Stars are a big deal in Brisbane, the little town on the slopes of San Bruno Mountain known as the city of stars.
Although the real star might be the mountain itself, which was spared destruction in the 1980s and today provides hiking and open space for nearby residents and visitors.
Throughout Brisbane, five-pointed stars with lights are on homes and businesses. “Some people have them up year-round. I have mine up just for the holidays,” said Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Madison Davis.
Stars are found all around Brisbane, including on the local hardware store and charming residences. (Courtesy Larry Sokoloff)
The star theme is hard to miss. Entering town, a sign reads “Welcome to Brisbane City of the Stars.” The city’s street signs all have tiny stars on them. Not surprisingly, there’s a star on Brisbane Hardware downtown, and stars on fences in other locations.
How many stars are there in this San Mateo County city of 4,700? Davis doesn’t know exactly, but said the custom started in the 1930s by a resident on one of the city’s highest streets. Other people liked it and copied it, and the tradition was born. Now the chamber provides stars, and residents add lights.
To visit Brisbane, take a quick detour off Highway 101 just south of San Francisco at the Sierra Point Parkway exit. Downtown is perched on Visitacion Avenue. It’s easy to see San Francisco’s Candlestick Point and San Francisco Bay from here. Brisbane residents also enjoy stunning views of downtown San Francisco.
Downtown Brisbane is a low-key, five-block walkable stretch that’s home to several restaurants and the library, which was dedicated in 2020. At least two buildings in the area have murals. One depicts the butterflies on San Bruno Mountain, the 2,416-acre park that runs above Brisbane and borders South San Francisco, Colma and Daly City.
Brisbane is also known for fire hydrants that were painted in the 1970s during the nation’s bicentennial. Initially they featured historical figures such as Martha and George Washington. Over time, the decor has focused on more modern and varied references, from civic leaders to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, SpongeBob SquarePants and Muhammad Ali.
Some of the older hydrants are in storage, but the city hopes to create what Davis, who also sits on the Brisbane City Council, called “a plug preserve” to display them again.
Some hiking trails in Brisbane, including one on Quarry Road, lead higher into the mountain, which has a 1,314-foot summit.
It’s an eight-minute drive from downtown to the entrance of San Bruno Mountain State & County Park, located in a high area called The Saddle, off Guadalupe Canyon Parkway.
Displays explain how the natural area, after years of battle, was saved from developers after a conservation plan was created in 1983 to protect the habitat of several endangered butterfly species. The butterflies are most visible between March and June.
The park, which is operated by San Mateo County, has 12 miles of trails, a native plant garden and picnic benches among the rugged landscape’s eucalyptus and oak trees. Visitors can expect to hear birds singing, and occasionally, jet noise from San Francisco International Airport.
San Bruno Mountain State & County Park opens daily at 8 a.m., closing time changes seasonally. The entrance is at 555 Guadalupe Canyon Parkway, Brisbane. Parking costs $6. Call (650) 589-5708 or visit smcgov.org.