One of the things you may least expect to find in an urban environment is a tranquil meditative spot, but that is exactly what you will discover at the San Mateo Japanese Tea Garden. Start your visit with a little Zen and see if it does not affect your whole attitude! The Tea Garden was designed by the Imperial Palace of Tokyo’s landscape architect and is considered one of the finest tea gardens in the state. Spend some time quietly exploring the granite pagoda, teahouse, bamboo grove and the koi pond. In late winter and early spring, you will catch the cherry trees in bloom and you just might find yourself immersed in a magical sprinkling of enchanting pink blossoms!
When you have finished meditating and are ready for some exercise, head out to the Sawyer Camp Trail, which follows the Crystal Springs Reservoir and will provide you with all the beautiful scenery you can imagine. Walk, run, cycle or skate along the paved trail and be sure to check out the deer, ducks and birds that will be sharing the space with you. Trees provide delightful shade for which you will be grateful on hot summer days. There are bathrooms located conveniently every couple of miles. As for the tea garden, no dogs are allowed, but this is a great space for the rest of your family. If your smaller children have been less impressed than you with your visit so far, they will perk right up when you take them to CuriOdyssey, a science and wildlife center geared towards younger kids.
The Northern California lifestyle is an outdoor one, and you’ll understand why that is when you visit the Coyote Point Recreational Area. There is so much to do here, from swimming, windsurfing, jogging, hiking, boating and fishing to exploring the saltwater marsh and playground. Originally an island surrounded by the salt marsh, it’s now a beautiful site that includes the CuriOdyssey as well as the castle-themed playground, with one of the longest enclosed slides in California and a separate playground area for the younger children. More outdoor fun awaits you in Central Park, which feels like a real community center and is a favorite with local residents. This is where the Japanese Tea Garden is located but there is a great deal more to enjoy as well, with walking and jogging paths, open spaces and tennis courts. Breathe in the heady aromas of the beautiful rose garden and check out the sculptures. Your kids will want to ride the train and you will all enjoy using one of the barbeque stations for a family gathering.
Stay at one of the Choice Hotels near San Mateo today and discover the Pacific’s most pristine coastline as well as the food and the activities that make this one of America’s favorite places to visit!