Hiller Aviation Museum luggage storage

About Hiller Aviation Museum

Located at the San Carlos Airport in the San Francisco Bay area, the Hiller Aviation Museum is dedicated to honoring the history of innovation in aviation. The museum is affiliated with the Smithsonian and holds over 50 different aircraft, some of which date back to the 1800s. You’ll see everything from early blimps to bi-planes, helicopters, Boeing aircraft, and more.  

Exhibits offer insight into the cockpit of an aircraft, convey a timeline of achievements throughout aviation history, highlight women in aviation, and much more. There is even a flight simulator that allows you to try flying a Wright Model B aircraft. Other displays teach you about atmospheric conditions, how an airplane engine works, and offer insight into the complexities of managing air traffic around the world. If you’re a fan of aviation, you definitely shouldn’t miss this museum.

Fun Fact: The Hiller Aviation Museums welcomes over 100,000 visitors each year.

Things to do Near Hiller Aviation Museum 

Hiller Aviation Museum is located in San Carlos, California, just a few miles south of San Mateo. You could easily spend a couple of hours within the museum, but when you’re finished, it’s worth checking out some of the other awesome attractions in the area. Here are a few things Bounce recommends including on your itinerary:

• Sip microbrews and grab a bite to eat at Alpha Acid Brewery
• Try your hand at flying a Wright Model B aircraft in the flight simulator within the Hiller Aviation Museum
• Indulge in some retail therapy at the Hillsdale Shopping Center in nearby San Mateo
• Stroll through the stunning greenery with the San Mateo Japanese Garden
• Admire the local flora and fauna on a hike through Edgewood Park Natural Preserve in Redwood City, just 5 miles from San Carlos 
• Pack a picnic and enjoy it in the peaceful nature surrounding Horseshoe Lake in San Mateo
• Learn about local animals and mingle with them up close at CuriOdyssey, an educational and interactive zoo in San Mateo

Transit Options Near Hiller Aviation Museum

• CalTrain
• SamTrans Bus
• Uber/Lyft

Luggage Storage Near Hiller Aviation Museum 

Hiller Aviation Museum is the type of place where aviation fans could easily spend hours. The museum is just a short distance from beautiful California parks, shopping centers, and other intriguing attractions within San Carlos and nearby San Mateo. Whether you prefer to get around by bus or using a rideshare service, it will be much easier without heavy luggage in tow. Fortunately, Bounce has plenty of partners near the Hiller Aviation Museum where you can stash your bags. 

Luggage Storage Options Near Hiller Aviation Museum 

Since there are so many intriguing things to see near the Hiller Aviation Museum, you won’t want to be fussing with clunky bags. Lighten your load by dropping any non-essential items with a Bounce partner near the museum to make the most of your time in San Carlos.

Luggage Storage Near San Carlos Museum of History 

The San Carlos History Museum is dedicated to highlighting the history of this beautiful Bay Area town. It is housed in a Spanish-style building built in the 1920s and originally used as a firehouse. When a new firehouse was constructed next door, the building was abandoned. In the 1970s, the San Carlos Lion’s Club demolished the original structure, rebuilt it, and donated it to the city of San Carlos. 

At this point, the building was converted into a local history museum. It may be just one room, but the museum is packed with fascinating items from throughout San Carlos’ history. You’ll find photographs, pottery, art, memorabilia, and a film highlighting the story of San Carlos. There’s also a fully restored old-fashioned fire engine inside! The San Carlos History Museum is quite small, so stash your bags with a Bounce partner nearby before you enter. 

Luggage Storage Near San Mateo Japanese Garden 

If you’re looking for a peaceful place to stroll through nature, don’t miss San Mateo’s Japanese Garden. Designed by Nagao Sakurai, the Japanese Garden holds a koi pond, a pagoda, and a beautiful bamboo grove. The Japanese Garden sits within San Mateo’s Central Park, a 16-acre property in downtown San Mateo. The garden is beautiful all year, but November through April is the best time to visit because you can enjoy the cherry blossoms. 

When you’re finished exploring the garden, pass through some of the other beautiful features of San Mateo’s Central Park. You’ll find a rose garden, a picnic area, and a playground. 

Nature walks are much more enjoyable without heavy bags in tow, so drop anything non-essential with a nearby Bounce partner before you head into the garden.

Luggage Storage Near Hillsdale Shopping Center 

If you’re looking to indulge in some retail therapy while in the San Mateo area, the Hillsdale Shopping Center is a great option. The mall is anchored by Macy’s and Nordstrom and holds over 100 additional retailers. You’ll find popular clothing retailers like Ann Taylor, American Eagle Outfitters, and Lululemon. There are also tons of beauty shops like Aveda, MAC, and Sephora as well as specialty stores selling anything from jewelry to shoes, electronics, and everything in between. If you get hungry, pop into Panda Express, Starbucks, Shake Shack, or one of many other food vendors inside the complex.

And there’s more to do inside the Hillsdale Shopping Center than just shop! Inside Pinstripes Bistro Bowling Bocce, you can eat tasty Italian fare and challenge your family or friends to a bowling or bocce match! You’ll also find a kids club and Sandbox VR, an immersive virtuality reality experience. 

Shopping is more fun if you’re not already weighed down by heavy bags, so stash any non-essential items with a Bounce partner before you head to the mall.