Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

San Carlos travel guide

San Carlos Tourism | San Carlos Guide

You're Going to Love San Carlos

With a population of 28,406, San Carlos is a must-see destination in California, United States. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything San Carlos has to offer.

Activities & attractions in San Carlos

Wine-tasting
Food, Drinks, & Nightlife•Wine

Where to Eat in San Carlos

If you’re looking for affordable options, Elia - San Carlos (727 Laurel St) and Doppio Zero - San Carlos (617 Laurel St) are great picks.

When to visit San Carlos

San Carlos in December
Estimated hotel price
$146
1 night at 3-star hotel
San Carlos in December
Estimated hotel price
$146
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to San Carlos

Plane

When flying to San Carlos, you’ll arrive at San Francisco Airport (SFO), which is located 16 km from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to San Carlos include United Airlines, Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia. The shortest domestic flight to San Carlos departs from Ontario and takes around 1h 26m.

Car

Another option to get to San Carlos is to pick up a car rental from San Francisco, which is about 33 km from San Carlos. You’ll find branches of Turo and Movly, among others, in San Francisco.

Plane

When flying to San Carlos, you’ll arrive at San Francisco Airport (SFO), which is located 16 km from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to San Carlos include United Airlines, Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia. The shortest domestic flight to San Carlos departs from Ontario and takes around 1h 26m.

Car

Another option to get to San Carlos is to pick up a car rental from San Francisco, which is about 33 km from San Carlos. You’ll find branches of Turo and Movly, among others, in San Francisco.

Airports near San Carlos

OAKOakland
SFOSan Francisco
SJCSan Jose

Airlines serving San Carlos

Lufthansa
Good (8,223 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,569 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,206 reviews)
SWISS
Good (2,064 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,479 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,571 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,248 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,645 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,731 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,656 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,172 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (951 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,979 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,205 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,585 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,532 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,471 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,429 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (430 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,593 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to San Carlos

Where to stay in San Carlos

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Lia Hotel and Extended Stay America Suites - San Francisco - San Carlos.

Where to stay in popular areas of San Carlos

Most booked hotels in San Carlos

See all
Hotel San Carlos
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 302 reviews)
$140+
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Residence Inn by Marriott Redwood City San Carlos
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 329 reviews)
$150+
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Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 2537 reviews)
$181+
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Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Carlos, CA
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 719 reviews)
$119+
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Good Nite Inn Redwood City
2 stars
Excellent (8.1, 2668 reviews)
$107+
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The Westin San Francisco Airport
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, 2479 reviews)
$161+
View

Renting a car in San Carlos

Renting a car in San Carlos costs $58 per day, on average, or $173 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 18% cheaper than airport locations in San Carlos.

Expect to pay $4.43 per gallon in San Carlos (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $53.15 and $70.86. The most frequently booked car type in San Carlos is Full-size (Nissan Pathfinder or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Kia Soul or similar) are, on average, 28% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in San Carlos costs $58 per day, on average, or $173 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 18% cheaper than airport locations in San Carlos.

Expect to pay $4.43 per gallon in San Carlos (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $53.15 and $70.86. The most frequently booked car type in San Carlos is Full-size (Nissan Pathfinder or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Kia Soul or similar) are, on average, 28% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Find car rentals in San Carlos