Cities and Towns in San Mateo County, California
Founded in 1856, San Mateo County is one of 58 counties in the state of California. Historically, San Mateo County was formed from San Francisco and Santa Cruz. The city of Redwood City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 81, San Mateo County has a population of 737,888 and area of 449 square miles (1,163 km²).
List of all cities in San Mateo County, CA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Atherton, CA | 94027 | 650 |
| Belmont, CA | 94002 | 650 |
| Brisbane, CA | 94005 | 650 |
| Broadmoor Village, CA | 94015 | 650 |
| Burlingame, CA | 94010 | 650 |
| Burlingame, CA | 94011 | 650 |
| Colma, CA | 94014 | 650 |
| Daly City, CA | 94013 | 650 |
| 94014 | 650 | |
| 94015 | 650 | |
| 94016 | 650 | |
| 94017 | 650 | |
| El Granada, CA | 94018 | 650 |
| Emerald Hills, CA | 94062 | 650 |
| Foster City, CA | 94404 | 650 |
| Half Moon Bay, CA | 94019 | 650 |
| Hillsborough, CA | 94010 | 650 |
| La Honda, CA | 94020 | 650 |
| Loma Mar, CA | 94021 | 650 |
| Menlo Park, CA | 94025 | 650 |
| 94026 | 650 | |
| 94027 | 650 | |
| 94028 | 650 | |
| Millbrae, CA | 94030 | 650 |
| Montara, CA | 94037 | 650 |
| Moss Beach, CA | 94038 | 650 |
| Pacifica, CA | 94044 | 650 |
| Palomar Park, CA | 94062 | 650 |
| Pescadero, CA | 94060 | 650 |
| Portola Valley, CA | 94028 | 650 |
| Portola Vally, CA | 94028 | 650 |
| Postal Data Center, CA | 94497 | 650 |
| Princeton by the Sea, CA | 94019 | 650 |
| Redwood City, CA | 94061 | 650 |
| 94062 | 650 | |
| 94063 | 650 | |
| 94064 | 650 | |
| 94065 | 650 | |
| San Bruno, CA | 94066 | 650 |
| San Carlos, CA | 94070 | 650 |
| San Francisco, CA | 94128 | 650 |
| San Francisco Intnl Airport, CA | 94128 | 650 |
| San Gregorio, CA | 94074 | 650 |
| San Mateo, CA | 94401 | 650 |
| 94402 | 650 | |
| 94403 | 650 | |
| 94404 | 650 | |
| 94497 | 650 | |
| Sf International Service Center, CA | 94013 | 650 |
| Sharp Park, CA | 94044 | 650 |
| South San Francisco, CA | 94080 | 650 |
| 94083 | 650 | |
| Ssf, CA | 94080 | 650 |
| West Menlo Park, CA | 94025 | 650 |
| 94026 | 650 | |
| Woodside, CA | 94061 | 650 |
| 94062 | 650 |
Major Cities and Towns in San Mateo County, California
Redwood City
Area, Population, and Geography
- Area: 34.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 86,000 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 94061-94065
- Latitude: 37.4852° N
- Longitude: 122.2364° W
City Location and History
Redwood City, the county seat of San Mateo County, is located on the San Francisco Peninsula, approximately 27 miles south of San Francisco. The area was originally inhabited by the Ohlone people before becoming part of a Spanish land grant in the 18th century. Redwood City’s name comes from the redwood forests that once dominated the area, which were heavily logged during the 19th century to supply timber for San Francisco’s growth. The city developed rapidly as a port town, with its deep-water channel allowing ships to transport lumber and other goods. Redwood City was officially incorporated in 1867 and became the county seat, a status it retains today. Over the years, the city has evolved into a key hub for the technology industry, hosting several tech companies and startups.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Redwood City is served by the Redwood City School District and Sequoia Union High School District, with Sequoia High School being one of the most notable institutions. Landmarks in the city include the historic Fox Theatre, a beautifully restored Art Deco building that hosts concerts, films, and live performances. Another significant site is the San Mateo County History Museum, located in the old courthouse, which offers exhibits on the county’s history and culture. The city’s downtown area has undergone significant revitalization and now features a vibrant mix of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Redwood City is also known for its marina and the nearby Bair Island, part of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Bay Area.
San Mateo
Area, Population, and Geography
- Area: 15.9 square miles
- Population: Approximately 105,000 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 94401-94404
- Latitude: 37.5630° N
- Longitude: 122.3255° W
City Location and History
San Mateo is located in the heart of the San Francisco Peninsula, midway between San Francisco and Silicon Valley. The area was initially inhabited by the Ohlone people before Spanish missionaries arrived in the late 18th century. The city began to grow in the mid-19th century with the construction of the railroad, which connected San Francisco to the peninsula. San Mateo became a popular location for wealthy San Franciscans to build summer estates, taking advantage of its temperate climate and scenic surroundings. The city officially incorporated in 1894 and continued to grow as a residential and commercial center, particularly after World War II, when it became part of the expanding suburbs of the Bay Area. Today, San Mateo is known for its thriving downtown, excellent schools, and diverse community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
San Mateo is served by the San Mateo-Foster City School District and the San Mateo Union High School District, with notable schools such as San Mateo High School and Aragon High School. The city is home to several landmarks, including Central Park, which features a Japanese tea garden, rose garden, and a popular playground. The historic Hillsdale Shopping Center is a major retail hub for the region, while the College of San Mateo, perched on a hill with panoramic views of the Bay Area, serves as an important educational institution. San Mateo is also known for the San Mateo Performing Arts Center, which hosts a variety of cultural events. The city’s convenient location, combined with its rich history and modern amenities, makes it a key city in San Mateo County.
Daly City
Area, Population, and Geography
- Area: 7.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 106,000 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 94014-94017
- Latitude: 37.6879° N
- Longitude: 122.4702° W
City Location and History
Daly City is located in the northernmost part of San Mateo County, immediately south of San Francisco. The city was named after John Daly, a prominent local businessman and landowner who played a key role in its early development. Daly City was initially a collection of farms and ranches in the late 19th century, but it began to urbanize rapidly following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, which drove many displaced residents to the area. The city officially incorporated in 1911 and has grown significantly over the decades, largely as a residential suburb of San Francisco. Daly City is known for its diverse population and as a gateway to both San Francisco and the coastal areas of San Mateo County.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Daly City is served by the Jefferson Elementary School District and the Jefferson Union High School District, with Westmoor High School and Jefferson High School being key educational institutions. The city is home to several landmarks, including the Cow Palace, a large arena that has hosted everything from rodeos to political conventions and concerts. Another significant landmark is the Thornton State Beach, which offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is popular for hiking and hang gliding. The nearby San Bruno Mountain State and County Park provides additional opportunities for outdoor recreation, with trails that offer panoramic views of the Bay Area. Daly City’s proximity to both urban and natural attractions, along with its rich cultural diversity, makes it a vibrant and dynamic community in San Mateo County.
South San Francisco
Area, Population, and Geography
- Area: 30.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 67,000 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 94080, 94083
- Latitude: 37.6547° N
- Longitude: 122.4077° W
City Location and History
South San Francisco is located on the northern San Francisco Peninsula, just south of Daly City and north of San Bruno. The city was founded in 1908 and quickly developed as an industrial center, earning the nickname “The Industrial City.” The sign on the hillside overlooking the city, which reads “South San Francisco The Industrial City,” is a well-known landmark that reflects the city’s historical roots. In the latter half of the 20th century, South San Francisco began transitioning from traditional manufacturing to becoming a hub for the biotechnology industry, earning a new reputation as the “Biotech Capital of the World.” The city is now home to numerous biotech companies, including Genentech, which was one of the first in the industry.
Major Schools and Landmarks
South San Francisco is served by the South San Francisco Unified School District, with South San Francisco High School and El Camino High School being the main secondary institutions. The city’s major landmarks include Sign Hill Park, which features hiking trails and the iconic “Industrial City” sign. Another significant site is the Oyster Point Marina, which offers boating, fishing, and scenic views of the Bay. The city is also home to the South San Francisco Conference Center, a key venue for meetings and events in the region. Additionally, the downtown area has seen revitalization efforts, with new shops, restaurants, and public spaces enhancing the community’s appeal. South San Francisco’s blend of industrial history, cutting-edge biotechnology, and natural beauty makes it a unique and important city in San Mateo County.
Menlo Park
Area, Population, and Geography
- Area: 10.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 35,000 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 94025, 94026
- Latitude: 37.4521° N
- Longitude: 122.1817° W
City Location and History
Menlo Park is located in the northern part of San Mateo County, adjacent to Palo Alto and Stanford University. The city was originally part of a large Mexican land grant and began to develop in the mid-19th century when two Irish immigrants, Dennis J. Oliver and D.C. McGlynn, purchased land in the area and named it after their hometown of Menlo in Ireland. The city grew as a residential community for San Francisco and later became an integral part of Silicon Valley. Menlo Park is perhaps best known as the home of Facebook’s headquarters, located in the former Sun Microsystems campus. The city has a strong focus on technology and innovation, while also maintaining its residential charm and community-oriented atmosphere.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Menlo Park is served by the Menlo Park City School District and the Sequoia Union High School District, with Menlo-Atherton High School being a prominent educational institution. The city is home to several landmarks, including the historic Menlo Park Train Station, one of the oldest continuously operating train stations in California. The nearby Allied Arts Guild, a Spanish Colonial-style complex, offers artisan shops, gardens, and a café in a historic setting. Menlo Park is also close to the Stanford Shopping Center, a premier open-air mall, and the Stanford University campus, which provides numerous cultural and recreational opportunities. The city’s proximity to Silicon Valley tech giants, coupled with its high quality of life, makes Menlo Park a desirable place to live and work in San Mateo County.
Map of Cities in San Mateo County, CA
