Burlingame is perfect for enjoying Northern California’s beautiful weather and Bay views while avoiding the insane crowds and prices of San Francisco. It’s also a very good place to spend a night between flights, since it’s so close to the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Burlingame hotels are affordable, there’s plenty to do in town, and you can make day trips into San Francisco on the CalTrain for $4. It’s possible to stay in Burlingame without renting a car, if you know the secrets.
Understand the Town
Image via Flickr by Koshyk
There are three areas that you may want to travel between in Burlingame: the Bayshore area, Broadway, and Burlingame Avenue.
The Bayshore area is where you’ll find the nice waterfront hotels, with views of the bay. Broadway is the older part of the town, where you’ll find that California Gold Rush feeling. Charming shops and Mom-and-Pop restaurants make this an interesting area to hang out. Burlingame Avenue is where you’ll find high-end shopping, and lots of great restaurants.
The Neighborhood Trolley
Image via Flickr by Chris D 2006
Within each of those three areas, you’ll have no problem getting around on foot. You can travel between them on the free Burlingame Trolley. The trolley runs every day, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, from 11:30 a.m. until about 9:30 p.m. The trolley picks up at several Bayshore hotels and runs through both the Broadway and Burlingame Avenue areas.
Other Transport
There is a nice little CalTrain station on Burlingame Avenue, where you can catch the train into San Francisco. From the airport, if your hotel doesn’t offer shuttle service, you can take BART to Milbrae and then switch to the CalTrain (total cost $2). You can also catch a free shuttle from Milbrae into Burlingame. If you have a lot of luggage or arrive during off hours, expect to spend about $15 for a taxi.
In the evening, if you miss the last shuttle, you’ll find taxis wherever there are clusters of bars and restaurants. During the day, if you want a cab, you’ll need to call for one as they don’t typically roam the streets.
There’s a footbridge over the highway that connects the Bayshore area to Broadway if you prefer to walk.
Where to stay
Image via Flickr by Out.Of.Focus
If you choose a hotel along the trolley route, your time in Burlingame will be a breeze. Since the trolleys don’t run after 9:30 p.m., you’ll either be coming home early, hanging out at your hotel’s bar, or taking a cab home, so look for a hotel with an in-house bar and restaurant. The Hillton SFO is a good choice, with its lovely Windows on the Bay restaurant and Fire and Ice bar and grill. The Hyatt Regency is a typical airport hotel, but with a nice pool and a friendly bar. Both offer shuttle service to/from the airport. The shuttle also stops at the doors of the Crowne Plaza, SFO Mariott, Doubletree, and Embassy Suites.
Burlingame is so convenient to the SFO Airport, and so much more affordable than San Francisco, that you might want to base an entire trip there.
Author Bio:
In May 2013, Lauren sold everything she owned that didn’t fit in a backpack and took off to travel the world as a nomadic writer. She regularly produces articles for CBS and Time Warner, and is a writer for the Hipmunk City Love Project. She is also working on designing journals and study materials for dance and yoga students, among other projects.
