City Limits

Known as the “City of Good Living”, San Carlos offers an ideal climate in a robust and successful community and region. The city offers all the benefits that come with living in the greater Bay Area while maintaining a small town feel and an escape from the hustle and bustle of bigger cities. It is a diverse and welcoming community for new neighbors and visitors alike.

San Carlos hosts a wide range of public events throughout the year, including a weekly Farmers’ Market, summer music and movies in the park, the annual Hometown Days event each May, and more. Once home to a burgeoning electronics industry, the city remains home to a variety of companies like Check Point, Kelly-Moore Paints, MarkLogic, Helix, and Natera.


San Carlos By the Numbers


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#LasPulgas

Prior to the Spanish arrival in 1769, the land of San Carlos was populated by a group of Native Americans called the Lamchins, who referred to their land – on the north bank of Pulgas Creek – as "Cachanihtac", including their word for vermin. When the Spanish arrived, they translated this as "the fleas", or "las Pulgas", giving many local places and roads their modern names.


#CitizensAcademy

The San Carlos Citizens Academy is an immersion program that can make anyone an expert in city affairs. This free, nine-week course covers everything from meeting with city leaders and understanding how major departments function to looking at budgets, land use, and permitting. Sound like fun? Check it out


WHERE TO GO: Chic’s Picks

Hiller Aviation Museum – Founded by helicopter pioneer Stanley Hiller Jr. and opened to the public in June 1998, the Hiller Museum uses aviation as a gateway to embrace innovation and adventure while using tools of science to explore how the physical world works and how the dream of flight is made into reality. Learn more

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San Mateo County Historical Museum – This museum preserves reminders of the county’s past and provides meaningful learning experiences for the county’s residents and guests, with special attention to children’s programs. Through hands-on experiences, students learn, appreciate, and integrate historical information into their current lives. Learn more

Domenico Winery – This family owned and operated boutique specializes in Italian varietals that have been winning awards for more than 20 years. They make over 20 wines in-house and source premium grapes from Amador County, Napa Valley, Sonoma Coast, and other California regions. The winery is also a great spot for weddings and other private events. Learn more

Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve – These serpentine grasslands are famous for their magnificent displays of wildflowers each spring. The park's convenient location makes it readily accessible, with 467 acres of woodlands and meadows that offer wonderful hiking and sightseeing opportunities for the whole family. Learn more


WHERE TO EAT, DRINK & HANG

Town San Carlos – On Father’s Day 2005, the owners of A Tavola were awoken by the San Carlos Fire Department to the news that their restaurant was gone after 10 successful years. Rather than giving up, they created something new from the ashes, and one year later, Town was born. Check out their Instagram to whet your appetite while they wait to reopen.

West Park Bistro – Nestled in the heart of downtown and using only fresh local produce, the West Park Bistro boasts an award-winning wine collection, contemporary menu, warm atmosphere, and quaint design that make it the ideal destination for brunch, lunch or dinner. Learn more and book your next event there!

Kabul Afghan Cuisine – This restaurant serves traditional Afghani food in a space decorated with old-fashioned cultural items and Middle Eastern fabrics. White table cloths are draped over the beautiful wooden tables, creating a comfortable environment for a casual meal with friends or family. Their menu is full of flavorful dishes rich with Eastern spices.


LOCAL SCHOOLS

San Carlos School District

San Carlos School District