12 Best Things To Do In Millbrae, California

1. Try Kakiyuki's delicious handcrafted kakigōri

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Is it getting hot outside? Well, why not try some of Kakiyuki’s handcrafted kakigōri? It’s Japanese shaved ice flavored with fresh fruits and premium ingredients. Kakiyuki offers a wide variety of shaved ice, roll cakes, warabimochi, zenzai, and drinks that will leave a wonderful mark on your taste buds.

Customers praise Kakiyuki’s frozen treats, describing them as delicious and not overly sweet, and that portions are large enough to share with others. One customer even says that the size of the food being served is the only thing that is intimidating.

Kakiyuki

Address: 979 Broadway Unit 106, Millbrae, CA 94030, United States

Website: Kakiyuki

Opening hours: Thu, Sun: 12pm - 6pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 6:30pm (closed from Mon - Wed)

2. Take a stroll around Rotary Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Located in South Ashton, Rotary Park offers a place for children to play and adults to rest. It has a small playground for kids ages two to five, a shaded picnic area for families who want to eat their meals, a grassy area where you can just relax and watch the clouds, and a path where you can go for a nice stroll or jog.

The park also hosts various events and gatherings that are sure to be a lot of fun for the whole family.

Rotary Park

Website: Rotary Park

3. Go back in time to learn about the town at Millbrae History Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

It isn’t a complete visit to a new place if you haven’t learned a bit about their past. At Millbrae History Museum, you’ll be able to learn all about the town’s history. Run by the Millbrae Historical Society, Millbrae History Museum has a lot of artifacts such as documents, photographs, furniture, and all sorts of things and memorabilia that tell the town’s history. The house it’s located in is itself an artifact and was built in 1895. There are also docents or guides who volunteer and help visitors with their inquiries. The attraction is temporarily closed at the time of writing so it’s best to check their website for further updates.

Millbrae History Museum

Address: 420 Poplar Ave, Millbrae, CA 94030, United States

Website: Millbrae History Museum

Opening hours: Sat: 12pm - 4pm (closed from Sun - Fri)

Price: Free

4. Tour around Millbrae Train Museum

Run by the same organization that operates Millbrae History Museum, Millbrae Train Museum is a unique attraction at Millbrae. It’s located in the old Millbrae Southern Pacific Train Depot just across the History Museum. Today it’s home to a Railway Express Agency (REA) delivery vehicle fashioned from a 1929 Ford Model. It has been fully restored and is one of the highlights of the museum. There are plenty of other kinds of motor and locomotive vehicles so this will be a real treat for train and car junkies. Like the History Museum, docents or guides are also around to help further pique your interest. The attraction is temporarily closed at the time of writing so it’s best to check their website for further updates.

Millbrae Train Museum

Address: 108 California Dr, Millbrae, CA 94030, United States

Website: Millbrae Train Museum

Opening hours: Sat: 10am - 2pm (closed from Sun - Fri)

Price: Free

5. Relax and watch the planes fly by at Bayfront Park

Bayfront Park is a tiny little oasis right next to the busy airport of San Francisco International Airport. If you’re an aviation fan, you’ll definitely enjoy sitting and hanging around this park as you’ll be able to watch the planes fly by. It’s also a great place to go jogging or walking at the Bayfront Park trail. There are also hotels on site so food and drinks are within reach. However, take note that parking here is very scarce so if you’re bringing a vehicle, get ready to haggle for a spot! The attraction is temporarily closed at the time of writing so it’s best to check their website or call ahead for further updates.

Bayfront Park

Address: 2-198;1-99 Old Bayshore Hwy, Millbrae, CA 94030, United States

Website: Bayfront Park, San Mateo County

6. Shop for fresh produce and local goods at Millbrae Farmers' Market

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Thanks to the initiative and support of the Millbrae Chamber of Commerce, the Millbrae Farmers’ Market has become a regular for the city of Millbrae and its surrounding communities. The market is open every Saturday, rain or shine! The vendors specialize in selling fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, and baked goods that visitors love to come and shop for. The market aims to support the local folks who wish to make a small living of their produce. However, at the time of writing, the market has been postponed till further notice. Check their website for updates.

Millbrae Farmers' Market

Address: 238 Broadway, Millbrae, CA 94030, United States

Website: Millbrae Farmers’ Market

Opening hours: Sat: 8:30am - 1:30pm (closed from Sun - Fri)

Price: Free

7. Work on that cardio routine at Spur Trail

Spur Trail is an interesting bit of Millbrae because its expansion sparked a bit of complaints but the community eventually sorted it out. The trail stretches out for about 3.8 kilometers (2.4 miles) and is split into two sections, the northern and the southern section, sometimes referred to Phase I and Phase II. These trails intersect with each other at one point and each has its own features and sights. You will enjoy walking or jogging under eucalyptus trees and admiring the river nearby. You can also check out the nearby skate park or tennis court.

Spur Trail

Address: Millbrae, California, United States

Website: Spur Trail

8. Admire the beauty of San Andreas Lake

Located between the cities of Millbrae and San Bruno in San Mateo County, San Andreas Lake is unique in its own way. When it was first discovered, it may have been classified as a large pond until eventually, expansion took place because of the community’s need. A dam was built in 1868 and since then the lake has been a reservoir for collecting rainwater and in turn, drinking water for the community. Thus, recreational water activities aren’t allowed. However, tourists and locals like to stroll around the lake and admire the beauty of it amidst its peaceful surroundings.

San Andreas Lake

Address: Between Millbrae and San Bruno, San Mateo County, California, United States

9. Spend an afternoon at Central Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Every community has its local oasis where everyone gathers with family and friends for some bonding sessions and recreational activities. Millbrae has its very own Central Park and is considered the city’s top recreational area. With 5 hectares (13 acres) of land, you’ll never run out of things to do. You can have a simple picnic or even have a barbecue with your family on their picnic tables and if you have kids, they can play at the playground next to it. There are also tennis courts, plenty of grass to run, take your pet for a stroll, play catch - you name it. There are also occasional food stalls in the area. However, the park is temporarily closed due so it’s best to check ahead before visiting.

Central Park

Address: 478 Lincoln Cir, Millbrae, CA 94030, United States

Website: Central Park, City of Millbrae

10. Have a jolly good time at Fiddlers Green

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Craving for some fish and chips paired with a superb cold glass of beer? Or maybe you want to catch a good sporting match while you’re at it? Fiddlers Green is the perfect place for you. Locals claim that it’s one of the best pubs in Millbrae and it’s no wonder why. They are most famous for their fish and chips along with other Irish favorites like shepherd’s pie, corned beef, and lamb stew, all of which are their best sellers. The service is also great, despite it nearly always being packed. They will really attend to what you wish to order and are really friendly.

Fiddlers Green

Address: 333 El Camino Real, Millbrae, CA 94030, United States

Website: Fiddlers Green

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 9:30pm; Sat: 10am - 9:30pm; Sun: 9am - 8pm

11. Explore the North Trailhead of Sawyer Camp Trail

Sawyer Camp Trail is an extension of Crystal Springs Regional Trail that begins in San Mateo County. The North Trailhead of Sawyer Camp Trail is within Millbrae’s vicinity and runs alongside San Andreas Lake. It is a popular place for people who wish to go jogging, running, or cycling. You may spot a deer or rabbit along the way as the trail is the habitat of various biodiversities.

North Trailhead Of Sawyer Camp Trail

Address: San Francisco Peninsula, California, Millbrae, CA 94030, United States

Website: Crystal Springs Regional Trail

Opening hours: 7:30am - 8:30pm (daily)

12. Satisfy your burger cravings at In-N-Out Burger

Arguably one of the most popular burger chains in America, In-N-Out Burger established a branch at Millbrae and as expected, is a big hit among the community. Aside from their signature burgers, be sure to not miss out on the fries and milk shakes. Service is commended to be quick while still maintaining its consistent quality. However, because of COVID-19, this branch in Millbrae is only available for take away and drive-thru orders only.

In-N-Out Burger

Address: 11 Rollins Rd, Millbrae, CA 94030, United States

Website: In-N-Out Burger

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10:30am - 1am; Fri - Sat: 10:30am - 1:30am

Escape the big city life at Millbrae, California

Millbrae, though technically a city, is not your typical kind as it is considered more of a community rather than a busy urban area. To further make the point, “brae” literally means “rolling hills” so you can expect natural beauty and simple life here. It is truly a hidden gem on the ever-so-bustling San Francisco peninsula that you shouldn’t miss out on, especially if you’re craving to escape the city life for a while.