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De Anza Historical Park: A Glimpse into California's Past

Explore California's past at De Anza Historical Park in San Mateo, a peaceful tribute to the Juan Bautista de Anza Expedition.

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De Anza Historical Park in San Mateo, CA, commemorates the Juan Bautista de Anza expedition of 1775-1776, offering a serene space with historical markers and walking paths that narrate the story of early California settlers. It's a place to reflect on the region's heritage and enjoy a peaceful outdoor experience.

A brief summary to De Anza Historical Park

  • San Mateo, Central San Mateo, California, 94402, US
  • Monday 6 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-8 pm
  • Friday 6 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-8 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning for a peaceful experience and to enjoy the park's natural beauty without the crowds.
  • Check out the historical markers along the paths to learn more about the significance of the De Anza expedition.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the park features several paths that invite exploration.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach De Anza Historical Park via public transport, take Caltrain to the San Mateo Station. From there, transfer to SamTrans bus route 250 towards Hillsdale Shopping Center. Get off at the De Anza Boulevard & 9th Avenue stop, and walk north on De Anza Boulevard for about 0.5 miles to the park entrance. SamTrans fares are around $2 for a local ride. Check the SamTrans website for the most up-to-date schedules.

  • Walking

    If you are near downtown San Mateo, walking to De Anza Historical Park is an option. From the San Mateo Caltrain station, head north on El Camino Real, then turn left onto De Anza Boulevard. Continue for approximately 1 mile; the park will be on your left. This walk takes about 20 minutes.

  • Car

    If driving from San Francisco, take US-101 South towards San Mateo. Exit toward CA-92 West, merge onto CA-92 West, and continue for approximately 4 miles. Take the exit for CA-101 North towards San Francisco. Exit at the San Mateo Drive exit. Turn left onto San Mateo Drive, which turns into De Anza Blvd. Continue straight until you reach the park entrance on your left. Parking is free. Limited parking is available.

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Discover more about De Anza Historical Park

De Anza Historical Park, nestled in San Mateo, California, offers a serene escape with a touch of history. The park marks the route of the Juan Bautista de Anza Expedition, a pivotal journey in 1775-1776 that brought settlers to the San Francisco Bay Area. While not a sprawling park, it provides a tranquil space to reflect on the region's rich heritage. Visitors can stroll along the walking paths, reading informative plaques that detail the expedition's significance and the lives of early Californian settlers. The park's setting provides a backdrop for picnicking, walking, or simply enjoying the outdoors. The park is open daily from 6 AM to 8 PM, offering ample opportunity to explore. While some reviews note it's more of a historical marker with a walking path than a traditional park, it remains a worthwhile stop for those interested in California history. The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, which this park commemorates, stretches over 1,200 miles from Nogales, Arizona, to San Francisco, highlighting the importance of this expedition in the Spanish colonization of California.

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