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San Mateo, California is a popular Bay Area retirement community and senior vacation site.

San Mateo CA History

The Ohlone Indians were the first inhabitants of the San Mateo area. They lived here at least 4000 years before Spanish explorers arrived. A large Ohlone village once stood at today's Laurel Creek and El Camino Real.

In 1776, Spanish explorers camped in the area. In 1793, the San Francisco mission fathers created an outpost of the mission at San Mateo Creek. The outpost was the first building built in San Mateo by non-natives. In 1822, Mexico gained independence from Spanish rule. San Mateo is comprised of portions of two Mexican Land Grants, Rancho San Mateo and Rancho de las Pulgas. The American mercantile firm of Mellus and Howard bought Rancho San Mateo for four dollars an acre. In 1850, Howard built on the property the first of many great homes. By 1863, San Mateo had become an ideal place for building summer and weekend homes for wealthy San Franciscans.

In 1866, the Episcopal Reverend A.L. Brewer opened St. Mathew's Hall, a classical and military school. St. Mathew's Hall's reputation as an outstanding school spread far, and drew students from as far away as Hawaii, with three Hawaiian princes attending the academy. San Mateo incorporated as a town in 1894.

San Mateo California – Wealth of Activities & Recreational Opportunities

Today, San Mateo California has a wealth of cultural activities and events, as well as many recreational opportunities for seniors to enjoy.