a resident ghost intrigue all visitors young and old.

The Half Moon Bay Brewing Company has some of the state’s best beers and world class surfers from around the world congregate there for the food, the beer and some of the world’s best waves nearby.  The food is outstanding and the hospitality will make any family want to return on their next visit regardless of the surf.

With its unique British food and hundreds of unusual collectibles and conversation pieces from locals and celebrities alike, Cameron’s Restaurant, Pub and Inn is a must stop for either a meal or snack and to take in the ambiance of yet another San Mateo County classic. They even have a kids menu and offer a British import shop with novelties to intrigue the whole family. The Moss Beach Distillery and Sam’s Chowder House offer kid friendly items and a family atmosphere as well.

When it comes to fun, San Mateo has it covered any time of year whether you time your stay for a special festival or simply choose to take in an unusual spectacle like the Pez Museum or the San Mateo County Historical Museum.

San Mateo County knows how to throw festivities and one of its most famous is the annual World Championship Pumpkin Weigh off and Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival where locals and out-of-towners compete to win a share of $20,000 in prize money for top gourds often weighing more than half a ton. The Mavericks yearly surfing phenomenon, the Pacific Coast Fog Fest, and Pacific Coast Dream Machines are just a few San Mateo County events that draw folks from all over the world.

Nature loving families will not want to miss the environmental wonders to be experienced at Coyote Point, Ano Nuevo, Pigeon Point Lighthouse, or Filoli Gardens where local flora and fauna are enjoyed by all. San Mateo County is also famous for boasting some of the state’s cleanest beaches. With breathtaking scenery, mild climate, redwoods, beaches, and diverse marine life, nature lovers will find San Mateo County a treasure to behold during any season.

While California has many fascinating and spell bindingly beautiful counties, San Mateo County offers something special for everyone from history buffs, to surfers, golfers to hikers, to wine spectators and fisherman. With a true tapestry of hidden and well known treasures concealed just well enough to preserve its unspoiled beauty, it may well be one of California’s best kept secrets.  

 

For complimentary assistance in planning your family vacation to San Mateo County call:

800-288-4748 or visit: www.visitsanmateocounty.com

Carmel L. Mooney © 2007