Daly City is the largest city in San Mateo, California. It shares a common border with San Francisco, giving it the name the
“Gateway to the Peninsula” or “Gateway to San Francisco.” Architect Henry Doelger designed and built many of the homes in the area back in the mid-1920s. His goal was to build small affordable homes and he made it possible for many people to become homeowners. To keep them affordable, they had a simple design that was repeated with neighboring homes. They inspired the “Little Boxes” song and sixty years later they are still in great condition.
What to Love
- Mild year-round weather with ample sun
- Access to San Francisco amenities with a laid-back atmosphere
- Historic Doelger homes throughout the architectural landscape
Local Lifestyle
Life in Daly City is quiet. Residents enjoy nature, local shops, and a laid-back atmosphere. The sports activities available at local parks, for children and adults, along with the opportunities for hiking in nature keep people active. The nightlife offers a mix of concerts attracting big names like The Beatles and small local clubs. The Shoreline Amphitheater holds outdoor concerts throughout the year and Oakland’s Fox Theater holds concerts in a historic building. With easy access to San Francisco, Daly City attracts residents who want to be connected to metropolitan amenities while enjoying a slower tempo.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The
Westlake Shopping Center is an open-air mall with tree-lined promenades and over 100 stores and restaurants.
The Serramonte Center is an indoor mall anchored by Dave ‘n Busters, where you can take the family for old-fashioned arcade fun and a quick bite to eat. For shopping, you will find a Nordstrom Rack, Sephora, and many other options.
Fil-Am Cuisine is an authentic Filipino restaurant that is deeply popular in the city. The restaurant offers catering, take-out, and dine-in with a vibrant menu full of BBQ items and desserts. They claim to have the best BBQ skewers in the Bay Area.
Tselogs is another authentic Filipino restaurant loved by the city. The restaurant boasts a complete, plant-based menu filled with comfort cuisine.
The Cow Palace event center hosts show drawing large crowds, including big names like The Beatles. After opening in 1915, the longstanding coliseum is a big draw for the city and remains in the heart of the city. The
Classic Bowling Center is a hip bowling place fit for the whole family and a good, wholesome time.
Things to Do
Off the Grid is a popular food truck market that holds over 60 weekly public events to create an experience that brings neighbors together. Food trucks provide an experience in culinary creativity where chefs can explore and test new ideas. Located in the Serramonte Center, the
Daly City Farmer’s Market is continually voted the “Best Place to Buy Produce.”
Thornton State Beach is a great area for hiking, though layers are recommended as the beach frequently has cool breezes coming from the sea.
Mussel Rock Park has trails connecting paragliding launch points along the hillside. Toward the north side of the park, you can walk along the shore and watch the paragliders.
