
Vacation rentals in San Mateo
Find and book unique accommodations on Airbnb
Top-rated vacation rentals in San Mateo
Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.
Vacation rentals for every style
Get the amount of space that is right for you
Popular amenities for San Mateo vacation rentals
Other great vacation rentals in San Mateo

Stowe Cottage in San Mateo Park, California

Sparklingly clean guest unit with gated parking

Stylish Private Guest Suite Near SF and SFO

Private Room Close to Caltrain & Hillsdale Mall

Executive Home w/ Sun Deck

Modern & Private 1BR w/ AC | Walk 2 Grocery, Shops

San Mateo Happy Haven Home w Patio/Projector

Cozy Guesthouse in San Mateo
Quick stats about vacation rentals in San Mateo
Total rentals
560 properties
Total number of reviews
18K reviews
Family-friendly rentals
200 properties are a good fit for families
Pet-friendly rentals
130 properties allow pets
Rentals with a pool
110 properties have a pool
Rentals with dedicated workspaces
300 properties have a dedicated workspace
Your guide to San Mateo
All About San Mateo
Nestled between the hilly metropolis of San Francisco and urban San Jose, with the sweeping sands of Half Moon Bay to the west, the city of San Mateo boasts easy access to cultural hotspots, natural beauty, and a world-class food scene.
People are drawn here to admire nearly 45,000 artworks at the Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University, hike among the dramatic scenery at either end of Purisima Creek, and savor hard-to-beat ramen and crab nigiri at one of San Mateo’s established cluster of Japanese restaurants. There’s also public art to enjoy all around town, with vivid murals on numerous buildings, including the 1963 mosaic mural on South El Camino Real.
Less than half an hour west of San Mateo, Half Moon Bay boasts Surfers’ Beach for beginners and Mavericks for seasoned pros who want to take on wild waves. The same distance north, you can taqueria-hop in San Francisco’s Mission District and ride the city’s famous cable cars.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in San Mateo
San Mateo is known for its mild, damp winters and dry summers. A lot of activities are outdoors, from kayaking in the bay to hiking and biking, so the summer and fall seasons are the best times to book San Mateo vacation rentals. Temperatures are at their most comfortable from April through October, and the changing colors of the leaves bring a range of pumpkin beers from the region’s breweries.
Layers are important in the colder months, as drizzle and searing sunshine are both possibilities in different parts of the Bay Area at any one time. You can see gray whales at Pacifica between February and April.
Top things to do in San Mateo
Japanese Tea Garden
The Japanese Tea Garden is one of the main attractions in Central Park, San Mateo’s main community park. The garden covers over 16 acres of manicured lawns, including a pagoda tower, a koi pond, and a teahouse for a quiet afternoon among delicate cherry blossoms. This serene site was designed by the landscape architect who worked on the Tokyo Imperial Palace.
Coyote Point
Less than 20 minutes from downtown by bike or road, Coyote Point is a popular spot for activities like windsurfing and sailing. If you’re cycling, the San Francisco Bay Trail crosses the park, so you can extend your ride north all the way to San Francisco or south to Palo Alto. At the water’s edge, you’ll find a marina and a beach, backing onto an 18-hole golf course.
Filoli Historic House & Garden
A 15-minute drive from San Mateo, this Georgian Revival house and its pristine landscaped gardens span over 650 acres. Wander around the terraces for commanding views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and cross Fault Creek Bridge to step over the famous San Andreas Fault. A spring visit will be rewarded with fragrant cherry and apple blossom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in San Mateo?
Four-legged friends are welcome in San Mateo. Choose from more than 130 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.
Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in San Mateo?
Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 300 vacation rentals in San Mateo featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.
Are there San Mateo vacation rentals on Airbnb with pools?
Yes! Dive into the perfect getaway at one of over 110 vacation homes with pools in San Mateo, available on Airbnb. Make a splash and soak up the sun in style!
Do hotel rentals in San Mateo have air conditioning?
Absolutely! We offer over 10 hotel rentals with air conditioning in San Mateo. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
How much does it cost to stay in bungalow rentals in San Mateo?
Experience the best of San Mateo with our bungalow rentals, starting at about $50 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.
Do guesthouse rentals in San Mateo have wifi?
Absolutely! We offer over 20 guesthouse rentals with wifi in San Mateo. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
Do house rentals in San Mateo have a bbq area?
Absolutely! We offer over 30 house rentals with a bbq area in San Mateo. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
Are there family-friendly apartment rentals in San Mateo?
San Mateo has more than 30 family-friendly apartment rentals. Amenities on the property may include high chairs, travel cribs, or strollers.
Do house rentals in San Mateo have a gym?
Absolutely! We offer over 20 house rentals with a gym in San Mateo. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
Where should I stay in San Mateo?
Make yourself at home in San Mateo by choosing from our most frequently booked neighborhoods. We have over 680 vacation rentals in San Mateo Woods, over 570 vacation rentals in Parrot Drive Area, over 570 vacation rentals in Hillsdale, and over 680 vacation rentals in Vintage Park.
Destinations to explore
- San Jose Vacation rentals
- Silicon Valley Vacation rentals
- North Coast Vacation rentals
- Oakland Vacation rentals
- Sacramento Vacation rentals
- Monterey Vacation rentals
- San Francisco Peninsula Vacation rentals
- Central California Vacation rentals
- San Francisco Vacation rentals
- San Francisco Bay Area Vacation rentals
- Gold Country Vacation rentals
- Northern California Vacation rentals
- Rentals with outdoor seating San Mateo
- Rentals with a fireplace San Mateo
- Condo rentals San Mateo
- Pet-friendly rentals San Mateo
- Family-friendly rentals San Mateo
- Guesthouse rentals San Mateo
- Apartment rentals San Mateo
- Fitness-friendly rentals San Mateo
- Townhouse rentals San Mateo
- Private suite rentals San Mateo
- House rentals San Mateo
- Rentals with breakfast San Mateo
- Cabin rentals San Mateo
- Kid-friendly rentals San Mateo
- Rentals with a washer and dryer San Mateo
- Rentals with pools San Mateo
- Cottage rentals San Mateo
- Rentals with a patio San Mateo
- Rentals with a fire pit San Mateo
- Rentals with an EV charger San Mateo
- Rentals with a hot tub San Mateo
- Cabins United States
- Treehouses United States
- Tiny Houses United States
- Beach Houses United States
- Lakehouses United States
- Yurt Rentals United States
- Yurt Rentals United Kingdom
- Castle Rentals United States
- Houseboats United States
- Holiday Caravans United Kingdom
- Private Island Rentals United States
- Farm Houses United States
- Farm Cottages United Kingdom
- Cabin Rentals Australia
- Luxury Cabins United Kingdom
- Luxury Cabins United States
- Holiday Chalets United Kingdom
- Cottage Rentals United States
- Holiday Cottages United Kingdom
- Mansion Rentals United States
- Villa Rentals United Kingdom
- Holiday Bungalows United Kingdom
- Bungalow Rentals United States
- Condo Rentals United States
- Holiday Apartments Australia
- Holiday Houses United States
- Holiday Houses United Kingdom
- Private Holiday Rentals United Kingdom
- Big House Rentals United States
- Big Cottages Australia
- Large Villas United Kingdom
- House Rentals with a Pool United States
- Cabin Rentals with a Pool United States
- Villas with a Pool United Kingdom
- Apartments with a Hot Tub United States
- Holiday Cottages with a Hot Tub United Kingdom
- Beach Cabins United States
- Beach Condos United States
- Beachfront Rentals United States
- Beach Houses United Kingdom
- Beach Villas United Kingdom
- Coastal Cottages United Kingdom
- Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals United States
- Pet-Friendly Beach Rentals United States
- Pet-Friendly Cabin Rentals United States
- Dog-Friendly Cottages United Kingdom
- Luxury Dog-Friendly Cottages United Kingdom
- Santa Cruz Beach
- Capitola Beach
- Rio Del Mar Beach
- Golden Gate Park
- Stanford University
- Oracle Park
- Seacliff State Beach
- Twin Peaks
- Bolinas Beach
- Muir Woods National Monument
- Davenport Beach
- Montara State Beach
- Twin Lakes State Beach
- Pescadero State Beach
- Capitola State Beach
- New Brighton State Beach
- Mission Dolores Park
- Rodeo Beach
- China Beach, San Francisco
- Sumner Beach
- Bonny Doon Beach
- Rockaway Beach
- Pier 39
- Golden Gate Bridge