San Bruno Travel Guide

Explore San Bruno in California with this comprehensive travel guide. Find out the best things to do, finest places to visit, best time to go, and where to stay and eat in the area.


San Bruno, California is a small city located in the Peninsula region of the Bay Area. It is well-known for being home to the San Francisco International Airport, the main airport for the San Francisco Bay Area. But aside from airport traffic, San Bruno has so much more to offer, with its fascinating blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions. In this guide, you will discover everything you need to know about San Bruno, including the best things to do, places to visit, top activities and tours, and where to stay, eat, and shop.

Introduction to San Bruno

San Bruno is a city in San Mateo County and is located just 12 miles south of San Francisco. It has a population of around 43,000 and covers an area of 5.5 square miles. San Bruno is one of the smallest cities in the San Francisco Peninsula, but it is known for being a lively town with friendly residents and plenty of attractions to explore.

List of Places to Visit in San Bruno

Here are some of the top places to visit in San Bruno:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Golden Gate National Cemetery: This cemetery is a final resting place for more than 130,000 veterans and family members and includes a small museum and visitor center.
  • San Bruno Mountain: This is a great place to hike and enjoy breathtaking views of the Bay Area. It is also home to several endangered plant and animal species.
  • Pacific Heritage Museum: Located in the historic Burlingame Caltrain Station, this museum showcases the history of aviation in the Pacific region and features numerous exhibits and artifacts.
  • A Peninsula Memorial Chapel: This historical chapel is a gothic revival style building built in the 1890s and is used today as a community center.

Natural Attractions of San Bruno: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Junipero Serra County Park: This park features hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay.
  • Crystal Springs Reservoir: This reservoir is a scenic spot for fishing, picnicking, and hiking. It is also home to several species of wildlife, including deer and coyotes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of San Bruno

San Bruno offers many great hiking and biking opportunities. Here are some of the most popular ones:

  • The Summit Loop Trail: This 1.4-mile loop trail is perfect for hiking, running, or biking. It offers stunning views of the surrounding area, including San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
  • Montara Mountain Trail: This challenging hike offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean. It is 8.5 miles long and is rated as difficult.

Best Things to Do in San Bruno: Activities and Tours

  • San Francisco Helicopter Tour: Take a helicopter tour of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and downtown San Francisco.
  • San Francisco Bay Cruise: Take a cruise around the Bay and see all the major landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the Bay Bridge.
  • San Mateo County Coastal Tour: This tour takes you along the scenic coastline of San Mateo County, where you can see breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged California coastline.

Week-Long Itinerary for San Bruno

Here is an itinerary for a one-week visit to San Bruno:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Pacific Heritage Museum and Burlingame Avenue for shopping and dining
Day 2 Hike the Summit Loop Trail and visit San Bruno Mountain
Day 3 Take a San Francisco Bay Cruise and visit Fisherman’s Wharf
Day 4 Visit the Golden Gate National Cemetery and explore nearby Colma
Day 5 Take a helicopter tour of San Francisco and the Bay Area
Day 6 Take a day trip to Half Moon Bay and enjoy the beach and restaurants
Day 7 Explore the Crystal Springs Reservoir and hike the Montara Mountain Trail

Food and Drink Scene of San Bruno

San Bruno’s food and drink scene is diverse, with plenty of offerings to cater to every taste. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Burma Superstar: Try the tea leaf salad, mohinga (noodle soup), and samusa (Burmese-style samosas).
  • Kuy Ky House of Noodle: Try the beef noodle soup and house-made dumplings.
  • Taqueria San Bruno: Try the carne asada tacos and burritos.

Local Beverages

  • Anchor Steam Beer: This San Francisco-style beer has been brewed since 1896 and is a favorite among locals.
  • Old Bus Tavern Sherry Old Fashioned: This classic cocktail is updated with fino sherry and served with a cinnamon stick.

Where to Stay in San Bruno: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

San Bruno has plenty of accommodation options for all budgets. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • The Westin San Francisco Airport: This modern hotel offers comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant, and a gym.
  • Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Bruno: This budget-friendly hotel offers basic rooms, a gym, and free breakfast.
  • Comfort Inn & Suites San Francisco Airport West: This hotel offers clean and spacious rooms, a gym, and free breakfast.

What to Buy in San Bruno: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you are looking for a special souvenir or gift, here are some local products to consider:

  • San Francisco sourdough bread: This iconic bread is made with a special yeast culture found only in San Francisco.
  • Wine from nearby Napa Valley: Napa Valley is known for its world-class wineries and produces some of the finest wines in California.
  • Golden Gate Bridge souvenirs: The Golden Gate Bridge is one of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks, and there are plenty of souvenirs available to commemorate your visit.

Local Culture and Customs of San Bruno

San Bruno is a diverse city with a rich cultural heritage. Visitors should respect local customs and be mindful of cultural differences. It is also important to note that San Bruno has a large Asian-American population, and there are many Asian restaurants and shops in the area.

Best Time to Visit San Bruno

San Bruno is a great destination year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer months (June - August) when the weather is warm and sunny. However, this is also when the area is busiest and accommodation can be more expensive. Spring and fall are also great times to visit, as the weather is still pleasant, and there are fewer crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of San Bruno

Do:

  • Do visit the local museums and historical sites.
  • Do go hiking or biking in San Bruno Mountain or the surrounding parks.
  • Do try the local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget to bring warm layers, as San Bruno can be cooler than San Francisco, especially at nighttime.
  • Don’t expect to find a lot of nightlife in San Bruno. It is a relatively small city known more for its outdoors and cultural attractions.

Safety and Health

Safety in San Bruno

San Bruno is a safe city, but visitors should take normal precautions. Keep your valuables in a safe place and be aware of your surroundings. It is also important to follow any posted safety rules when hiking or engaging in outdoor activities.

Health in San Bruno

San Bruno has many medical facilities, including San Bruno Medical Center, Seton Medical Center, and Mills-Peninsula Health Services. Visitors should also be aware that San Bruno is located in an earthquake-prone area, and it is important to be prepared in case of an emergency.

Getting to San Bruno: Transportation Options and Logistics

San Bruno is easily accessible by car, bus, and train. Here are the most common transportation options:

Airports Near San Bruno

  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO): San Bruno is just a few minutes away from SFO, the main airport for the San Francisco Bay Area.
  • Oakland International Airport (OAK): Oakland International Airport is located across the Bay, about a 45-minute drive from San Bruno.

Bus Stations Near San Bruno

  • Greyhound: Greyhound has a stop in South San Francisco, just a few minutes away from San Bruno.
  • BART: Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) has stations in nearby Millbrae and South San Francisco.

Other Options

  • Car: San Bruno is easily accessible by car, and there are several major highways that run through the area.
  • Taxi/Uber/Lyft: Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in the area.

How to Get Around in San Bruno

Getting around San Bruno is easiest by car, but it is also possible to walk or bike around the city.

Where to Go Next from San Bruno: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

San Bruno is a great starting point for exploring the Bay Area. Here are some nearby destinations to consider:

  • San Francisco: Just 12 miles north of San Bruno, San Francisco is a world-famous city known for its landmarks, museums, and cuisine.
  • Half Moon Bay: Just a 30-minute drive from San Bruno, this beach town is a great place to surf, hike, or relax.
  • Napa Valley: About a 2-hour drive from San Bruno, Napa Valley is a world-renowned wine region with over 400 wineries to explore.

Conclusion

San Bruno is a hidden gem in the Bay Area, offering visitors a unique mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures. Whether you are interested in hiking, museum-hopping, or simply relaxing, San Bruno has plenty to offer. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can plan the perfect trip to this charming city.