San Mateo County Parks

Six Hikes for History Buffs!

The stone dairy house at Wunderlich Park was built in 1874. Photo courtesy SMCPF.

Where did Houdini challenge local policeman to keep him locked up? What almost became a 6-lane freeway? San Mateo County Parks are rich in history beyond the two historic sites, Sanchez Adobe and the Woodside Store. If you love nature and history, then we have you covered with these six hikes.

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

The sea anemone, a tidepool predator, lies in wait for its next meal. Credit: Majken Talbot

Bluffs, beach, and amazing tidepools.

Flood Park: Building Anew on a Cherished History

Design for the west entry to the "Boulder Canyon" playground. Credit: San Mateo County Parks/CMG.

This historic property in Menlo Park, with its popular pump track, sports fields, heritage trees and demonstration garden, is on the brink of another transformative revitalization.

Indigenous Activists Succeed in Monument Removal, Urge End to Genocide Symbols

This statue of Portolá stood in Pacifica until it was removed in early 2024. Credit: Bob n' Renee, CC BY 2.0

As the re-creation of the 90-mile Ohlone-Portolá Heritage Trail is on its way, Indigenous activists are working to remove associated statues and plaques.

Don Horsley County Park at Tunitas Creek Beach

Tunitas Creek Beach is renowned for its striking 100-foot tall, white sandstone cliffs. Credit: Mike Kahn.

Coming soon!!!

Memorial Park: The Birth, Centennial & Future of San Mateo County Parks

Ranger Katherine Wright next to "Largest Tree" old-growth redwood that was protected by Memorial Park. Photo by Mike Kahn.

Founded on the Fourth of July 1924, Memorial Park, deep in the redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains, is the birthplace of San Mateo County Parks, where generations of families connect to nature.

Trail will Retrace Spanish Explorers’ ‘Discovery’ of SF Bay

View of San Andreas Lake and San Francisco Bay from the Portolá "Discovery" site on Sweeney Ridge, GGNRA. Credit: Samuel Herzberg

The Ohlone-Portolá Heritage Trail will run the length of San Mateo County and include Indigenous representation, which some tribal leaders feel is an afterthought.

Outdoor Fun and Cool Rewards: Two Bay Area Trail Challenges

Take a Hike Challenge participants at Wunderlich. Photo courtesy San Mateo County Parks

San Mateo County’s Take a Hike Challenge and Bay Area-wide Ridge Trail Challenge offer locals a taste of what their nearby parks have to offer–and prizes!