
Vacation rentals in San Mateo
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Top-rated vacation rentals in San Mateo
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Vacation rentals for every style
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Popular amenities for San Mateo vacation rentals
San Mateo apartment rentals

Modern retreat in the tree tops

Grandmas bi-coastal retreat

El Nido—a Magnificent Victorian Home

Luxury Studio in the heart of Silicon Valley

Studio Apartment with Kitchenette Alcove

Newly Updated Guest Suite w/ Sweeping Ocean Views

Beauty in San Carlos! 1 large bedroom apartment

New Beautiful & Lovely Home | Dtown Mountain View
Other great vacation rentals in San Mateo

Cozy San Mateo home / Near SFO Airport

12-Min From SFO, Tastefully Designed, Work Station

Rustic Cabin in the Redwoods

Delightful Hideaway in San Carlos

A Comfortable, Clean, & Private Guest House

New modern 1 bedroom unit

Beautiful private guest studio

Cozy Modern Craftsman Retreat
Quick stats about vacation rentals in San Mateo
Total rentals
560 properties
Total number of reviews
18K reviews
Family-friendly rentals
200 properties are a good fit for families
Pet-friendly rentals
130 properties allow pets
Rentals with a pool
110 properties have a pool
Rentals with dedicated workspaces
300 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 570 vacation rentals in Parrot Drive Area, over 570 vacation rentals in Hillsdale, over 680 vacation rentals in Vintage Park, and over 680 vacation rentals in San Mateo Woods.
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 300 vacation rentals in San Mateo featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.
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!
How much does it cost to stay in bungalow rentals in San Mateo?
Experience the best of San Mateo with our bungalow rentals, starting at about $50 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.
Do private suite rentals in San Mateo have wifi?
Absolutely! We offer over 30 private suite rentals with wifi 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.
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.
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 140 homes with wifi, over 20 homes with a bbq area, over 60 homes with a gym, and more. Indulge in the ultimate retreat, tailored to your preferences.
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- Santa Cruz Beach
- Capitola Beach
- Golden Gate Park
- Rio Del Mar Beach
- Stanford University
- Oracle Park
- Seacliff State Beach
- Muir Woods National Monument
- Twin Peaks
- Bolinas Beach
- Montara State Beach
- Davenport Beach
- Pescadero State Beach
- Mission Dolores Park
- Twin Lakes State Beach
- SAP Center
- New Brighton State Beach
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Pier 39
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
- Rodeo Beach
- California’S Great America
- Bonny Doon Beach