San Carlos

Welcome to San Carlos

A charming suburb with small-town warmth and urban class

Known since the 1920s as “the City of Good Living,” San Carlos enjoys a quieter lifestyle than most of the San Francisco Bay area. At the same time, this upscale town reflects the character of San Francisco to the north and the culture of San Jose to the south of the peninsula. Along with Pacific beaches to the west and Bay marinas due east, San Carlos residents reside at the center of the action while also being secluded from city traffic. Midst tree-lined streets of blended architectures and varied terrains, people of all ages appreciate the rich community atmosphere of San Carlos that makes them never want to leave.

Homeowners of San Carlos' real estate located in hilly neighborhoods, such as Alden Manor and Beverly Terrace, can have spectacular views of canyons, foothills, and even the Bay. They also have close access to Highway 280 and less traffic. In areas like Howard Park and classic White Oaks, other town residents prefer the more walkable flatlands near a vibrant downtown, just minutes from Highway 101. You will find fashionable offerings of unique shops, coffee shops, and elegant eateries with patios serving the best of rustic to refined cuisines.

What to Love

• Centrally located on the San Francisco Bay peninsula
• Mild climate with less fog than coastal areas
• San Carlos' mix of charming neighborhoods and tasteful homes for sale
• Laid-back lifestyle – with style

Local Lifestyle

The pace around this small city suburb is leisurely and lively. Locals enjoy the many parks in San Carlos, including the rural grass and woodlands of the 16-acre Big Canyon Park and 57.6-acre Eaton Park in the south of the city. You will find plenty of cultural spots in town, from museums to art galleries, breweries, and many wineries like Domenico Winery, with 20-plus wines and over two decades of awards. When it’s time to head out of town, San Carlos Airport is just east of the Bay. While San Carlos attracts its strong commercial industry, you are close to Silicon Valley and Stanford University just south on Highway 101. 

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Hit the Town San Carlos restaurant for top-rated regional American fare in the heart of downtown. Unwind at its expansive indoor bar and enjoy brunch or dinner outside or inside. They serve hand-cut black Angus steaks, fresh seafood, a sushi bar, and the signature six-layer chocolate cake. Their kid’s menu is just as rich.

Settle into the warm ambiance of Pranzi Italian Bistro for top-shelf artisanal Italian food. Using locally sourced ingredients, they keep you at home with warm bread, fresh pasta, homemade ravioli, lamb meatballs, and bourbon and cream scallops. They also have the finest wines, beers, and old-fashioned drinks.

For an exceptional fusion dining experience, step into the exquisitely lit Stamp Bar & Grill. They serve globally inspired American food and have a top-label bar. The menu includes items from a burger and fries to the ox-tail stew, all with organic ingredients.

Drake’s has a fun seasonal menu serving breakfast, brunch, and dinner. They are inside the historic 1920s Spanish colonial building at El Camino Real and San Carlos Avenue. Check out their hearty menu, which accommodates cravings from morning coffee and cinnamon rolls to Bloody Marys and a New York strip.

Things to Do

People from all over San Carlos and nearby cities frequent events downtown. One of the favorite community events is San Carlos Hometown Days. The festival includes an annual parade, carnival, pancake breakfast, beer garden, crafts, and entertainment.

On Sundays, thousands of people shop at the award-winning San Carlos Farmers’ Market. It is overflowing with local and organic fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and flowers downtown Laurel Street. During summer’s Hot Harvest Nights, you will find the same farmers market, music in the park, and ongoing merchant events.

On Friday nights in summer, you can kick back to the Music in the Park Concert Series in Burton Park. The fun continues through the fall with events like the San Carlos Art and Wine Faire.

For relaxation in the grand tradition, get away to The Peninsula Golf & Country Club, which has been serving the Bay peninsula area since 1911. The club is distinguished among other elite private clubs in the world. 

Schools

Schools in San Carlos are known for ranking highly across California each year. The San Carlos School District runs the kindergarten through eighth-grade public schools in San Carlos.

• Arundel Elementary, grades K–3
• San Carlos Charter Learning Center, grades K–8
• White Oaks Elementary School, grades K–3
• Arroyo School, grades 4–5 
• Central Middle School, grades 6–8
• Carlmont High School, grades 9–12