Paul Griffin Park
Rate this placeNearby: Campus Canyon Park Campus Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Paul Griffin Park is a public park located in the city of San Mateo, California.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
It is named after Paul Griffin, a local resident and advocate for parks and recreation. The park is known for its expansive green spaces, walking trails, and recreational amenities.
One of the main reasons to visit Paul Griffin Park is to enjoy its beautiful scenery and tranquil setting. The park features several picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields, making it a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
One of the most popular points of interest at the park is the Japanese tea garden, which features a traditional tea house, koi pond, and several varieties of Japanese plants and flowers. The tea garden is a serene and peaceful spot that provides a unique cultural experience for visitors.
Another attraction in the park is the large pond, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including ducks, geese, and turtles. Visitors can rent paddle boats or canoes to explore the pond and take in the natural beauty of the area.
Paul Griffin Park also boasts several hiking and biking trails, which offer opportunities to explore the park's wooded areas and enjoy scenic views. The park is also home to several species of birds and wildlife, making it a great spot for birdwatching and nature photography.
The best time of year to visit Paul Griffin Park is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild and the park is in full bloom. The park is open year-round, however, and offers a variety of recreational activities and events throughout the year.
In summary, Paul Griffin Park is a beautiful and peaceful park that offers a variety of recreational activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. From its Japanese tea garden to its hiking trails, the park provides a unique and enjoyable experience for anyone looking to spend time in nature.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Oak Park
|
||
Tapo Canyon Co Park
|
||
Kenney Grove County Park
|
Campus Canyon Park
Campus Park
Happy Camp Canyon Regional Park
Virginia Colony Park
Stargaze Park