Aviation history, a restored fire engine, and trails through the hills appeal to different interests in San Carlos. The options range from a collection of more than 50 aircraft to a scenic hike or run in Big Canyon Park. Culture and outdoor activity offer different focal points when planning your stay.
Aviation History at the Hiller Aviation Museum
The Hiller Aviation Museum displays more than 50 aircraft spanning over a century of aviation history. The museum opened to the public in 1998. A realistic flight simulator adds another flying-related activity to the collection. The aircraft and the experience of flying in a simulation are therefore distinct aspects of the museum's offerings. Those interested in aviation will find both an extensive collection and a hands-on connection to the subject of flight.
Take Caltrain to San Carlos Station; from there, the museum is about 1.6 kilometers away on foot. Allow time for this walk as a separate part of your journey. Check the schedule before traveling and take the walking route conditions into account.
Firefighting History at the Museum of San Carlos History
The Museum of San Carlos History displays Engine 1, a restored 1927 Seagrave fire engine. The building also has a connection to local firefighting history: it was originally built in 1923 by volunteer firefighters. The dates refer to two different things—1923 to the building and 1927 to the vehicle. The museum thus offers two distinct ways to explore firefighting history: the historic building and a specific exhibit.
This historical perspective differs from that of the Hiller Aviation Museum. There, the focus is on a collection of more than 50 aircraft spanning over a century. At the Museum of San Carlos History, the emphasis is on a specific fire engine and the building's history. If you want to plan your stay around a particular theme, you can choose between aviation history and local firefighting history.
Hill Trails and Airport Tours
Big Canyon Park in San Carlos is suited to a scenic hike or run through the hills. This adds an outdoor option to the museum-related activities: the park focuses on exercise and its hilly landscape. If you would rather spend time outdoors than visit an exhibition, you can make the park a separate focus when planning your stay.
Another aviation-related activity is the San Carlos Airport Tour. It includes an airport observation deck and listening to air traffic control operations. In-person tours are postponed until further notice. Before making specific plans, check whether the tour status has changed.
More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Daly City, Montara, Woodside, Pescadero, Colma, San Mateo, Hillsborough, Half Moon Bay
Return to the main travel overview: San Mateo.
