Top 15 Things To Do in Burlingame, California

Why Burlingame Belongs on Your Bay-Area Shortlist

Burlingame sits quietly between the roar of San Francisco and the hush of the Coastside, a compact town whose modest downtown and bayfront reveal an outsized number of ways to get outside. Step off the train or out of a rental car and you quickly realize it’s a place of transitions—street trees give way to salt flats, boutique storefronts yield to wide sky, and the rumble of jetliners becomes part of the soundtrack for waterfront walking. That juxtaposition is an advantage: you can assemble a morning of bike touring or e-bike cruising along the San Francisco Bay Trail, slide into an afternoon of water activities—think SUP, boat rental, or a guided sailing session out of the South Bay—and still be back in time for dinner under the lights on Burlingame Avenue.

For travelers who prize variety without long drives, Burlingame is efficient. Rent a bike and join an easy bike tour around Coyote Point; swap it for a walking tour through historic blocks and discover mid-century modern storefronts and Victorian-era homes within a few blocks. If you came for the water, the options cascade: short boat tours through the Bay offer close-up scenes of city skylines and wildlife, while ferry runs and scheduled boat rentals open routes for independent exploration. Want a different perspective? Plane-spotting becomes a pastime here—watching aircraft glide to SFO while the bay reflects late-afternoon light—and local airplane-themed overlooks make for great picnic backdrops. And when the swell lines up on the Coastside, a surf outing at nearby beaches rounds out a day with something rawer and saltier.

This is a town where practical logistics meet appetite for adventure. Outfitters and shops keep bike rentals, e-bikes, kayaks, and SUPs ready for same-day use; sightseeing tours and city tours depart from nearby hubs; and small-scale lodging options make late starts and early returns painless. The result is a palette of experiences that suits families and solo explorers, short layovers and longer stays. Burlingame’s real draw is its elasticity—you can stitch a half-day water activity into a business trip, or build a multi-day coastal loop that includes ferry hops, boat tours, and an evening walking tour of downtown. For planners, that means minimal friction: short shuttles, abundant rental options, and straightforward access to both Bay and ocean. For dreamers, it means an easy-to-own lineup of Boat Tour, Bike Rental, Sailing, Ferry rides, and even surf stints a short drive away—each a distinct flavor of the California coast without the crowds of larger hubs.

Practical-minded travelers will appreciate the town’s compactness and the way every choice supports another. Cycle to a ferry slip, drop a rented boat into a calm inlet, or trade pavement for paddle on a late-afternoon SUP; then return to a dinner of local produce and artisanal bread. Whether you prioritize sightseeing tours, scenic walking tours, or an itinerary stitched from bus tour hops and independent boat rentals, Burlingame offers a low-friction way to experience the Bay and Coastside with style.

Access and convenience are Burlingame’s strengths: SFO is minutes away, public transit connects to nearby cities, and the San Francisco Bay Trail provides continuous, low-stress cycling and walking options.

Outfitters in town support day-use rentals—bike rental and e-bike options are common—so you can mix a city tour with waterfront water activities without packing equipment.

Pair active days with easy dining: Burlingame Avenue and adjacent streets host cafés, bakeries, and restaurants that reward mud-splattered returnees with hearty, locally sourced meals.

Choose Your Adventure Level