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Halfway between San Francisco and San Jose, San Carlos calls itself the City of Good Living, and the nickname fits: a walkable downtown on Laurel Street, oak-covered hills on the west side and an airport where you can stand beneath the nose of a Boeing 747. The city sits in San Mateo County between Belmont and Redwood City, with Caltrain stopping right in its center.
The area was part of the Rancho de las Pulgas land grant before rail arrived, and the sandstone depot built in 1888 still anchors the station today. San Carlos incorporated in 1925 and grew into a quiet residential town with a strong small-business streak, plus a cluster of tech and biotech firms near the bay.
Most visitors come for the Hiller Aviation Museum, an evening stroll along Laurel Street and a hike in Pulgas Ridge. From here it is an easy hop to Stanford, the coastal hills along Highway 92 to Half Moon Bay, or a train ride up to San Francisco.
Aviation museum beside San Carlos Airport covering Northern California flight history, from early gliders to Stanley Hiller's helicopters and experimental craft. The front section of a Boeing 747 lets you peek into the cockpit. Allow two hours; weekend family programs and flight simulators are popular.
Small volunteer-run museum on Laurel Street telling the story of San Carlos, from the Rancho de las Pulgas era and early rail days to the town's mid-century electronics firms. Exhibits include photographs, maps and everyday objects. Opening hours are limited, so check the schedule before you go.
Busy general aviation airfield on the bay side of Highway 101, home to flight schools, private planes and the Hiller museum. Light aircraft take off and land all day over the marshes, so it is an easy spot for plane watching. Check the airport cafe hours if you want a coffee with a runway view.
Romanesque-style railroad depot built in 1888 from local sandstone and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It still stands at the Caltrain stop in the middle of town, steps from Laurel Street. Look for the arched windows and heavy stone walls, then catch a train north or south.
The main street of downtown San Carlos, lined with independent restaurants, bakeries, wine bars and small shops in low-rise buildings. Several blocks have outdoor seating and string lights in the evening. Park in one of the public lots off the street and walk the whole stretch from Holly Street to the library.
Weekly farmers' market on Laurel Street with produce from Central Valley and coastal farms, flowers, baked goods and hot food stalls. It runs in the late afternoon and early evening, so locals stop by after work. Bring a bag and arrive early for the best strawberries and stone fruit in summer.
Central city park a short walk from downtown, with lawns, mature trees, a playground, picnic areas and sports fields. It hosts many community events through the year, including the Hometown Days festival in spring. A good place to rest with takeout from Laurel Street on a warm afternoon.
Hillside preserve run by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, on the site of a former tuberculosis sanatorium. Several miles of trails wind through oak and madrone woods with glimpses of the bay, and part of it is an off-leash dog area. Bring water; some climbs are steep and parking is limited.
Annual community festival held in Burton Park in spring, with live music, carnival rides, food booths and local organizations showing what they do. It feels like a big neighborhood picnic and draws families from across the Peninsula. Come by Caltrain; parking near the park fills quickly on festival weekend.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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