Your Local Guide to the Peninsula’s Friendliest City
Things to Do in Burlingame, CA
Welcome to Burlingame, the elegant tree-lined city on the San Francisco Peninsula where you stroll one of the Bay Area’s most charming shopping streets, watch jets skim the bay at sunset, and dine remarkably well, all just minutes from SFO. We curate the best of it for you here, updated by locals who actually live and play in town.
What are the best things to do in Burlingame?
The top things to do in Burlingame, California are: shop and dine along historic Burlingame Avenue, walk or bike the Bay Trail for front-row plane spotting at Bayside Park and the Shorebird Sanctuary, relax under the heritage trees at Washington Park, enjoy the beach and tide pools at nearby Coyote Point, and catch a world-class chamber concert at the historic Kohl Mansion. Burlingame pairs walkable small-town charm with easy access from San Francisco and Silicon Valley.
Explore Burlingame by Interest
However you like to spend a day, Burlingame delivers. Pick a path below and dive into our hand-picked guides.
Downtown Burlingame Avenue
Browse boutiques like Therapy and francesca’s, then settle in for Peruvian ceviche at Limón, Greek plates at Mykonos, or soup dumplings at Dumpling Kitchen & Bar. The Avenue is the beating heart of town and endlessly walkable.
Discover the Avenue →Parks & the Bay Trail
Spread a blanket beneath the historic elms at Washington Park, jog the paved waterfront at Bayside Park, or watch shorebirds at the Shorebird Sanctuary. The bay breeze and the planes overhead are pure Burlingame.
Find your park →Things to Do with Kids
Hit the beach, playground, and tide pools at Coyote Point, climb and swing at Village Park, or cool off at the Burlingame Community Center. There is no shortage of ways to keep little ones happily worn out.
Plan a family day →Culture & Landmarks
Tour the Tudor-style Kohl Mansion and its 40 acres of oak woodland, take in a chamber music concert, and admire the landmark Burlingame Caltrain depot, one of the oldest stations in California.
Step into history →Where to Eat & Drink
From fast-casual bowls at Urban Kitchen to a refined vegetarian dinner at Twelvemonth, Burlingame’s dining scene punches well above its size. We rank the best tables in town for every craving and budget.
See our top picks →Near SFO & the Bay
Layover or weekend escape, Burlingame makes a smart base. Waterfront hotels sit minutes from the airport, and Caltrain whisks you into San Francisco or down to Silicon Valley in no time.
Where to stay →Local Favorites Right Now
A few standout spots our readers keep coming back to.
Washington Park
850 Burlingame Ave · Free · Open daily
A beloved 17-acre green heart in the center of town, packed with heritage trees, tennis courts, a dog park, ball fields, and a big playground. Bring a picnic and stay all afternoon.
Coyote Point Recreation Area
Just east in San Mateo · Small entry fee · Beach, trails, tide pools
One of the Peninsula’s best outdoor escapes, with a sandy beach, eucalyptus-shaded picnic groves, a playground, and front-row views of planes landing at SFO.
Kohl Mansion
2750 Adeline Dr · Events & concerts
A breathtaking 1914 Tudor estate ringed by oak woodland, celebrated for its chamber music series and as one of the Bay Area’s most romantic event venues.
Limón
1101 Burlingame Ave · Peruvian · $$
A perennial Avenue favorite for vibrant Peruvian seafood, rotisserie chicken, and a famous pisco sour. Reserve ahead, the dining room fills fast.
A Perfect Day in Burlingame
New to town? Follow this easy walking-and-driving loop for a flawless first visit.
- Morning: Grab coffee on Burlingame Avenue and browse the boutiques before the crowds arrive.
- Midday: Drive five minutes to Coyote Point for a beach walk, tide pools, and a picnic with bay views.
- Afternoon: Stroll the Bay Trail at Bayside Park and watch the jets glide into SFO.
- Evening: Return to the Avenue for dinner at Limón, Mykonos, or Twelvemonth, then a nightcap at Dumpling Kitchen & Bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burlingame worth visiting?
Absolutely. Burlingame offers a rare combination of a walkable, boutique-lined downtown, scenic bay-front parks, an excellent restaurant scene, and a location just minutes from San Francisco International Airport. It rewards both a quick layover stroll and a full weekend.
What is Burlingame known for?
Burlingame is known for historic Burlingame Avenue shopping, its tree-lined residential charm, the Bay Trail and waterfront plane-spotting parks, the historic Kohl Mansion, and its proximity to SFO. It has long been nicknamed the “City of Trees.”
What can you do in Burlingame for free?
Plenty. You can walk or bike the Bay Trail, picnic at Washington Park, watch planes land from Bayside Park, birdwatch at the Shorebird Sanctuary, and window-shop along Burlingame Avenue, all at no cost.
How far is Burlingame from San Francisco?
Burlingame sits about 15 miles south of San Francisco, roughly 20 to 30 minutes by car and a quick ride on Caltrain, which stops right downtown. It is also adjacent to SFO, only a few minutes away.
Is Burlingame good for families with kids?
Yes. Coyote Point offers a beach, playground, and tide pools, while Washington Park and Village Park have excellent play structures. The flat, walkable downtown and nearby attractions make it an easy, family-friendly destination.
Why Trust BurlingameThingsToDo.com
We are a local-first guide dedicated entirely to Burlingame and its surroundings. Every recommendation here comes from real visits, current listings, and a genuine love for this corner of the Peninsula. We keep our guides fresh so you always plan with confidence, whether you are visiting for an hour or settling in for the weekend.
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