Did you know that The San Francisco Peninsula (San Mateo County) is named The Healthiest County in California? With beautiful hiking trails, delicious fresh food, and peaceful getaways, the San Francisco Peninsula is the perfect place for travelers and locals alike to prioritize their health and wellness.
Fresh & Healthy Eating
Home to over 50 working farms, and 20 MICHELIN-recognized Restaurants, The San Francisco Peninsula serves as the perfect base to explore California's famed farm-to-table cuisine and fresh produce.
Pillar Point Harbor, a bustling hub for both commercial and sport fishing, provides the Peninsula’s Coastside with an array of the freshest seafood. At Ketch in Half Moon Bay, you can savor some of the finest catches right alongside this vibrant harbor. Additionally, Fattoria e Mare on Main Street offers a true sea-to-table experience, serving fresh seasonal ingredients from nearby farms and seafood that highlight the best of local flavors.
Sample organic, raw vegan fare at Que SeRaw SeRaw, a local favorite in Burlingame. This woman-owned restaurant holds the "As Fresh As It Gets" label — something to look out for as you explore local restaurants and farmer's markets. This distinction is held by establishments serving produce grown from over 50 nearby farms and seafood from harbors located right here in San Mateo County. Likewise, Twelvemonth in Burlingame offers a creative selection of 100% plant-based dishes that rotate seasonally. All their ingredients are sourced from local farmers, ensuring freshness and supporting the community, and the building itself has earned a Platinum LEED rating, emphasizing their dedication to environmental responsibility.
Hiking Adventures
The San Francisco Peninsula is a diverse region that includes over 70% of open space preserve, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. This extensive network of protected lands offers a wide range of recreational activities, from hiking and biking to wildlife observation, all while preserving the natural beauty and ecological diversity of the area.
Breathe in the fresh scents of redwood, laurel, and oak trees by heading over to Woodside to explore the forests of Huddart Park. This shady, creek-side park offers over 20 miles of trails where you can get away from it all, surrounded by nothing but the local flora and fauna.
Or, challenge yourself with the elevation of San Bruno Mountain State and County Park, where you can hike up to an elevation of over 1,300 feet and see the breathtaking views of the entire Bay Area.
Scenic Biking Trails on The Peninsula
If you enjoy pedaling your way through beautiful scenery, Cañada Road offers a scenic and easy ride in the Peninsula. This out-and-back route features minimal traffic, except for a brief stretch on Route 92. Enjoy views of the Crystal Springs Reservoirs, especially on misty mornings, and explore local attractions along the way, such as Filoli and Pulgas Water Temple.
The San Francisco Bay Trail, a 350-mile cycling and walking path spanning the entire San Francisco Bay Area, has sections running all along the county, from South San Francisco to East Palo Alto.
If you'd like to cycle along the coast instead, take your bike along the network of Coastside Trails, which runs through Half Moon Bay, Princeton-by-the-Sea, and Pescadero. Here, you can take in the dramatic cliffs and ocean views as you cycle along the Devil's Slide Trail.
Picturesque Running Paths/Trails
There are plenty of running trails on The Peninsula that will inspire you to rack up those miles. Crystal Springs Regional Trail is a popular mixed-use trail with scenic views along the way. A portion of the trail passes by the Jepsen Laurel, the oldest and largest laurel tree in California. It is over 600 years old!
Kayaking and Boating
You can test your sea legs both coastside and bayside in San Mateo County. On the bayside, you can rent a boat for the whole family at Edgewater Marine in Foster City and spend a relaxing day boating on the Foster City Lagoon.
Or, for a bit more adventure, rent kayaks and paddleboards in Half Moon Bay to explore the beautiful Pacific Ocean coastline.
Exhilarating Surfing Spots
With 55 miles of coastline, San Mateo County has plenty of options for both beginner and advanced surfers to catch waves. Linda Mar State Beach in Pacifica is just one of these popular spots, and there are lessons, board rentals, and wetsuit rentals available nearby.
Advanced surfers can test their skills at Mavericks Beach down by Half Moon Bay, where the annual Mavericks Surfing Competition is held.
With its abundance of outdoor activities and focus on health-conscious living, the San Francisco Peninsula truly stands out as a wellness destination. Keep an eye on our events calendar to stay updated on special wellness events and activities happening throughout the year!