Welcome to San Carlos
A charming city full of rich local history
The city of San Carlos has plenty of local history that dates back to the 1700s when Lt. Juan Manuel de Ayala and his crew anchored the ship San Carlos in the bay, which is where it's thought the city got its name. With hundreds of years of history, the Museum of San Carlos History offers residents and visitors a chance to explore exhibits and information about everything the city has gone through to get to where it stands today. A hip and vibrant downtown offers several boutiques, restaurants, Farmers’ Markets, and more for residents to enjoy.
Residential areas are charming and full of tree-lined streets that give way to large, older homes situated on expansive lots. Older bungalows and modern, new builds are mixed with parks and open spaces to provide neighborhoods with cozy feelings and make residents feel welcome. Enjoy luxury living with a master-built home in the hills offering panoramic views of the bay or in one of the many luxury condominiums near downtown. Whatever your preference, San Carlos has an option for you.
What to Love
- San Carlos Museum of History
- Charming neighborhoods with a variety of architectural offerings
- A hip and vibrant downtown
- San Carlos Hometown Days
Local Lifestyle
Residents enjoy the lifestyle that San Carlos offers them. With a charming and quiet selection of neighborhoods to choose from and a vibrant downtown full of life, there's plenty of variety. Enjoy several parks and outdoor recreational options, museums, art galleries, boutiques, community events, and so much more year-round. San Carlos Hometown Days is a volunteer-run event offering a parade, live entertainment, food options, games, and more that residents have enjoyed since 1979.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
With downtown as eclectic and vibrant as Laurel Street, residents in San Carlos enjoy several high-end shopping and dining opportunities.
The street is filled with boutique options like JoeyRae, Holly Hill, Praire, and White Sage Boutique. Shelby's Garden is a unique, local, and family-owned gift shop providing creative gifts for all your needs, while The Reading Bug is a one-of-a-kind children's bookstore designed to look like an enchanted forest.
Residents enjoy Stamp Bar and Grill, with a casual atmosphere and quality food made from scratch daily, for its exceptional service and American fusion menu. Spasso Ristorante and Wine Bar is an excellent choice for a quick lunch or a celebratory dinner. There's something for everyone to enjoy with menu items like mushroom truffle bruschetta, eggplant Caprese, veal piccata, and more. Another excellent choice for lunch or dinner is Pranzi, a unique Italian restaurant offering quality food that's been locally harvested.
Things to Do
San Carlos offers several things to do for its residents, from afternoons in the park to visiting museums and much more. Children love visiting Burton Park, which offers multiple playgrounds, picnic areas, sporting fields, a water play area, and much more. Fans of history can immerse themselves in local history at the San Carlos Museum of History or stop at Hiller Aviation Museum.
The San Carlos Art and Wine Fair is a resident favorite event that brings in visitors from all over. This event hosts more than 250 artists, beverage and food vendors, live music, and more.
Residents also enjoy visits to the Devil's Canyon Brewing Company on Fridays, where you'll see live music, multiple food trucks, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment. Several wineries in the area also offer tours and tastings for those that enjoy it.
Schools
