Park of the Month – Central Park in San Mateo

Many of us pass Central Park in San Mateo often. We strongly recommend taking a bit of time to explore this hidden gem. It has something for everyone—from a newly-renovated playground and mini train to a Japanese Garden with daily koi feedings and the San Mateo Arboretum.

About Central Park
San Mateo’s Central Park is a 16.3-acre city park bordered by El Camino Real, Ninth, Laurel, and Fifth Avenues. The park is also a historical site whose roots run deep into San Mateo’s past. Central Park was once the estate home of Charles B. Polhemus, director of the San Francisco and San Jose Railroad and founder of downtown San Mateo.

Central Park is home to many signature community events such as the Central Park Music Series, 4th of July in the Park, Eggstravaganza, and more. It also has a baseball field, tennis courts, sculptures, playground, Japanese tea garden, recreation center, miniature train, rose garden, and the San Mateo Arboretum.

More information

Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden, in San Mateo Central Park, is one of the finest gardens in California. It was designed by landscape architect, Nagao Sakurai of the Imperial Palace of Tokyo, and features a granite pagoda, tea house, koi pond, and bamboo grove.

The Japanese Garden is beautiful throughout the year, but be sure to visit in the late winter and early spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Sorry, no dogs are allowed in the Japanese Garden.

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 10:00am-4:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 11:00am-4:00pm

Koi Feedings:
Monday – Friday: 11:00am and 3:00pm

Koi feedings are done during public viewing hours from April through October only (fish are not fed during public hours November – March).

Mini Train
The Mini Train that operates in Central Park is a childhood delight. Weather permitting, it typically runs year-round on weekends from 11:00 am-3:00 pm, and additionally on weekdays from 11:00 am-3:00 pm between June 15 and August 15.