Hidden gems: places in San Mateo County

Discover the city's hidden treasuresโ€”remarkable spots that are relatively undiscovered but offer exceptional experiences. Our selection criteria? A rating of 4.5 or higher with fewer than 150 reviews. Explore these lesser-known yet outstanding places that promise a delightful visit in San Mateo County. Ratings are based from 86 places in the city.

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The Barn at Canyon Creek image
1
The Barn at Canyon Creek
Event venue
5.00 (40 reviews)
Mindego Ridge Vineyard image
2
Mindego Ridge Vineyard
Winery
5.00 (38 reviews)
Peninsula Riding Academy image
3
Peninsula Riding Academy
Horse riding school
5.00 (16 reviews)
Dahab express image
4
Dahab express
Restaurant
5.00 (16 reviews)
SFO Museum Gallery Harvey Milk Terminal 1 image
5
SFO Museum Gallery Harvey Milk Terminal 1
Museum
๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘ Fun walkthrough mini opera museum in SFO.
5.00 (14 reviews)
Saddle Loop Trail North Bench image
6
Be Simply Awesome image
7
Be Simply Awesome
Boot camp
๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘ I feel lucky to have found BSA, I have been exercising before joining BSA but always struggled to be consistent. Joining the community has been immensely beneficial as we get support and motivation from coaches and the tribe to keep the routine. Anyone who is trying to lose weight needs to address d...
5.00 (8 reviews)
Mary Tacos Las Varas Taco Truck image
8
Mary Tacos Las Varas Taco Truck
Mexican restaurant
๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘ Lovely spot, great food! Authentic Mexican food and taste!๐Ÿฅฐ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿฅฐ
5.00 (8 reviews)
Alpine Pond image
9
Alpine Pond
Lake
5.00 (7 reviews)
Handley rock image
11
Handley rock
Park
๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘ Update 9/1/22 Tried some climbing top rope. Pretty cool, easy to set up top rope anchors. Definitely need slings for extensions to not damage the rock. Lots of new anchor bolts! Pretty cool rock. Nestled high in the hills. Great view on top. Easy steps cut into the rock to get up top. Lots of small...
5.00 (7 reviews)
Ember Ridge Equestrian Center image
13
Ember Ridge Equestrian Center
Equestrian facility
๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘ Hiked through here at the end of a nearby hike. 10/10, there were horses.
5.00 (5 reviews)
Seal Cove Inn image
14
Seal Cove Inn
Hotel
Refined B&B offering airy rooms with wood-burning fireplaces, plus free WiFi & a 3-course breakfast.
4.90 (140 reviews)
Devilโ€™s Bunker image
15
Devilโ€™s Bunker
Scenic spot
๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘ Cool to see if Close but even cooler to photograph from the gray whale parking lot .5 mile away. Park and hike 1/2 mile ip to this tree and check out the Expansive view.
4.90 (75 reviews)
Pomponio State Beach image
16
Pomponio State Beach
Beach
๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘ This was a fun, random stop to stretch our legs while driving down Hwy 1. We saw some cool caves and there was a lot of ocean life in the little puddles on the bluffs. A fun place to explore and move around before getting back on the road.
4.90 (71 reviews)
South Whitehouse Creek Trail image
17
South Whitehouse Creek Trail
Hiking area
4.90 (27 reviews)
Horseshoe Lake image
18
Horseshoe Lake
Park
๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘ Horseshoe Lake is located in Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. It's a small water body which seems to be created due to a mud dam. The Horseshoe Trail runs around this quaint little lake which is serene and very beautiful. There are multiple trails which are are around the lake. One can enjoy super...
4.90 (25 reviews)
Arrillaga Recreation Center at SLAC image
19
Arrillaga Recreation Center at SLAC
Gym
๐Ÿ‘ Finally a gym on the SLAC campus. Lots of workout machines and a full basketball course. Also there is a volleyball and soccer field. I just wish there is better ventilation system inside.
4.90 (22 reviews)
Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve image
20
Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve
Nature preserve
4.90 (22 reviews)
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