Need a fun day trip or weekend getaway on the San Francisco Peninsula? Head to Redwood City! This vibrant hub offers waterfront adventures, historic sites, and exciting cultural events. Whether you're into hiking, dining, or catching a live show, Redwood City blends natural beauty with downtown energy.
Redwood City, CA Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Paddle or hike at Bair Island Ecological Reserve – Kayak through wetlands or explore scenic trails filled with wildlife.
- For History Buffs: Tour the San Mateo County History Museum – Discover local history inside a stunning historic courthouse building.
- For Shoppers: Browse boutiques and relax Downtown – Explore local shops, grab coffee, and enjoy a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere.
- For Couples: Catch a movie or concert at Courthouse Square – Watch live performances or enjoy al fresco date nights downtown.
- For Families: Play and picnic at Red Morton Park – Climb playgrounds, hit the sports courts, or enjoy open green spaces.
Best Time to Visit Redwood City, CA
The best time to visit Redwood City is late spring through early fall (May to October). The weather is sunny and mild—perfect for exploring parks, attending outdoor events, and dining outside.
How to Get to Redwood City, CA
- If you are traveling by car: Redwood City is conveniently located off US-101 and I-280, about 25 miles south of San Francisco and 27 miles north of San Jose.
- By Train: The Caltrain station is in the heart of downtown, offering easy rail access to San Francisco, San Jose, and beyond.
- By Air: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is just 15 miles away and easily accessible by car or public transit.
Where to Stay in Redwood City, CA
- Recommended for Families: Courtyard by Marriott Redwood City – Modern, family-friendly hotel along the waterfront with pool and on-site dining.
- For Couples: Grand Bay Hotel San Francisco – Upscale bayside hotel with scenic views, elegant rooms, and romantic ambiance.
- For a Boutique Hotel Stay: Park James Hotel – Chic boutique hotel in nearby Menlo Park with stylish design and a great restaurant.
Best Things to Do in Redwood City, CA
1. Step Into Local History and Grand Architecture at the San Mateo County History Museum
Rating: ★★★★★
The San Mateo County History Museum is dedicated to showcasing the rich history of San Mateo County and the surrounding area. Located in the heart of downtown Redlands, the museum is housed inside the former San Mateo County Courthouse which was built in 1910 and is a beautiful example of the City Beautiful Movement with a spectacular stained-glass dome. The San Mateo County History Museum is operated by the San Mateo County Historical Association, along with the Sánchez Adobe and the Woodside Store, and maintains a collection of around 420,000 two- and three-dimensional items. The San Mateo County Historical Association also supports a creative schedule of changing exhibits at the San Mateo County History Museum, which is open Tuesday through Sunday.
San Mateo County History Museum, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City, CA 94063
2. Marvel at the Beautiful Architecture and History of Pulgas Water Temple
The Pulgas Water Temple is a beautiful stone structure built in the Greek Revival style that was erected to commemorate the 1934 completion of the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct.
Designed by architect William G. Merchant and located at the aqueduct's terminus on Cañada Road at Woodside, the Pulgas Water Temple consists of several fluted Corinthian columns arranged in a circle, upon which a large stone masonry ring with the words "I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people." To the east of the temple is a large, tree-lined reflecting pool and the grounds are a favorite spot for special celebrations such as weddings and receptions.
Pulgas Water Temple, 56 Cañada Road, Redwood City, CA 94062, Phone: 650-872-5900
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
3. Hike Wildflower Trails and Spot Wildlife at Edgewood Park
Edgewood Park Natural Preserve is a 467-acre protected area that is renowned for its spectacular spring wildflower displays.
The park boasts 160 acres of serpentine soil which forms an ideal habitat for many native plant species including endemic and rare species, as well as coastal scrub, chaparral, grasslands, foothill woodlands, and wetlands – all the major ecological zones specific to the San Francisco Peninsula except the Redwood forest. Edgewood is also home to a variety of animals and insects, including the endangered Bay checkerspot butterfly.
10 Old Stage Coach Rd, Redwood City, CA 94062
4. Roam Peaceful Trails and Dog-Friendly Paths at Pulgas Ridge Preserve
Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve is a small, well-managed public and recreation area with a large off-leash dog area in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Formerly a tuberculosis sanitarium owned by the City of San Francisco, the 366-acre park still boasts some old retaining walls and steps from the buildings but has now been cleared of all foreign vegetation and has more than six miles of hiking trails with access to cool canyons and beautiful views of the bay and surrounding hillsides from a ridge top. The trails are dog-friendly, and there are plenty of areas for dogs to run and play on and off-leash. Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve is open from dawn to half-an-hour after dusk.
Pulgas Ridge Preserve, Redwood City, CA 94062, Phone: 650-691-1200
If you are traveling with your dog, here are some helpful tips.
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
5. Catch Live Performances in the Historic and Elegant Fox Theater
Located in the heart of downtown Redwood City, the Fox Theater is a beautifully preserved community theater, and a top live entertainment and rental venue in Silicon Valley. Opened to the public in 1929 as The New Sequoia Theater, to show motion pictures, the theater has a seating capacity for 1,348 patrons spread over three floors and has an event venue next door is known as Club Fox, which offers endless opportunities for public or private events. The theater was renovated in 1950 to incorporate live performances and shows and have hosted famous singers such as Etta James, BB King, Melissa Ethridge, Neil Young, and others. The Fox Theatre is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is surrounded by an array of restaurants and bars for after-show entertainment.
Fox Theater, 2215 Broadway Street Redwood City, CA 94063, Phone: 650-369-7770
6. Walk Scenic Boardwalks and Explore Bayfront Views at Bair Island
Bair Island is a 3,000-acre marsh and wetlands area in Redwood City that includes three islands, namely Inner, Middle, and Outer islands and forms part of the larger Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Surrounded by the Steinberger slough and Redwood Creek, Bair Island was once used for farming, grazing and salt production in the 19th century, but has since been transformed into a vital ecological reserve. The wetland that provides critical habitat for a variety of fauna and flora species, including the Salt marsh harvest mouse, the threatened California clapper rail, and an array of migrating birds on the Pacific Flyway. Visitors can explore the island on guided tours along several walking trails around the naturally restored wetlands. Map
7. Hike Rolling Hills and Soak Up Panoramic Bay Area Views at Russian Ridge
Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve is a regional park and reserves that is home to a variety of fauna and flora and offers a range of outdoor recreational activities. Based in the Santa Cruz Mountains in San Mateo County, the preserve consists of both dense forest and open meadows and boasts beautiful views towards San Francisco Bay from the summit of the 2,572-foot Borel Hill. The 3,137-acre preserve features over ten miles of hiking and horseback riding trails and is home to a wealth of fauna and flora, including bobcat, coyote, American kestrel, Northern harrier, and many bird species.
Redwood City, CA 94062, Phone: 650-691-1200
8. If You’re Craving Wood-Fired Pizzas, Head to Vesta for a Delicious Meal
Vesta is a friendly neighborhood Italian-inspired bistro-style eatery that serves delicious wood-fired pizzas, tapas and small sharing plates in a comfy, inviting environment. Operated by son and daughter-in-law team, Peter and Courtney Borrone, owners of Menlo Park's Café Borrone, Vesta is surrounded by good restaurants but is a favorite spot for pizza and tapas lovers and is always packed. The main dining room exudes a cozy ambiance feel with mossy green walls, and fresh flower arrangements and a covered back patio has a charming garden ambiance with plenty of heaters for cooler weather. The bistro also offers sidewalk seating with market umbrellas for watching the world go by while tucking into earthy and aromatic, rustic pizzas and an array of delicious tapas and small plates. Vesta is open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Saturday.
Vesta, 2022 Broadway, Redwood City, CA 94063, Phone: 650-362-5052
Visit Filoli Historic House and Garden where the 1980s shoy Dynasty was filmed.
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