Downtown Burlingame - Burlingame, CA

The biggest cultural shift in Burlingame occurred after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Due to the burst in population, the area developed into a neighborhood known for its shopping and restaurants. The downtown area flourishes with retail and dining options, while the arts and culture scene is represented at several galleries.

Gallerie Citi and Heriz Music and Art feature appealing collections. Several museums lie just outside the downtown area. Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia offers a unique experience, and you'll find many different dispensers as well as vintage toys like Mr. Potato Head.

Annually, locals head downtown for the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The festivities kick off with family entertainment and the tree lighting. The parade begins at Burlingame Avenue, consisting of various community groups, along with the Burlingame High School Marching Band and cheerleaders and even Santa Claus.

Restaurants flourish in the downtown area. From chain restaurants to family-owned spots, you can find just about any cuisine you desire. All sushi lovers must try Barracuda Sushi. Here the chefs use fresh ingredients for quality sushi, and customers experience fine dining in a casual atmosphere. Choose from a great selection of sushi and also hot items. The menu changes daily, but visit on Wednesdays for $1 draft beer and $1 hot sake. On Sundays, enjoy all you can drink mimosas for $11.

Head to Mediterranean Kebab for the best Mediterranean food around. Locals crave the gyro and the falafel platters. If you're on the go these specialties can also be ordered as wraps. Sample the baklava with honey syrup and pistachio for dessert.

For all who crave Italian food, pay a visit to Sapore Ristorante Italiano. The owners are Italian natives who serve nothing but homemade dishes to their guests. Many fill up on the freshly baked bread before their main courses even arrive. Locals rave about the fettuccine bolognese and ravioli di ricotta. For those who prefer meat over pasta, order the pollo alla griglia. This restaurant makes for a great date night or family outing, and it even houses two private party rooms. Dine here and you won't be disappointed.

Many nightlife locations exist in the downtown area. The Vinyl Room serves as a great place to sip on a drink, mingle with friends or dance the night away. On occasion, live music entertainment is provided. Another local favorite, Paddy Flynn's is a friendly local pub with full sporting event coverage. The pub offers outdoor seating, complimentary parking and is where locals head to grab a pint.

If you are looking for live music head to the Caribbean Garden and listen to everything from Jazz and Blues to Salsa and Merengue. This great dancing venue provides this and other live entertainment most nights of the week. Locals also enjoy the free live music at Broadway Grill. Order some appetizers and drinks, sit back and enjoy some motown, funk or classic rock and roll.

Many public transportation options exist to travel to and from the area. When taking the Caltrain, exit at Burlingame station. From there, catch a free trolley ride to downtown Burlingame. Millbrae serves as the closest BART station, while the SamTran bus service also runs through the vicinity. Locals take advantage of the free shuttles and trolley services provided by the City of Burlingame and the Peninsula Traffic Congestion Relief Alliance.

If you prefer to drive your own vehicle, park in one of the conveniently located downtown lots. Hailing a cab and arranging a ride through Uber also serve as efficient transportation choices. Once in the downtown neighborhood, walking or biking are the most efficient ways to move about.

Highway 101 runs southbound and northbound for easy access to surrounding areas. Take Highway 35 in order to reach Interstate 280.

An abundance of parks lie immediately outside the downtown area in Burlingame. Washington Park includes 18.9 acres with tennis and basketball courts. Exercise or participate in outdoor recreation, perhaps using one of the baseball or soccer fields. Visitors also enjoy the picnic areas or stroll by the flower and garden area to take in nature's beauty. Make it a family day, and bring the dog and kids. Every Sunday in July, families bring their lawn chairs to listen to free live music, and on Friday nights in August and September, locals enjoy free family movie nights.

Many walkers frequent Mills Creek Canyon Park, the perfect location for those looking to take in the peacefulness of nature. With it's the excellent views and shaded areas, residents prefer this area for running or a nice walk.

Due to what this area offers, it does not come as a surprise that the cost of living is 95 percent greater than San Francisco and 174 percent greater than the national average. Renters can expect to spend approximately $1,500 per month on a one bedroom apartment. The price of gas checks in at approximately ten percent greater than the national average. Plan on spending $9 for a beer at a local bar, but save money by taking advantage of the free shuttle and trolley services provided locally.

Downtown Burlingame offers a huge selection of shopping options. The area features independently-owned stores and national chains. Shoppers have access to outlets as well as designer names, and approximately 100 businesses sell their products. The downtown area surely serves as a shopper's paradise.

Many high-end stores and boutiques permeate the area such as Burberry, Francesca's Collections, Les Deux Copines, Bella Bottega, Anthropologie, Jigsaw London, and Charmelle 28. Check out Alys Grace boutique for women's designer clothing, shoes and accessories. Locals enjoy clothing shopping at Sam Malouf Authentic Luxury, while many others frequent Margaret O'Leary for unique women's clothing. A favorite upscale boutique among locals is Les Deux Copines, which carries hard-to-find lines such, like GunMetal, Loeffler Randall Chloe, Diane Von Furstenberg and Sonia Riekel. Customers love that the racks feature merchandise sorted by color and season. Be sure to hit the sale rack, too. Downtown Burlingame also showcases chain stores such as the Apple Store and Banana Republic.

Right outside the downtown area, consumers can find Burlingame Fresh Market. With reasonable prices and fresh, organic, local produce, this farmers market ranks high among locals. While shopping, be sure to get your free sample of kettle corn, and check out the vendors who also sell arts and crafts here. Buy some fresh flowers, and definitely stop by the bakery booth, where the buttery sugar cookies satisfy any sweet tooth.

Burlingame Foods serves as another farmers market in the area. Affordable prices and quality products attract locals, and shoppers can buy produce, liquor and other ethnic dishes. Be sure to sign up for their points system in order to earn free items. If you need other necessities, be sure to stop at the local Safeway supermarket.