
San Mateo vacation rentals
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Top-rated vacation rentals in San Mateo
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Vacation rentals for every style
Get the amount of space that is right for you
Popular amenities for San Mateo vacation rentals
Other great vacation rentals in San Mateo

Beautiful Home. Gorgeous Views. Five Bedrooms.

Sparkling Clean Newly Remodeled 1BR near SF/SFO+EV

3 bdrm 2bath bright renovated private deck

Base Camp Muir Woods

Secluded retreat/Remote office/Livermore Ranch.

2BR House with Canyon & Hillside Views

Entire house:Steps to beach and ample space

Noe Valley entire guest suite overlooking downtown
Quick stats about vacation rentals in San Mateo
Total rentals
570 properties
Total number of reviews
18K reviews
Family-friendly rentals
190 properties are a good fit for families
Pet-friendly rentals
130 properties allow pets
Rentals with a pool
100 properties have a pool
Rentals with dedicated workspaces
290 properties have a dedicated workspace
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 650 vacation rentals in Vintage Park, over 650 vacation rentals in San Mateo Woods, and over 530 vacation rentals in Hillsdale.
Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in San Mateo?
Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 290 vacation rentals in San Mateo featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.
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 $70 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.
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 San Mateo house rentals on Airbnb with pools?
Yes! Dive into the perfect getaway at one of over 20 house rentals with pools in San Mateo, available on Airbnb. Make a splash and soak up the sun in style!
Do apartment rentals in San Mateo have self check-in?
Absolutely! We offer over 30 apartment rentals with self check-in in San Mateo. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
Do apartment rentals in San Mateo have a bbq area?
Absolutely! We offer over 20 apartment rentals with a bbq area in San Mateo. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
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.
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.
What are the most popular amenities for Apartment Rentals in San Mateo?
Enhance your stay in our Apartment Rentals with the most popular amenities: over 60 homes with a gym, over 20 homes with a bbq area, over 30 homes with self check-in, and more. Indulge in the ultimate retreat, tailored to your preferences.
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- Golden Gate Park
- Stanford University
- Washington Square
- Capitola State Beach
- Sumner Beach
- Joaquin Miller Park
- Children’S Fairyland
- Corcoran Beach
- Muir Woods National Monument
- Oracle Park
- Golden Gate Bridge
- El Granada Beach
- Surfers Beach
- The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
- Glen Canyon Park
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Point Reyes National Seashore
- SAP Center
- Mission Dolores Park
- Oakland Zoo
- California’S Great America
- Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Pacifica State Beach
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