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Burlingame, CA

Burlingame is a charming city on the San Francisco Peninsula known as the "City of Trees," offering a walkable downtown, historic landmarks, and convenient access to San Francisco and SFO.

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

The full official name of the city is the City of Burlingame. It is located in San Mateo County, California, on the San Francisco Peninsula. San Mateo County is part of the San Francisco Bay Area and is known for its affluent communities, biotechnology industry, and scenic coastline along the Pacific Ocean .

Historical Names and Nicknames

Burlingame is officially nicknamed the "City of Trees" due to its more than 18,000 public trees and its historic tree preservation ordinance, passed in 1908, which prohibits cutting, injuring, or destroying them. This commitment to its urban forest is a point of local pride .

Date of Foundation and Age

The area was named in 1868 by banker William C. Ralston after his friend, diplomat Anson Burlingame. The town of Burlingame was officially incorporated on June 6, 1908, making it 117 years old as of 2025 . Its growth was significantly spurred by the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, after which many San Franciscans relocated to the area .

Geographic Location and Coordinates

Burlingame is located on the western shore of the San Francisco Bay, with the city's geographic coordinates at approximately 37°35′0″N 122°21′49″W . It sits on the San Francisco Peninsula, bordered by the cities of San Mateo to the south and Millbrae to the north . The center of Burlingame has an elevation of 39 feet (12 meters) above sea level . A portion of the city's total area, about 27.25%, is water, consisting of its shoreline on the bay .

City Type and Economic Specialization

Primarily an affluent suburb of San Francisco, Burlingame functions as a residential community with a vibrant and walkable downtown area, Burlingame Avenue, known for its boutique shops and restaurants . Its economy is also bolstered by its proximity to the San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which has generated growth in airline support services and hospitality industries .

Population and Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Burlingame was 31,386 . This places it in the category of a small to medium-sized city. It is a diverse community with a high median household income, reflecting its status as a desirable place to live in the Bay Area .

City's "Visiting Card"

Burlingame is a classic, leafy Peninsula suburb offering a serene escape from the bustle of San Francisco with its charming, walkable downtown, historic landmarks, and the unique, lush identity of the "City of Trees."

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Burlingame enjoys a warm-summer Mediterranean climate according to the Köppen Climate Classification system . The weather is characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Temperatures are strongly moderated by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, with very little seasonal or daily temperature variation .

Average Temperatures by Month

Summers are long and comfortable, with the warm season lasting from June to October. The hottest months are August and September, with average daily highs reaching around 22-24°C (72-75°F) . Winters are short and cool, with January being the coldest month, averaging daily highs of about 14°C (57-58°F) and lows of 7°C (45°F) . Freezing temperatures are rare. The record high temperature for Burlingame is 40°C (104°F) .

Precipitation and Humidity

The vast majority of Burlingame's average annual rainfall of 506mm (20 inches) falls between November and April . The rainy season lasts from late fall to early spring, with February typically being the wettest month . The summers are arid, with July and August often seeing zero rainfall . Humidity levels are generally low and comfortable throughout the year.

Sunny Days and UV Index

The climate is sunny and pleasant for much of the year. The clearest skies are from late spring through early fall, with August being the sunniest month . During the summer, the UV index can reach moderate to high levels, making sun protection advisable for outdoor activities.

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit for warm-weather activities is from late June to early October .

Landmarks

Burlingame Railroad Station

The Burlingame Railroad Station is a historic landmark and a prime example of Mission Revival style architecture. Opened on October 10, 1894, it was designed by George H. Howard and J. B. Mathison, with funding provided by local residents and the Southern Pacific Railroad. A unique feature of the station is its roof, which uses 18th-century tiles sourced from Mission San Antonio de Padua and the Mission Dolores Asistencia in San Mateo. It was the first permanent building in this architectural style . It's located at 290 California Drive and continues to serve as a stop for Caltrain commuters .

Bust of Anson Burlingame

A bronze bust of the city's namesake, diplomat Anson Burlingame, was unveiled at the Burlingame Public Library in 2018. The ceremony marked the 150th anniversary of the 1868 Burlingame Treaty, a landmark agreement between the U.S. and China. The bust was sculpted by Chinese artist Zhou Limin .

The Howard-Ralston Eucalyptus Tree Rows

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, these tree rows are a living monument to Burlingame's early history. Planted between 1873 and 1876 on land once owned by San Francisco merchant William Davis Merry Howard, these eucalyptus trees are a key part of the landscape that led to Burlingame's identity as the "City of Trees" and its early tree preservation laws .

Carolands Chateau

Located just south of Burlingame in the town of Hillsborough, the Carolands Chateau is a Beaux-Arts mansion of grand proportions. With 98 rooms and spanning 46,050 square feet on 5.83 acres, it is a spectacular example of Gilded Age architecture and is open for public tours .

Transport

Main Airports

Burlingame is uniquely situated for air travel. It is located immediately south of San Francisco International Airport (SFO). This proximity makes SFO the primary airport for residents and visitors .

Other Airports

For those considering alternatives, San Jose International Airport (SJC) and Oakland International Airport (OAK) are also within driving distance, offering more flight options.

Main Railway Stations

Burlingame is served by the Burlingame Caltrain Station. Located at 290 California Drive, it provides commuter rail service on the Caltrain line, connecting the city to San Francisco to the north and San Jose to the south . The station is a historic landmark and a key transit hub for the city . The nearby Millbrae Intermodal Station is a major hub, offering connections to Caltrain and the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system .

Public Transport System (Buses)

Public transportation in and around Burlingame is provided by SamTrans (San Mateo County Transit District) . Key bus routes serving the area include the ECR (El Camino Real) and 292 . The MBC SHUTTLE also provides local service, connecting to the Millbrae Intermodal Station .

BART System

The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system connects Burlingame to the broader Bay Area via the nearby Millbrae station. The RED and YELLOW BART lines serve the Millbrae station, providing direct rail service to San Francisco, the East Bay, and the San Francisco International Airport .

Major Highways

Burlingame is bisected by two major north-south arteries. U.S. Highway 101 runs through the eastern part of the city, providing direct access to San Francisco and San Jose. El Camino Real (part of State Route 82) , the historic royal road, runs through the heart of the city and is a major surface thoroughfare .

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Burlingame offers a diverse culinary scene, with a mix of celebrated seafood spots, health-conscious eateries, and authentic Mediterranean flavors. While the city itself may not have a centuries-old signature dish, its restaurants are destinations in their own right.

[New England Lobster Eatery]

For a taste of the East Coast on the Pacific, New England Lobster Eatery is a must-visit. This MICHELIN Guide-recommended spot is both a bustling restaurant and a fish market . The absolute star here is the lobster roll, served three ways: dressed with mayo, "naked" with drawn butter, and a seasonal version with avocado and bacon . For the truly dedicated, the lobster plate, starting at one pound and going up to four, is a feast. The restaurant has a lively, nautical-themed atmosphere with seawater tanks holding the fresh crustaceans. You can even take their creamy lobster-corn chowder home in frozen quarts .

[Twelvemonth]

Representing the modern, health-focused side of Burlingame's food scene is Twelvemonth, a restaurant that highlights vegetables and ingredients sourced from local farms . Their menu is built around fresh, beautifully presented dishes. Standouts include the Crispy maitake mushroom, the Twelvemonth Burger, and a variety of seasonal vegetable plates like the Bagna Cauda with purple sweet potatoes and the Mostly Green Salad .

[Olea Mediterranean Cuisine]

For authentic, family-owned dining, Olea Mediterranean Cuisine offers a taste of the Mediterranean. True to its name (olive in Latin), the restaurant focuses on simple, pure, and fresh ingredients . They pride themselves on using no frozen ingredients and no microwave ovens, serving only the choicest meats, seafood, and fresh farm vegetables. Their menu allows diners to sample the finest flavors of the Mediterranean region without leaving the Peninsula .

Museums

Burlingame offers a couple of unique museum experiences focused on local history and the work of living artists.

[Peninsula Museum of Art]

The Peninsula Museum of Art stands out for its origin story. Unlike many art museums founded by major collectors, this one was established by a working artist, Ruth Waters, to create a space for fellow artists . It functions as a complex of working studios for visual artists alongside its gallery spaces. This makes it a dynamic place to see art being created and to view contemporary works from a community of practicing artists .

[Burlingame History Museum]

To dive into the city's past, the Burlingame History Museum is the place to go. Operated by the Burlingame Historical Society, it is charmingly located in the historic Burlingame Train Station at the foot of Burlingame Avenue . The museum is open on the first Sunday of every month and exhibits photos, stories, and artifacts that span over 100 years of history in Burlingame and neighboring Hillsborough .

Sport and Athletic Life

While Burlingame is not home to major professional sports franchises, it has an active local sports scene, particularly in youth and high school athletics.

Local Sports Teams and Facilities

The city supports competitive youth sports. For example, the Burlingame Soccer Club fields competitive teams that play in leagues across the region . The club has used Burlingame High School's back field for home games, indicating that local school facilities serve as hubs for community sports .

Burlingame High School itself has a strong athletic program. Its track and field team is active, regularly participating in and hosting key meets, including the PAL Trials and CCS Sub-Section and Semi-Finals .

Nearby Major League Sports

For major league sports, residents and visitors are a short drive from San Francisco and the Bay Area's professional teams. This includes the San Francisco 49ers (NFL) and San Francisco Giants (MLB), as well as the Golden State Warriors (NBA) and San Jose Sharks (NHL) in nearby San Jose and Oakland.

Universities and Educational Institutions

Burlingame itself does not have four-year universities, but it is ideally situated within the San Francisco Bay Area, home to some of the world's most prestigious institutions.

Colleges and Universities near Burlingame

There are numerous colleges and universities within a short drive of Burlingame. The closest is the College of San Mateo, a public two-year community college located just 4.1 miles away .

World-Renowned Universities Nearby

Within an easy drive, one can find two of the most famous universities in the world:

Healthcare Facilities and Services

Burlingame is served by a major medical center that provides comprehensive healthcare to the community.

[Mills-Peninsula Medical Center]

The primary healthcare institution in Burlingame is the Mills-Peninsula Medical Center, located at 1501 Trousdale Drive . It is a general acute care hospital with 241 licensed beds and a basic emergency room service level . As a full-service hospital, it provides a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services to the residents of Burlingame and the broader Peninsula area. The facility is part of the larger Bay Area healthcare network and is a key provider for the region . The data from the California HCAI shows it serves a diverse patient population with a mix of insurance types, including Medicare, Medi-Cal, and other third-party payers .

[Burlingame Health Care Center]

Burlingame is also home to the Burlingame Health Care Center D/p Snf at 1100 Trousdale Drive . Licensed as a general acute care hospital, it operates with 281 beds and serves a significant number of patients through Medi-Cal and Medicare programs . This facility plays a crucial role in providing healthcare services, particularly for patients requiring skilled nursing and longer-term care.

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