Ghost Towns in San Mateo County, California
1 documented ghost town
San Mateo County, California, is home to 1 documented ghost town — a concentrated dose of boom-and-bust history in a single county. Timber camps, fishing villages, and gold-rush outposts define the Pacific ghost towns, tucked into mountains and coastline. The names to know starts with Purissima.
On-the-ground conditions here are largely unverified, so treat this county guide as a launchpad for your own research. Access details are thin across this group, so research each town before setting out. Every town below gets its own full guide — with maps, visitor notes, and FAQs.
All Ghost Towns in San Mateo County
San Mateo County Ghost Town FAQs
How many ghost towns are in San Mateo County, California?
1 ghost town is documented in San Mateo County, California, each with its own guide on this page.
What are the most notable ghost towns in San Mateo County?
Standouts include Purissima. Browse the full list below — featured towns have the most complete guides.
What condition are San Mateo County's ghost towns in?
Conditions are largely unverified for this county's ghost towns — they're listed with unknown status until explorers confirm what remains.
Can you visit the ghost towns in San Mateo County?
Access information is limited for these towns. Verify land ownership and local rules before visiting any site, and respect private property at all times.