10 Best Things To Do In San Carlos, California

1. Sample different wines at Flying Suitcase Wines

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

What started as an experiment by an experienced winemaker would grow into one of the city’s most beloved winery. Flying Suitcase Wines, a local winery located along Washington Street, boasts one of the best wines in town, all thanks to the expertise of the people behind it. You can taste any type of wine that you can dream of in their exquisite tasting room. For starters, there’s a selection of whites and rosé. Tickle your taste buds by sampling their award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from the world-renowned Napa Valley.

Flying Suitcase Wines

Address: 915 Washington Street, San Carlos, CA 94070

Website: Flying Suitcase Wines

Note: Tasting room temporarily closed due to COVID-19. However, they’re still open for curbside pick-up and delivery.

2. Learn about the city's past at Museum of San Carlos History

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

The city’s past goes way back to the time when Native Indians occupied the city’s current land. It underwent a massive transformation since then and even helped in pioneering the electronics industry. There is no better place to learn about the city’s heritage than a visit to the Museum of San Carlos History. The museum itself is housed in a historic building that formerly served as the city hall. Exhibits that tourists can see include collections of Sorcha Beru pottery, which is the only one available in the Western United States. Meanwhile, the electronics exhibit educates visitors on the history of electronics and how it affected the city’s economy. Before heading out, visitors can head to the shop to buy some memorabilia.

Museum of San Carlos History

Address: 533 Laurel St, San Carlos, CA 94070, United States

Website: Museum of San Carlos History

Opening hours: Sat: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Sun; weekday visits by appointment)

Note: Temporarily closed due to COVID-19

3. Explore Hiller Aviation Museum

One of the best aviation museums in the whole San Mateo County is the Hiller Aviation Museum. Thanks to a wide range of exhibits, aviation buffs and wanna-be pilots will surely have a good time. Just how numerous are the aircraft exhibits in the museum? There are 40 aircraft on display, ranging from the iconic nose of the Boeing 747 to the futuristic SpaceShipOne replica. A lot of things to do await visitors here! Those who love flying simulators have lots of choices thanks to FMX Simulator and Flight Sim Zone. Meanwhile, those curious about the science of flying may satisfy theirs at the Invention Lab. Aside from these cool exhibits, you can also check out their library or look for souvenirs at the museum shop.

Hiller Aviation Museum

Address: 601 Skyway Rd, San Carlos, CA 94070, United States

Website: Hiller Aviation Museum

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Note: Temporarily closed due to COVID-19

Price: Children - free; Adults - USD 14.40; Seniors - USD 8.80; Youth (ages 5 to 17) - USD 8.80

4. Take a break at Laureola Park

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

Laureola Park comes fully equipped with necessary facilities for recreation. It’s a quaint little park along Old Park Road. Thanks to its facilities, it is a favorite hang-out spot for people in the vicinity. If you have kids, this is the place where you can take them on a weekend. The park boasts a big basketball court, a soccer field, and even a baseball field. The playground is decent and spacious enough for kids to roam free. You’re more than welcome to visit this park, after all, there are bleachers, picnic tables, and grass areas where you can just hang-out if you want.

Laureola Park

Address: 503 Old County Rd, San Carlos, CA 94070, United States

Website: Laureola Park

5. Go hiking in Big Canyon Park

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

Big Canyon Park, along with Eaton Park, offers outdoor and nature enthusiasts a great place for exploration and some sightseeing. Both parks have a combined 73 acres of natural space. They are both easily accessible, and they are nestled in residential areas too. Both have narrow, winding trails, but they are surely hike-worthy. Their elevation also grants eager hikers the best views of the San Francisco Bay. A plethora of wild animals and plants call the parks their home, including coyotes and California buckeye. The entrance to both parks is through the five trailheads that lead to the winding trails themselves.

Big Canyon Park

Address: 3190 Brittan Ave, San Carlos, CA 94070, United States

Website: Big Canyon Park

Opening hours: 30 mins before sunrise to 30 mins after sunset

6. Grab a book or two at The Reading Bug

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

It is important for children to immerse themselves in the world of books or toys to develop their imagination and creativity. In San Carlos, there’s a beloved children’s bookstore that caters to young ones and kids at heart — The Reading Bug. This bookstore has an enthralling interior that invites kids to play, read a book, or just let their imagination run free. A wide range of books caters to the imagination of any child. The staff at the bookstore also know what’s best for the kids. At certain times, the bookstore holds special events that shouldn’t be missed. You can also shop for books and gifts at The Reading Bug.

The Reading Bug

Address: 785 Laurel St, San Carlos, CA 94070, United States

Website: The Reading Bug

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 1pm, 3pm - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 1pm (closed on Mon)

7. Watch how beer is made at Devil's Canyon Brewing Company

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

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Perhaps one of the best in the whole San Francisco Bay Area, Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company prides itself on brewing craft beers that will surely satisfy your taste. The family-owned brewery prides itself on using sustainable and organic materials for its beers. The family behind the brewery crafts beers such as amber ale, scotch ale, and root beer if you’re not into alcoholic beverages. The best day to visit the brewery is on Friday. When the clock strikes four, the brewery opens their taproom, barrel room, and beer garden to the public for free! So, take your best buddies and visit the brewery today — it’s the best way to thank God for Fridays.

Devil's Canyon Brewing Company

Address: 935 Washington St, San Carlos, CA 94070, United States

Website: Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company

Opening hours: Fri: 4pm onwards (closed from Sat - Thu)

Price: Free

8. Go shopping at San Carlos Marketplace

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

Count on San Carlos Marketplace for your various shopping needs! This marketplace resembles a traditional mall rather than a farmer’s market. However, there are a lot of shopping options inside to meet your needs. Some of the big brands include Best Buy and TJ Maxx for home essentials. For home furniture needs, there’s Bassett Furniture located just beside TJ Maxx. If you go hungry after shopping, you can count on fast food joints such as Chipotle Mexican Grill and Wingstop. After eating, stop by Starbucks or Jamba Juice for some drinks and refreshments before heading out.

San Carlos Marketplace

Address: 1127 Industrial Rd, San Carlos, CA 94070, United States

Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)

9. Learn how to fly a plane at San Carlos Flight Center

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

San Carlos Flight Center is one of the most prestigious flight schools in the whole Bay Area. As a matter of fact, it has been voted as the best one in the whole of San Mateo County. Here, you can learn how to fly your own aircraft or further your flying skills if you already know how to fly a plane. The center prides itself on having certified instructors, advanced simulators, and a whole range of planes to cater to different levels. The rigorous and professional training given by the center guarantees that you’ll how to maneuver a craft in no time.

San Carlos Flight Center

Address: 795 Skyway Rd Suite A, San Carlos, CA 94070, United States

Website: San Carlos Flight Center

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

10. Have fun at Rockin' Jump Trampoline Park San Carlos

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

Bring the whole family and spend the day having fun at Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park. This is one of the best in town, all thanks to spacious open jump arenas and other fun attractions. The highlight is the Jump Arena, where kids can jump to their hearts’ content. However, kids shouldn’t be the only ones having fun: adults are invited to play too! Those looking for an adrenaline boost should try their vertical ops, a climbing wall with varying levels of difficulty. Meanwhile, the competitive and athletic types can opt for the dodgeball and slam dunk arena. The park also has special hours where kids and teens can have the fun of their lives.

Rockin' Jump Trampoline Park San Carlos

Address: 401 Quarry Rd, San Carlos, CA 94070, United States

Website: Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park San Carlos

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 8pm; Sat: 9am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm

Note: Temporarily closed due to COVID-19

Explore San Carlos and its attractions

The city of good living has many attractions to keep any wanderlust travelers busy. Some of these attractions are truly the city’s hidden gems, and you’ll wonder why you never visited them any sooner. Take a peek at what makes the city unique and explore San Carlos, California, today.