Your Bayside Getaway on The San Francisco Peninsula
Located between Belmont and Redwood City, San Carlos, CA is a vibrant and affluent bayside community in San Mateo County. With its unique blend of suburban charm, small-town feel, lively, walkable downtown and ideal climate, it’s no wonder San Carlos is called “The City of Good Living.” Plan your trip to The San Francisco Peninsula today.
The area that is now San Carlos, CA was originally home to the Lamchin people, a subgroup of the Ohlone Native Americans. Spanish explorers arrived in the 18th century to establish missions, altering the Lamchin’s peaceful way of life. In the early 19th century, the land became part of a Mexican land grant called Rancho del Las Pulgas, which was given to Don José Darío Argüello. When California became part of the United States in 1850, the land was gradually subdivided and sold. Unlike the nearby towns of Redwood City and Belmont, development was slow in San Carlos. The city remained mainly an agricultural area from the end of the 19th century to the early 20th century. It wasn’t until the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad and the efforts of Frederick Drake, who is known as “The Father of San Carlos,” that the town started to grow. The city was officially incorporated in 1925 and earned the nickname “The City of Good Living” for its small-town charm and ideal climate.
Today, visitors enjoy exploring the city’s many popular attractions, like the Hiller Aviation Museum and the San Carlos Museum of History. The City of San Carlos is also home to several wineries and tasting rooms such as Cuvee Wine Cellars, Domenico Winery, Flying Suitcase Wines and Russian Ridge Winery. Most of the wineries are within walking distance of Caltrain and can all be visited in one day. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy taking in the panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay from Big Canyon Park and Eaton Park. Plus, be sure to explore the shops, restaurants and businesses in downtown San Carlos.
It’s kind of wild how much of The San Francisco Peninsula you can explore when you stay in San Carlos. The city puts you in close proximity to great restaurants, tech innovation in Silicon Valley, outdoor activities, public transportation and is only minutes away from the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The bayside city of San Carlos also has plenty of hotel options, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly inns to extended stay options.
Halfway between San Francisco and San Jose, San Carlos & Belmont offer plenty of attractions and scenery while maintaining a small-town feel. Check out the top things to do!
San Carlos is called “The City of Good Living” and is known for its charming, family-friendly neighborhoods, lively downtown, excellent schools, beautiful weather and close proximity to Silicon Valley.
What are the top things to do in San Carlos, CA?
From visiting the Hiller Aviation Museum to sipping wine at the family-owned Domenico Winery to spending a day at the San Carlos Museum of History, there are so many things to see and do in San Carlos.
Where are the best places to eat in San Carlos, CA?
San Carlos is full of locally-loved restaurants just waiting for you to discover. A few favorites include Town, The Refuge, Johnston’s Saltbox and Saffron.
