San Carlos Travel Guide

Plan your trip to San Carlos, California with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover top things to do, places to visit, best time to go, where to stay, & more.


Introduction to San Carlos

Located in Peninsula in the Bay Area of California, San Carlos is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor adventures. This city has a lot to offer for travelers who are looking for a relaxed vacation in serene surroundings. San Carlos is a perfect destination for both adventure enthusiasts and travelers who are looking for a peaceful getaway amidst nature.

List of Places to Visit in San Carlos

Here is our comprehensive list of top places to visit in San Carlos:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Hiller Aviation Museum
  • Museum of San Carlos History

Discover the rich history and culture of San Carlos with a visit to these museums and historical places. Hiller Aviation Museum is a must-visit place for aviation enthusiasts, while the Museum of San Carlos History provides insights into the city’s history and traditions.

Natural Attractions of San Carlos: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Pulgas Ridge Preserve
  • Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve
  • Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State Park

If you’re looking for outdoor adventures and scenic views, San Carlos has got you covered. Pulgas Ridge Preserve, Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve, and Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State Park are some of the top natural attractions in San Carlos that offer hiking trails, bird-watching, and biking routes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of San Carlos

San Carlos has a lot of hiking and biking trails to offer for visitors who love outdoor adventures. Below are some of the best hiking and biking routes in San Carlos:

  • Canyon Trail Park
  • Eaton Park Trail
  • San Carlos Hiking Loop

Best Things to Do in San Carlos: Activities and Tours

  • Explore the scenic beauty of San Carlos via a hot-air balloon ride
  • Attend a performance at the Little Fox Theater
  • Tour the Devils Canyon Brewing Company and taste their local brews

San Carlos offers a variety of activities and tours that cater to all preferences. From hot-air balloon rides that provide stunning views of the city to attending live performances at the iconic Little Fox Theater, there’s a lot to keep you entertained during your stay.

Week-Long Itinerary for San Carlos

Here’s a week-long itinerary for San Carlos:

Day Things to Do
1 Visit the Hiller Aviation Museum
2 Hike at Pulgas Ridge Preserve
3 Explore San Carlos Downtown
4 Take a hot-air balloon ride in San Carlos
5 Visit the Museum of San Carlos History
6 Tour the Devils Canyon Brewing Company
7 Attend a live performance at Little Fox Theater

Food and Drink Scene of San Carlos

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tacos el Grullense
  • Cedro Ristorante Italiano
  • Saffron Indian Bistro

San Carlos has a diverse food scene that offers a mix of international and local cuisine. Tacos el Grullense is a favorite amongst the locals, while Cedro Ristorante Italiano and Saffron Indian Bistro offer delectable Italian and Indian cuisine.

Local Beverages

  • Devil’s Canyon Full Boar Scotch Ale
  • La Mesa Tequila
  • California Craft Beer

San Carlos is also known for its local beverages, with Devil’s Canyon Full Boar Scotch Ale and La Mesa Tequila being the top picks. California craft beer is another popular option for visitors.

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

  • LiA Hotel
  • Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
  • Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott

San Carlos has a variety of accommodation options for visitors, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. LiA Hotel, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott are some of the popular choices.

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

  • San Carlos T-Shirts and Hoodies
  • Local Wine and Craft Beer
  • Handmade Art and Crafts

San Carlos has a variety of souvenirs and local products that you can bring back home to remember your trip. San Carlos T-Shirts and Hoodies are popular amongst visitors, as are local wine and craft beer. You can also pick up handmade art and crafts from local artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of San Carlos

San Carlos is known for its laid-back and friendly culture, and visitors are expected to reciprocate the same. It’s advisable to dress modestly while visiting religious sites and always carry your identification documents with you.

Best Time to Visit San Carlos

The best time to visit San Carlos is between September and November, when the weather is mild and pleasant. Spring is also an excellent time to visit San Carlos as the flowers are in full bloom, and the weather is pleasant.

Do’s and Don’ts of San Carlos

Do:

  • Always carry your identification documents with you
  • Dress modestly while visiting religious sites
  • Respect the local culture and customs

Don’t:

  • Litter in public places
  • Photograph local residents without their permission
  • Disrespect religious sites and traditions

Safety and Health

Safety in San Carlos

San Carlos is a safe city to visit, with low crime rates. However, visitors must take necessary precautions while exploring the city, such as carrying identification documents and keeping an eye on their belongings.

Health in San Carlos

San Carlos has access to top-notch healthcare facilities, making it an ideal destination for travelers who require medical attention.

Getting to San Carlos: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near San Carlos

  • San Francisco International Airport
  • Oakland International Airport
  • San Jose International Airport

San Carlos is easily accessible via air travel, with San Francisco International Airport, Oakland International Airport, and San Jose International Airport being the closest airports.

Bus Stations Near San Carlos

  • San Carlos Caltrain Station
  • Redwood City Caltrain Station

If you’re traveling by bus, San Carlos Caltrain Station and Redwood City Caltrain Station are the closest bus stops to San Carlos.

Other Options

  • Car Rentals
  • Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services

Visitors can also opt for car rentals, taxis, and ride-sharing services to explore San Carlos and its surroundings.

How to Get Around in San Carlos

San Carlos is a walkable city, with most attractions and tourist spots located within walking distance of each other. Visitors can also use bicycles or hire a taxi or ride-sharing service to get around the city.

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

  • San Mateo, California
  • Redwood City, California
  • Stanford University

San Carlos is located in close proximity to many popular destinations, including San Mateo, Redwood City, and Stanford University. Visitors can take excursions to these places to explore more of the Bay Area.

Conclusion

San Carlos is a charming city that offers a mix of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and cultural attractions. With a variety of food, drink, and accommodation options, San Carlos is an ideal destination for travelers who are looking for a relaxed vacation in serene surroundings. Plan your visit to San Carlos today and discover the magic of this beautiful city.