San Mateo, CA

Key Highlights

Hotels	10
Total Sleeping Rooms	1,467
Committable Sleeping Rooms*	805
Committable Meeting Rooms*	38
Largest Ballroom	104,900 Sq. Ft.
Average Hotel Room Rate	USD $111
Average Daily Meal Cost	USD $61
Average Weekly Car Rental	USD $183
*Maximum for a single hotel

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San Mateo, CA Meeting Planning Overview

As the gateway to the San Francisco Bay Area, San Mateo County is the perfect locale for conventions and meetings. Also known as the origin of Silicon Valley, San Mateo County is on the cutting edge of technology and business, a fact reflected in its conference and meeting facilities, modern infrastructure and well-equipped transportation. At the same time, San Mateo County does not forsake its natural landscape for its technological expertise, priding itself on its many parks, miles of scenic trails and lush ecosystems. Its blend of natural beauty and modern excitement ensure that business travelers will find plenty of ways to explore and unwind during their stay.

Those traveling to this scenic city can touch down at San Francisco International Airport, which connects non-stop with more than 60 cities on 27 domestic airlines. In fact, it serves more East Coast cities than any other airport in the region. Travelers based closer to the county can just as easily take advantage of Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), Caltrain and SamTrans public transportation systems. Offering connections to nearby destinations and to points of interest within the county, these options serve as efficient, affordable modes of travel to locals and business travelers alike.

One point of interest for convention goers is undoubtedly the San Mateo County Event Center, conveniently located within minutes from over 5,000 hotel rooms. Encompassing 48 acres and seven buildings, the center offers more than 200,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space. Conferences can also make the most of San Mateo County's temperate climate at the center's four acres of landscaped outdoor space. Meanwhile, the South San Francisco Conference Center, located closer to downtown San Francisco, offers state-of-the-art technology and 20,600 square feet of meeting space.

San Mateo County is home to a variety of unique sites and attractions perfect for more intimate group functions. Take meetings to new heights at the Hiller Aviation Museum, the largest indoor aviation museum in California. Host a banquet in the museum's spacious 8,640-square-foot atrium, or sip cocktails among the eye-catching restored aircraft at the 27,600-square-foot gallery. Or, rent the visitor center at the Filoli Center, a breathtaking historic estate that has been filmed for movies and television shows such as The Wedding Planner and Dynasty.

San Mateo County is recognized for its strong economy based on high-tech industry, bioscience and medical technology. Major county employers include DreamWorks, Applied Biosystems and Oracle Corporation, while headquarters for Capcom USA, Inc., Con-way, Inc., Hitachi America, Ltd., and Odwalla, Inc., call San Mateo County home. It is also home to the College of San Mateo County, Samuel Merritt College, San Mateo County Community College and Notre Dame De Namur University.

About San Mateo, CA / Additional Info

San Mateo County's popularity for leisure and business travel stems from its picturesque setting and intriguing attractions. Spanning 741 square miles, San Mateo County encompasses 20 cities on the San Francisco Peninsula, just south of San Francisco itself and north of Silicon Valley. Incorporated from parts of San Francisco County and Santa Cruz County in 1856, San Mateo County today is one of the most affluent counties in the United States and home to over 700,000 residents.

San Mateo County is also notable for its impressive environmental diversity. It is not only home to several different habitats, including marine, redwood forest and oak savannah, but also a number of captivating species of wildlife. In fact, several endangered animals call the county home, including the San Francisco garter snake and San Bruno elfin butterfly.

Nature enthusiasts may spot these rare creatures and others at one of the numerous outdoor attractions in San Mateo County. Take a trip to Ano Nuevo State Park, home to the world's largest mainland breeding colony of northern elephant seals. For a closer look at smaller marine life, the James Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is known for its series of tide pools brimming with sea stars, mollusks and starfish. Or, enjoy the scenic beauty of the Crystal Springs Reservoir, located in the rift valley created by the San Andreas Fault.

Guests find plenty more ways to enjoy San Mateo County's striking landscape outside of its state parks and reserves. The region is home to several sandy beaches, many of which are great for surfing. Half Moon Bay State Beach, Pacifica State Beach and San Gregorio State Beach serve as great spots for picnicking, fishing and camping. Back inland, visit the Japanese Tea Garden in San Mateo County Central Park, where a tea house, pagoda and winding pathways create a serene environment for relaxation.

Leisure and nature also go hand-in-hand at the county's many area wineries. Enjoy breathtaking mountain vistas at the Thomas Fogarty Winery, where pinot noirs, chardonnays and cabernets have been garnering praise from Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast magazine. Barterra Winery, La Nebbia Winery and Woodside Vineyards, the oldest winery in San Mateo County, are among the many other options for enjoying the best of California's varietals.

Guests who can't make it to the wineries themselves can still enjoy a glass of red or white at one of the first-class residents in the region. Enjoy fresh seafood with a side of Pacific Ocean views at Crab Landing Seafood & Steak House. Or savor contemporary American fare at the Michelin-recommended 231 Ellsworth. Fans of healthy, sustainable eating can also get their fill at establishment such as Cetrella, Bay 223 and Viognier, which are just a few of the restaurants taking part in the county's "As Fresh As It Gets" initiative. Established to promote locally harvested fruit, vegetables and seafood, this program is just another example of how San Mateo County keeps things fresh and vibrant for locals and visitors alike.

San Mateo, CA Key Stats for Meeting Planners

Time Zone: Pacific Time (PT)
Convention Center(s):

South San Francisco Conference Center

Hotel at Convention Center? No
Sleeping Rooms 1 Mile from Convention Center: 578

Airport(s):

San Francisco International Airport

Destination Type(s):

Golf Destination
Smoke-free Restaurants

Special Event Venues
30
Population
97,207
Restaurants
24
Country Code
1
Sales Tax
9.25%
Currency
U.S. Dollar
Standard Tipping Practice
10-20%
Electricity
120V / 60Hz
Official Languages
English

Credit Cards and Travelers Cheques widely accepted? Yes

All average costs based on U.S. Government Per Diem rates as published by the U.S. General Services Administration.

Cities Near San Mateo, CA

	Distance	Estimated Driving Time	Estimated Min. Flying Time	Estimated Flight Cost
San Jose, CA	30 mi	33 min	n/a	N/A
Sacramento, CA	104 mi	1 hr 44 min	42 min	USD $279+
Los Angeles, CA	378 mi	5+ hrs	1 hr 15 min	USD $130+
Las Vegas, NV	567 mi	5+ hrs	1 hr 29 min	USD $160+
Portland, OR	654 mi	5+ hrs	1 hr 39 min	USD $300+

San Mateo, CA Climate Information

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg. High (°F)	56	59	61	64	66	70	71	72	73	70	63	56
Avg. Low (°F)	42	44	46	47	50	56	54	54	54	52	47	43
Rec. High (°F)	72	77	85	92	97	106	105	100	103	99	85	75
Rec. Low (°F)	26	30	31	36	39	43	44	45	41	37	31	24
Rainfall (in)	4.0	3.0	3.0	1.0	0.0	0.0	-	-	0.0	1.0	2.0	3.5

San Mateo County enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, as the region is shielded from the Pacific Ocean by the Santa Cruz Mountains. The region never experiences extremes in hot and cold, which provides a nice break from San Francisco's extreme weather and smog conditions.

San Mateo County weather is marked by warm summers, vast sunshine and comfortable breezes. September is the county's warmest month, with an average high of 73°F and average low of 55°F, while January is the coolest month, with an average high of 56°F and average low of 43°F. The county experiences an average of 21 inches of rainfall per year, with January's average of 4.5 inches of rain making it the rainiest month.

Travelers should plan their San Mateo County visit during the late summer to early fall in order to enjoy the county's warmest and sunniest weather.

Meeting Planning in San Mateo, CA

South San Francisco Conference Center

Known for its convenient central San Francisco Bay Area location, the South San Francisco Conference Center is an award-winning, full-service convention venue that accommodates small to large meetings and events in its 20,500 square feet of meeting space. Located just 15 minutes outside of downtown San Francisco and 20 minutes from Silicon Valley, the conference center features a number of flexible, environmentally-friendly meeting spaces.

Its 20,500 square feet of meeting space includes the light-filled, four-story lobby, which offers 6,300 square feet of space. Meanwhile, the 13,500-square-foot Grand Ballroom can be divided into 10 meeting rooms. The 4,000-square-foot Oyster Point Room, completed in September 2009, features an environmentally-friendly fabric roof, no interior support columns and even an 800-square-foot skylight.

Amenities at the South San Francisco Conference Center include full on-site catering and audio-visual resources, as well as a business center and state-of-the-art telecommunications services. The center is surrounded by more than 3,000 guest rooms, and complimentary parking is shared with neighboring hotels. The South San Francisco Conference Center is accessible via many public transportation options, including Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), SamTrans and CalTrain.

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San Mateo, CA Meeting Venue Spotlight

San Mateo County Event Center

Perfect for small meetings to large conventions, San Mateo County Event Center offers modern amenities throughout its 48-acre, seven-building campus. Located within minutes from more than 5,000 hotel rooms and the San Francisco International Airport, the facilities of the San Mateo County Event Center campus offer a combined total of more than 195,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space. The center campus also features four acres of lush landscaped outdoor space, as well as parking for 6,000 vehicles.

Available venues are the 104,990-square-foot Expo Hall, with space for 6,000 people; the 34,200-square-foot Fiesta Hall, with space for 2,280 people; the Jockey Club and Cypress Hall, each measuring in at 15,680 square feet and offering space for 1,056 people; the 14,000-square-foot Redwood Hall, with space for 466 people; and the Sequoia Hall and Meeting Pavilion, each measuring in at 6,500 square feet and offering space for 350 people. On-site services include equipment rental, seating risers, telecommunication services, box office services and wi-fi capability.

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San Mateo, CA Airport Information

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Located 14 miles south of downtown San Francisco, San Francisco International has been ranked as one of the world’s 30 busiest airports, serving more than 33 million passengers every year. The three-terminal, 90-gate airport debuted a $383-million renovation of Terminal 2. The renovation project resulted in a new 575,000-square-foot terminal with 14 gates, 33,633 square feet of retail space – including 12 restaurants, nine retail stores, a gourmet market, wine bar and spa – and a pedestrian bridge to the airport’s fully automated people mover.

Currently, San Francisco International is committed to showcasing its home city. Nearly all of its eateries are branches of local restaurants, bars and cafes, so passengers can get a true taste of San Francisco even if they can’t leave the airport. Much of the airport’s eclectic mix of bookstores, gift shops, travel outfitters and luxury boutiques has ties to local purveyors as well.

San Francisco International is also home to the San Francisco Airport Commission Aviation Library and Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum, a 7,000-square-foot public exhibition space with various historic transportation artifacts. Admission is free and groups of up to 250 people are welcome to hold private events in the sprawling space.

San Francisco International offers parking in hourly, daily and long-term areas. The airport also provides direct service to the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Rapid Rail and San Mateo County Transit (samTrans) bus system.

Traveling between terminals is easy thanks to AirTrain, a fully-automated people mover that runs 24 hours a day. AirTrain’s Red Line connects all terminals and terminal garages, as well as provides direct access to the BART station. AirTrain’s Blue Line connects all terminals and terminal garages, as well as provides direct access to the BART station and the Rental Car Center.

Airline carriers serving San Francisco International Airport

Aer Lingus
AeroMexico
Air Canada
Air China
Air France
Air New Zealand
AirTran Airways
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
All Nippon Airways
Asiana
British Airways
Cathay Pacific
China Airlines

Continental
Delta/Northwest
Emirates
EVA Air
Frontier
Hawaiian Airlines
Horizon
Japan Airlines
JetBlue
KLM
Korean Air
LACSA
Lufthansa
Mexicana

Midwest
Philippine Airlines
Qantas
Singapore Airlines
Southwest
Sun Country
TACA
United
United Express
US Airways
Virgin America
Virgin Atlantic
WestJet

San Mateo, CA Public Transportation

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), a 104-mile-long light rail system, runs on five lines that serve over 40 stations throughout the Bay Area. The 5th busiest heavy rail rapid transit system in the country, trains make several stops throughout downtown San Francisco, at San Francisco International Airport, and in San Mateo County.

San Mateo County is served by two routes: Richmond – Daly City – Millbrae and Pittsburg – Bay Point – SFO – Millbrae. Stops include South San Francisco, San Bruno and Millbrae.

BART light rail trains generally run Monday through Friday from 4 AM to midnight, Saturday from 6 AM to midnight and Sunday from 8 AM to midnight. Fares are set by mileage; children under 5 ride free.

Caltrain

Caltrain is a commuter rail system that serves 40 stations from Gilroy to San Francisco. Caltrain also offers several shuttles between stations and points of interest, for example, shuttles from the Millbrae Intermodal Station serve major hotels in the Burlingame Bayside area. Caltrain passengers can also connect with Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) via the Millbrae Intermodal station, where BART offers a shuttle train to San Francisco International Airport every 20 minutes for $1.50 per passenger.

Caltrain operates on a zone fare schedule. One-zone, one-way travel starts at $2.50 per person one-way, $5 for a day pass, and $17 for an eight-ride pass.

San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) Bus Line

Operated by the San Mateo County Transit District, SamTrans is a daily local bus service that operates throughout a 446-square-mile area. Serving more than 15 million passengers each year, SamTrans runs along 54 routes and is in the midst of adding new, modern vehicles to its existing 447-bus fleet.

SamTrans operates hundreds of daily trips along the Bayshore corridor between Palo Alto and downtown San Francisco. SamTrans provides service to all 20 cities in San Mateo County, as well as to BART and Caltrain via the Millbrae Intermodal station. SamTrans routes 142, 292 and 497 provide direct service to San Francisco International Airport.

Schedules and fares vary by route.

Rental Cars

Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty can be found at the San Francisco International Airport's Rental Car Center. The center is accessible via the AirTrain's Blue Line.

Taxis

Taxis can be found at the San Francisco International Airport's designated taxi zones on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level of all three terminals. Fares average $24 from the airport to San Mateo, with an additional $2 pass-through airport departure fee. Once in San Mateo County, taxis can be hailed on the street or called from hotel front desks.

Distance To...

	Distance	Estimated Driving Time	Estimated Min. Flying Time	Estimated Flight Cost
San Jose, CA	30 mi	33 min	n/a	N/A
Sacramento, CA	104 mi	1 hr 44 min	42 min	USD $279+
Los Angeles, CA	378 mi	5+ hrs	1 hr 15 min	USD $130+
Las Vegas, NV	567 mi	5+ hrs	1 hr 29 min	USD $160+
Portland, OR	654 mi	5+ hrs	1 hr 39 min	USD $300+