Discover San Carlos, CA
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.
About San Carlos
The City of Good Living
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.
Hotels in San Carlos, CA
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.
A popular hotel choice is the HYATT Place San Carlos, which offers modern rooms, spacious suites and on-site dining. Those looking to stay awhile should look into Extended Stay America— San Carlos, which offers studio suites with fully equipped kitchenettes, or the pet-friendly Residence Inn Redwood City San Carlos. And for budget-friendly stays, check out the Good Living Inn or San Carlos Inn.
HYATT Place San Carlos
26 El Camino Real
San Carlos, CA 94070
Residence Inn Redwood City San Carlos
800 E. San Carlos Avenue
San Carlos, CA 94070
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Carlos
555 Skyway Road
San Carlos, CA 94070
LiA Hotel
950 El Camino Real
San Carlos, CA 94070
Things to Do in San Carlos
Hiller Aviation Museum
Let your imagination take flight at the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos. Learn about the history of aviation as you wander through the museum’s impressive collection of aircraft. Pilot a virtual flight across the Bay in the Flight Sim Zone, build robotic drones and explore the many hands-on exhibits. The museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Visit The Hiller Aviation Museum
Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company
Grab a pint at Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company. This family-owned and operated, certified sustainable brewery in San Carlos specializes in craft beer and all-natural root beer. Stop by their public Tasting Room and Beer Garden or host your own private event. Hours vary, so be sure to check their website for the most up-to-date information.
Learn More About Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company
Flying Suitcase Wines
San Carlos is home to several must-visit wineries and tasting rooms on The San Francisco Peninsula, including Flying Suitcase Wines. Their award-winning wines are sourced from some of the best wine-growing regions in California. Stop by the family-friendly winery and tasting room on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Dogs are welcome and there’s even a small play area for kids.
Discover Flying Suitcase Wines
Plan Your Visit To The San Francisco Peninsula
Things To Do In San Carlos & Belmont
Discover the many attractions and things to do in San Carlos and Belmont. From the Mid-Peninsula Wine Trail to great restaurants to local museums, there’s so much to explore in these bayside cities.
Museums on The San Francisco Peninsula
The San Francisco Peninsula is home to some of the best art, history, tech and science museums. Check out this blog post to map out which museums you want to visit while you’re in the area.
Great Hotels Near The San Francisco Peninsula Bay Trail
Looking for more hotel options along The San Francisco Peninsula Bay? Check out this list of hotels in San Mateo County.
Local Events & Happenings
San Carlos hosts a variety of fun, family-friendly community events throughout the year. Celebrate the city during the annual Hometown Days event in May. Enjoy Music In The Park on Fridays in the summer. Join the huge crowds that turn out for the popular Art & Wine Faire in the fall and get in the holiday spirit with the Night of Holiday Lights in December. Plus, be sure to check out the San Carlos Farmers’ Market held every Sunday on Laurel Street.
Top Things To Do in San Carlos & Belmont
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!
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