San Mateo County Memorial Park park
San Mateo County Memorial Park
One of the most compelling reasons to visit San Mateo County Memorial Park is its breathtaking natural beauty. The park features lush forests, scenic trails, and stunning vistas, making it a haven for hikers, bikers, and picnickers alike. The park's landscape is dominated by towering redwood trees, some of which are over 300 feet tall and several hundred years old.
One notable point of interest within the park is the Memorial Cross, located on the park's grounds. Erected in 1938, the cross stands as a tribute to the soldiers from San Mateo County who lost their lives in World War I. The cross and its surroundings provide a peaceful and reflective area for visitors to pay their respects.
Another fascinating feature of San Mateo County Memorial Park is its rich history. The park was established in 1924 and holds a significant place in California's history as one of the oldest state parks. It was originally named "Memorial Park" to honor the soldiers who fought in World War I. Today, it is recognized as a California Historical Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Interesting facts about the park include its diverse wildlife, which includes endangered species such as the marbled murrelet and the California red-legged frog. Additionally, San Mateo County Memorial Park encompasses an impressive 499 acres, offering ample space for exploration and relaxation.
The best time to visit the park is often during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild and the foliage is vibrant. During these times, visitors can enjoy comfortable temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and a more peaceful atmosphere. However, the park is open year-round and offers different charms in every season.
To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to verify the information provided across multiple independent sources. The official park website, reputable travel guides, and local tourism websites are valuable resources for obtaining accurate and up-to-date information about San Mateo County Memorial Park.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- National Park
- 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 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.
- 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.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of San Mateo County Memorial Park, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Mateo Memorial County Park | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Camp Jones Gulch Ymca | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Shaw Flat Trail Camp (Primitive) | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Butano State Park | ✓ | ✓ | → |
| Tarwater Trail Camp (Primitive) | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Ben Ries Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save San Mateo County Memorial Park as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About San Mateo County Memorial Park
What can I do at San Mateo County Memorial Park?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to San Mateo County Memorial Park?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of San Mateo County Memorial Park.