Best Lifestyle and Leisure in San Mateo Area 2025 Winners

Atherton Gardens Senior Living offers a homelike environment for seniors, providing personalized care, daily activities, and nutritious meals. Their dedicated staff ensures residents receive the support they need while promoting independence and well-being.

Clay Life Art Studios in San Mateo is a community ceramic studio offering classes for all ages and skill levels. From wheel throwing to hand-building, students can explore clay techniques in a welcoming, supportive space. The studio promotes mindfulness and creativity, helping participants connect with themselves through the art of ceramics. With workshops, memberships, and community events, Clay Life is a hub for artistic expression and personal growth.

Core Taekwondo in downtown San Mateo offers martial arts instruction for kids and adults, led by Master Bryn Nguyen with 30+ years of experience. The studio blends traditional Korean techniques with modern teaching, helping students build confidence, focus, and self-discipline. Programs include youth classes, family sessions, and school break camps. Families praise Core for its structured curriculum, respectful environment, and inspiring instruction that helps students thrive physically and mentally.

Crowne Plaza Foster City - San Mateo offers upscale accommodations with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour business center, and extensive meeting spaces. Centrally located between San Francisco and Silicon Valley, it's a convenient choice for travelers and event organizers.

CuriOdyssey at Coyote Point in San Mateo is a beloved science museum and zoo for families and school groups. The facility features over 50 hands-on science exhibits and nearly 100 rescued animals native to California. Programs include animal encounters, STEAM-focused learning stations, and interactive science displays. Designed for curious minds, CuriOdyssey fosters early science engagement in a playful, immersive environment where kids learn by doing and exploring.

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Francisco Airport Waterfront features spacious two-room suites, complimentary breakfast, and evening receptions. Located on the waterfront, it offers scenic views and easy access to the airport and downtown Burlingame.

FirstLight Home Care of The Peninsula offers compassionate in-home care services, including personal care, companion care, and dementia care. Serving the San Francisco Peninsula, their caregivers assist clients with daily activities, promoting independence and peace of mind for families.

Located at 1880 S Grant St in San Mateo, Peninsula Ballet Theatre is a professional dance company offering performances and educational programs. Their repertoire includes classical and contemporary works, aiming to enrich the cultural landscape of the region. The organization also provides dance training for students of all ages.

Samaritan House provides essential services to low-income families and individuals, including food, shelter, healthcare, and financial assistance. With a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, they aim to alleviate poverty and promote self-sufficiency in the community. Their comprehensive programs support thousands of residents annually, fostering hope and stability.

San Mateo Central Park is a 16.5-acre urban park featuring a Japanese Tea Garden, playgrounds, tennis courts, and picnic areas. It hosts various community events throughout the year, serving as a central recreational space for residents and visitors alike.

San Mateo Central Park is a 16.5-acre urban park featuring a Japanese Tea Garden, playgrounds, tennis courts, and picnic areas. It hosts various community events throughout the year, serving as a central recreational space for residents and visitors alike.

Aikido by the Bay is a welcoming martial arts school specializing in traditional Iwama Aikido. Offering classes for all ages and skill levels, it emphasizes discipline, harmony, and personal growth through the practice of Aikido.

Art Bias, situated at 1700 Industrial Rd, San Carlos, CA 94070, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1993. It serves as a creative hub, offering art classes, workshops, and curated exhibitions. Art Bias provides a platform for artists and art enthusiasts to connect, collaborate, and thrive, fostering a vibrant artistic community in the region.

Atria at Foster Square offers upscale senior living in Foster City, blending modern design with amenities that support wellness and social engagement. Residents enjoy chef-prepared meals, fitness programs, and cultural activities, all within walking distance of shops and parks.

Beresford Park & Recreation Center in San Mateo is a vibrant community space offering tennis courts, skate park, bocce courts, sports fields, and playgrounds. The indoor facility includes a preschool program, activity rooms, and space for events and classes. Locals appreciate the park's clean, family-friendly atmosphere and diverse recreation options. It's a popular gathering place for sports, leisure, and community events year-round.

Beresford Park & Recreation Center in San Mateo is a vibrant community space offering tennis courts, skate park, bocce courts, sports fields, and playgrounds. The indoor facility includes a preschool program, activity rooms, and space for events and classes. Locals appreciate the park's clean, family-friendly atmosphere and diverse recreation options. It's a popular gathering place for sports, leisure, and community events year-round.

Located at 617 Mountain View Ave UNIT 5 in Belmont, Better Together Dance Theatre offers dance and theatre education for all ages. Their programs aim to inspire and empower individuals through the performing arts, fostering community and personal growth. Classes range from beginner to advanced levels, accommodating various interests and skill sets.

Burton Park is a vibrant community space featuring playgrounds, sports courts, picnic areas, and an amphitheater. As the oldest park in San Carlos, it hosts numerous events and activities, making it a central gathering place for residents of all ages.

Burton Park is a cherished community space in San Carlos, featuring playgrounds, sports courts, picnic areas, and an amphitheater. It hosts numerous events and activities, making it a central gathering place for residents of all ages.

Cañada College, located at 4200 Farm Hill Blvd, Redwood City, CA 94061, is a community college offering over 100 programs, including associate degrees and certificates. The college provides student support services, transfer opportunities, and a range of programs designed to help students succeed academically and professionally. With a commitment to enriching and life-changing educational opportunities, Cañada College serves the residents of San Mateo County.

Situated at 4200 Farm Hill Blvd in Redwood City, Cañada College is a community college offering a range of academic programs and student services. The campus features modern facilities, including an athletic center and library, supporting both educational and extracurricular activities. Cañada College is committed to providing accessible, high-quality education to its diverse student body.

Located at 3600 S El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94403, California Art Supply offers professional fine art supplies at fair costs. Their expert staff assists artists of all skill levels in finding the right materials for their projects. The store is committed to keeping customers inspired and well-equipped for their creative endeavors.

Champions Martial Arts provides high-quality Taekwondo instruction for students of all ages. Led by experienced instructors, the school focuses on building confidence, discipline, and physical fitness in a supportive environment.

Located at 1700 W. Hillsdale Blvd in San Mateo, the College of San Mateo is a top-ranked community college offering a wide array of programs. The campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a planetarium, athletic center, and library. With a commitment to student success, CSM provides resources and support for academic and personal growth.

CORA is the only agency in San Mateo County solely dedicated to helping those affected by intimate partner abuse. They offer a range of services, including emergency shelter, counseling, legal assistance, and a 24-hour crisis hotline. CORA's mission is to provide safety, support, and healing for survivors, empowering them to rebuild their lives.

Courtyard San Francisco Airport Burlingame provides comfortable accommodations with modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and meeting spaces. Its proximity to the airport and downtown San Francisco makes it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers.

Coyote Point Recreation Area offers a variety of outdoor activities, including picnicking, swimming, windsurfing, and hiking. The park features scenic views of the San Francisco Bay, a marina, and the CuriOdyssey science museum, making it a popular destination for families and nature enthusiasts.

Coyote Point Recreation Area offers a variety of outdoor activities, including picnicking, swimming, windsurfing, and hiking. The park features scenic views of the San Francisco Bay, a marina, and the CuriOdyssey science museum, making it a popular destination for families and nature enthusiasts.

CuriOdyssey at Coyote Point in San Mateo is a beloved science museum and zoo for families and school groups. The facility features over 50 hands-on science exhibits and nearly 100 rescued animals native to California. Programs include animal encounters, STEAM-focused learning stations, and interactive science displays. Designed for curious minds, CuriOdyssey fosters early science engagement in a playful, immersive environment where kids learn by doing and exploring.

Footwear, Etc., situated at 101 E 4th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, is a California retail chain specializing in stylish and foot-friendly footwear. They offer a wide range of quality brands such as Clarks, SAS, Alegria, New Balance, along with handbags, insoles, orthotics, and shoe care items. Their knowledgeable staff ensures customers find the perfect fit for comfort and style.

Grand Bay Hotel San Francisco boasts elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites with modern amenities. Situated near a tranquil lagoon, it offers a serene environment while being close to Redwood City's vibrant downtown and nearby attractions.

Hotel Nia, part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, redefines high-end hospitality in Silicon Valley. With luxury amenities, including an outdoor pool and garden courtyard, it provides a sophisticated retreat for business and leisure travelers alike.

Kuk Sool Won of San Mateo offers comprehensive Korean martial arts training that combines traditional techniques with modern self-defense. The school emphasizes physical fitness, discipline, and character development, providing classes for all ages and skill levels. Students learn a variety of techniques, including striking, grappling, and weaponry, in a supportive environment.

Laurelwood Park, adjacent to Sugarloaf Mountain, provides serene walking areas, a playground, and trails leading into the mountain. It's an ideal spot for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Laurelwood Park, adjacent to Sugarloaf Mountain, provides serene walking areas, a playground, and trails leading into the mountain. It's an ideal spot for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Based at 330 Twin Dolphin Dr #123 in Redwood City, the Legal Aid Society provides free civil legal services to low-income residents. Their focus areas include housing, healthcare access, and income support. Committed to justice and equity, the organization works to ensure that all community members have access to legal representation.

Maxwell's Senior Care Services provides geriatric care management, offering personalized care plans, medication management, and support for families navigating elder care. Serving the greater San Francisco Peninsula, they focus on enhancing the quality of life for seniors.

Mission Hospice and Home Care delivers compassionate end-of-life care, offering hospice services, palliative care, and grief support. Their team provides 24/7 assistance, ensuring comfort and dignity for patients and their families throughout the San Mateo County area.

Situated at 217 S Claremont St in San Mateo, Motion Arts Center provides a diverse range of dance and fitness classes, including Argentine Tango, Salsa, and Zumba. The studio caters to all skill levels and promotes a welcoming environment for learning and socializing. With experienced instructors, MAC is a vibrant part of the local dance community.

Oshiro Karate Dojo serves as the world headquarters for the Ryukyu Bujutsu Kenkyu Doyukai (RBKD), focusing on traditional Okinawan martial arts. The dojo offers instruction in both karate and kobujutsu, emphasizing discipline, respect, and self-improvement. Students of all ages and skill levels are welcome to train in a supportive and authentic environment.

Peninsula Critter Care, located at 221 S Fremont St, San Mateo, CA 94401, provides professional pet and house sitting services in the San Francisco Bay Area. They cater to a variety of pets, including dogs, cats, hamsters, birds, fish, and bunnies. Their services offer peace of mind to pet owners, ensuring their beloved animals are in caring hands while they are away.

Peninsula Family Service, founded in 1950, strengthens the community through early childhood education, financial empowerment, and older adult services. With a commitment to equitable access and inclusion, their programs support stability and growth for individuals and families. A community hero in San Mateo, they are praised for long-term impact. One client shared, 'Their support truly transformed my family's life.' Peninsula Family Service remains a vital pillar of support across generations.

Peninsula Family Service, founded in 1950, strengthens the community through early childhood education, financial empowerment, and older adult services. With a commitment to equitable access and inclusion, their programs support stability and growth for individuals and families. A community hero in San Mateo, they are praised for long-term impact. One client shared, 'Their support truly transformed my family's life.' Peninsula Family Service remains a vital pillar of support across generations.

Peninsula Family Service, based at 24 2nd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, provides comprehensive services supporting individuals and families at various life stages. Their programs include early learning, financial empowerment, and services for older adults, aiming to strengthen the community by helping local families and vulnerable neighbors find stability and opportunity.

Based at 1528 S El Camino Real #208 in San Mateo, Principal Creative & Performing Arts offers dance classes in styles such as ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop. Their programs cater to children and adults, focusing on technique, creativity, and performance. The studio fosters a supportive environment for artistic expression.

Located within Central Park at 101 9th Ave in San Mateo, the San Mateo Arboretum Society is dedicated to horticultural education and the preservation of the city's rich plant heritage. The society offers gardening seminars, workshops, and maintains beautiful gardens, including a rose garden and the historic Kohl Pump House. It serves as a green oasis and educational resource for the community.

The San Mateo County Event Center is a premier venue in the Bay Area, offering over 100,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space and 48 acres of outdoor areas. It hosts a variety of events, including festivals, trade shows, and corporate gatherings, providing versatile facilities and professional event management services.

The San Mateo Public Library offers a vast collection of books, digital resources, and community programs for all ages. Patrons can access free Wi-Fi, study rooms, and various educational workshops. The library serves as a cultural and informational hub, promoting literacy and lifelong learning in a welcoming environment.

Located at 50 E. 5th Ave in Central Park, the San Mateo Recreation Center offers a variety of programs and facilities for all ages. From fitness classes to community events, it serves as a hub for recreational activities in the city. The center also provides spaces for meetings and gatherings, fostering community engagement and wellness.

Senior Helpers of the Peninsula offers professional in-home care services, including Alzheimer's and dementia care, personal care, and companion services. Their trained caregivers support seniors in maintaining independence while providing peace of mind to families.

Operating at 158 W 25th Ave in San Mateo, SJC Ballroom offers ballroom dance classes for various skill levels. Classes are held at KG Fitness Studio and cover styles like waltz, tango, and foxtrot. The studio emphasizes technique, musicality, and the joy of dancing.

The Oak Room at the San Mateo Public Library's Main Branch is a versatile community meeting space equipped with modern amenities. It serves as a venue for various events, including workshops, lectures, and community meetings, supporting the library's mission to foster learning and engagement.

Sunrise of San Mateo provides assisted living and memory care in a warm, homelike setting. Located near downtown, it offers personalized care plans, engaging activities, and proximity to Central Park and local amenities.

SYNERGY HomeCare, based at 3 E 3rd Ave Suite 200, San Mateo, CA 94401, provides non-medical home care services for people of all ages. Their services include companionship, homemaking, and personal care, allowing clients to maintain a normal, healthy, active lifestyle in the comfort of their homes. SYNERGY HomeCare is committed to delivering compassionate and professional care tailored to individual needs.

SYNERGY HomeCare provides non-medical home care services tailored to individual needs, including personal care, companionship, and respite care. Serving the San Mateo area, their caregivers assist clients in maintaining a safe and comfortable home environment.

San Carlos Elms is a not-for-profit community offering assisted living and memory care. Residents enjoy a supportive environment with personalized services, social activities, and comfortable accommodations designed to promote independence.

The Peninsula Italian American Social Club offers a touch of Italy in the Bay Area, featuring a beautiful banquet hall ideal for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions. Known for its impeccable service and delectable cuisine, the club is a cherished venue for celebrating Italian heritage and community.

The Peninsula Regent is a premier condominium community for independent adults over 60. It features concierge services, fine dining, wellness programs, and a vibrant social calendar, all in the heart of San Mateo.

The Stratford offers luxury senior living with options for independent and assisted living. Amenities include gourmet dining, wellness programs, and a rich array of cultural and social activities, fostering an active lifestyle.