Last updated: 2025-04-22
San Mateo’s indoor attractions offer a perfect escape from Bay Area weather, providing engaging experiences for curious minds and families seeking shelter from unpredictable Peninsula climate. From science centers to unique museums, these destinations promise educational and entertaining adventures.
Whether exploring interactive exhibits at CuriOdyssey or discovering cultural treasures at local museums, San Mateo and surrounding areas boast an impressive array of indoor experiences that cater to diverse interests and age groups.
Discover San Mateo’s coolest indoor adventures now!
Featured Indoor Activities in San Mateo
- California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco)
- The Tech Interactive (San Jose)
- Computer History Museum (Mountain View)
- CuriOdyssey
- Asian Art Museum (San Francisco)
- San Mateo Japanese Garden (partially indoor teahouse)
- San Mateo Main Library
- Peninsula Museum of Art (Burlingame)
- Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia (Burlingame)
Asian Art Museum (San Francisco)
What to Expect
Expansive pan-Asian art collection in historic landmark building
Description
San Francisco's premier museum showcasing comprehensive Asian art collections spanning multiple cultures and historical periods. Features rare artifacts, intricate sculptures, delicate ceramics, and traditional paintings from China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian regions. Interactive exhibits provide cultural context and deep artistic insights.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Asian Art Museum
Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia (Burlingame)
What to Expect
Comprehensive Pez dispenser collection spanning multiple decades
Description
Dedicated museum showcasing the colorful history of Pez candy dispensers, featuring an extensive collection of vintage and rare Pez memorabilia. Visitors can explore hundreds of unique dispensers spanning decades of pop culture, with displays highlighting the evolution of these iconic collectible items.
Where: Burlingame | More Info: Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia
California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco)
What to Expect
Living roof with native California plant ecosystem
Description
A cutting-edge science museum featuring an immersive rainforest, planetarium, and aquarium within a single architectural marvel. Interactive exhibits showcase marine life, astronomical phenomena, and natural history through state-of-the-art displays and live animal collections.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: California Academy of Sciences
Computer History Museum (Mountain View)
What to Expect
Extensive computing artifacts spanning technological revolution's first 2000 years
Description
A comprehensive museum showcasing computing's evolution through 19 interactive galleries and over 1,100 technological artifacts. Explores computing history from its origins to modern innovations, featuring exhibits on software development, AI, and technological milestones that transformed human society.
Where: Mountain View | More Info: Computer History Museum
CuriOdyssey
What to Expect
Accessible physics-in-action playground with universal design principles
Description
Interactive science museum and wildlife center featuring 70 live rehabilitated animals, custom science exhibits, and an innovative accessible playground. Offers hands-on learning experiences that inspire scientific curiosity through engaging wildlife habitats, interactive displays, and educational programs for all ages.
Where: San Mateo | More Info: CuriOdyssey
Peninsula Museum of Art (Burlingame)
What to Expect
Bay Area artist exhibition platform
Description
Peninsula Museum of Art was a local art museum dedicated to showcasing Bay Area artists through free visual art exhibitions. Founded by sculptor Ruth Waters, the museum celebrated artistic expression and community engagement through curated shows highlighting regional creative talent.
Where: Burlingame | More Info: Peninsula Museum of Art
San Mateo Japanese Garden (partially indoor teahouse)
What to Expect
Imperial Palace landscape architect-designed traditional Japanese garden
Description
A meticulously designed Japanese Garden in Central Park featuring a traditional tea house, granite pagoda, koi pond, and bamboo grove. Created by landscape architect Nagao Sakurai from the Imperial Palace of Tokyo, the garden offers a serene cultural experience with seasonal highlights like cherry blossom displays.
Where: San Mateo | More Info: San Mateo Japanese Garden (partially indoor teahouse)
San Mateo Main Library
What to Expect
Two-level library with underground parking
Description
San Mateo Main Library offers comprehensive public library services with extensive book collections, free computer access, and quiet study spaces. Visitors can explore diverse resources, participate in community programs, and access research materials across two levels of modern library facilities.
Where: San Mateo | More Info: San Mateo Main Library
The Tech Interactive (San Jose)
What to Expect
AI-powered immersive science and technology exhibits
Description
The Tech Interactive is a cutting-edge science center in downtown San Jose offering immersive, hands-on technology and science experiences. Interactive exhibits challenge visitors to explore innovative design labs, experimental workshops, and technology-driven learning environments that inspire creativity and technological curiosity.
Where: San Jose | More Info: The Tech Interactive
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