· US

Millbrae

Millbrae, California, United States

Millbrae, located in California, United States, is a charming city that offers a perfect blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. Situated just a short drive away from San Francisco and Silicon Valley, Millbr…

#Suburban#Transportation hub#Diverse community#Close to San Francisco#Near San Francisco International Airport

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Millbrae.

Top Hotels in Millbrae

Top Flights to Millbrae

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Millbrae.

Tours

Millbrae Heritage Tour

Explore the historic landmarks and cultural heritage of Millbrae, visiting iconic sites like the Millbrae Train Museum.

Shopping

Millbrae Farmers Market

A bustling market featuring fresh produce, local crafts, and artisanal food products.

Outdoor

Bayside Walk and Picnic

A refreshing walk along the SF Bay Trail with beautiful views and picnic spots along the path.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Millbrae.

Currency
$ | USD | US Dollar
Population
As of the most recent estimates, the population of Millbrae, California is approximately 23,000.
Languages
English, English
Average weather
Millbrae
Jan
rain
13°6°
Feb
rain
15°7°
Mar
cloud
16°8°
Apr
cloud
17°9°
May
clear
18°10°
Jun
clear
20°12°
Jul
sun
21°13°
Aug
sun
22°13°
Sep
sun
23°14°
Oct
clear
21°12°
Nov
cloud
17°9°
Dec
rain
14°7°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Millbrae.

What people love

Millbrae, located in California, United States, offers a variety of pros for travelers:

  1. Convenient Location: Millbrae is situated just south of San Francisco and is adjacent to the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). This makes it a convenient base for exploring the Bay Area and for easy access to transportation options.

  2. Dining Options: Millbrae has a diverse culinary scene with a variety of restaurants offering different cuisines. You can find everything from local eateries to upscale dining options in the area.

  3. Outdoor Recreation: The city is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including parks and hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking in the nearby areas.

  4. Shopping: Millbrae has a range of shopping options, from boutique stores to larger shopping centers. Visitors can find unique items and souvenirs while exploring the city.

  5. Cultural Attractions: The city has a rich history and offers cultural attractions such as museums, art galleries, and historical sites. Visitors can learn about the local heritage and immerse themselves in the cultural scene of Millbrae.

Overall, traveling to Millbrae offers a blend of convenience, dining, outdoor recreation, shopping, and cultural attractions for visitors to enjoy.

What to know

Millbrae, California, located in the United States, is generally a safe and pleasant city to visit. However, like any destination, there are some potential cons to traveling to Millbrae:

  1. Cost of Living: Millbrae is known to have a higher cost of living compared to other cities in California. This can make accommodation, dining, and shopping more expensive for travelers on a budget.

  2. Traffic Congestion: Being located near major cities like San Francisco and San Jose, Millbrae can experience heavy traffic congestion, especially during rush hours. This may impact travel times and cause delays for visitors.

  3. Limited Public Transportation: While Millbrae does have a BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) station, the public transportation options within the city itself may be limited. Renting a car or using rideshare services may be necessary for getting around.

  4. Limited Nightlife: Millbrae is a quieter suburb without a bustling nightlife scene. Visitors looking for vibrant nightlife and entertainment options may need to travel to nearby cities like San Francisco for more options.

  5. Weather Variability: The weather in Millbrae can be unpredictable due to its proximity to the coast. Fog and cooler temperatures can be common, so visitors should be prepared for varying weather conditions during their stay.

Overall, while Millbrae offers a peaceful and convenient location for travelers looking to explore the Bay Area, it's essential to consider these potential cons before planning a trip to the city.

Millbrae, California, is a city in San Mateo County on the San Francisco Peninsula. Its history is rich and tied closely to the development of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Early History: The area that is now Millbrae was originally inhabited by the Ohlone people. In the early 19th century, the land was part of the Rancho Buri Buri, a Mexican land grant.

Founding and Development:

  • The modern history of Millbrae began in the 1860s with the establishment of a country estate by Darius Ogden Mills, a wealthy financier and philanthropist from New York. Mills named his estate "Millbrae," combining his own name with the Scottish word "brae," meaning "rolling hills."
  • In 1866, Darius Mills purchased the land from José de la Cruz Sánchez, an heir to the Rancho Buri Buri grant, and developed it into a large estate.
  • The area remained sparsely populated and largely rural until the early 20th century.

Incorporation:

  • Millbrae was incorporated as a city in 1948, following a post-World War II population boom, which was part of a larger trend of suburbanization in the Bay Area.

Significant Events and Figures:

  • The establishment of the San Francisco International Airport in the late 1920s was a major development for Millbrae, as it provided jobs and increased the strategic importance of the area.
  • The city saw significant growth during the mid-20th century, with many residential developments springing up to accommodate the growing population.

Important Landmarks:

  • Millbrae Train Station: The Millbrae train station, now a modern multi-modal transportation hub, serves as a major transit point for Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and Caltrain. It connects the city to San Francisco, San Jose, and other parts of the Bay Area.
  • Green Hills Country Club: This historic golf course and country club, established in 1929, is a significant recreational and social venue in Millbrae.
  • Millbrae Historical Museum: Operated by the Millbrae Historical Society, the museum offers insights into the city's past and is housed in a 19th-century building.

Cultural and Economic Development:

  • Millbrae has a diverse cultural makeup, with a significant portion of its population being of Asian descent, particularly Chinese and Filipino communities.
  • The city has a vibrant commercial district with various dining and shopping options, reflecting its diverse population.

Modern Day:

  • Today, Millbrae is known for its high quality of life, proximity to major urban centers, and excellent public schools. It remains a desirable place to live due to its convenient location near major transportation routes and the San Francisco International Airport.

This history of Millbrae reflects its transformation from rural estates to a thriving suburban community within the dynamic San Francisco Bay Area.