Two Districts. One Burlingame. Twice the Fun.

Feb 17

Why Burlingame has two business districts — and why you should walk them both

If you’ve ever said, “Let’s go to Burlingame,” and then paused — “Downtown… or Broadway?” — you’ve just discovered one of Burlingame’s greatest strengths.

We don’t have one walkable commercial district.

We have two.

And that’s not a split personality — it’s a two-chapter story.

When you visit Burlingame, you’re not choosing between Downtown and Broadway. You’re discovering how beautifully they complement each other — and why the best days here include a stroll through both.

Why Does Burlingame Have Two Business Districts?

Most cities don’t grow around one single “center.” They grow along corridors — where people traveled, shopped, gathered, and built community over time.

Burlingame developed two strong commercial “rooms,” each with its own character, energy, and natural rhythm. Over the years, both areas became vibrant enough to benefit from dedicated stewardship, marketing, and programming — which is why today they each have a Business Improvement District (BID).

🌿 Downtown Burlingame (Burlingame Avenue Area)

Downtown Burlingame describes itself as a coalition of approximately 500 businesses working together to promote business and civic activity in the downtown core — extending from El Camino Real to California Avenue, and from Chapin to Howard.

This is your linger-and-discover district.

Tree-lined streets. Window shopping. Coffee that turns into lunch. Lunch that turns into browsing. A quick errand that becomes an afternoon.

It’s the kind of place where you park once and simply wander.

✨ Broadway Burlingame

Broadway’s BID positions the district as a distinct destination corridor, known for its compact, accessible layout and “close-to-it-all” rhythm.

This is your gateway-and-evening-glow district.

Dinner plans. Services. Easy access. A quick meet-up that turns into dessert. A relaxed stroll that feels like a neighborhood favorite.

Broadway has its own personality — and its own loyal following.

Is It Unusual for a City to Have More Than One Business District?

Not at all — especially in California.

Many cities have multiple BIDs because different neighborhoods and commercial streets have distinct identities and needs. Oakland, for example, publicly describes having 11 business improvement districts.

So Burlingame having two isn’t odd.

It’s often a sign of a healthy city — one where more than one area is active enough to invest in keeping the ambiance safe, beautiful, welcoming, and busy.

Two strong districts mean more vitality.
More vitality means more reasons to visit.

Why Walking Both Districts Is the Real Win

Here’s the secret: visitors don’t think in acronyms or governance structures.

They think:

“What can we do today?”
“Is it walkable?”
“Is there something else nearby?”

The magic of Burlingame is that the answer is almost always yes — in more than one place.

You might start Downtown with coffee and shopping…
…and end on Broadway with dinner and dessert.

Or begin with Broadway plans…
…and finish Downtown with a sunset stroll and a sweet treat.

Two districts don’t divide the story — they extend it.

A Simple Way to Do Burlingame

If you want the perfect Burlingame day, try this:

Step 1: Park and wander one district.
Browse. Pop into a shop. Grab coffee. Take your time.

Step 2: Head to the other district.
Explore a new set of storefronts. Book a service. Sit down for dinner.

Two distinct vibes. One easy plan.

You’ll see different architecture, different merchant mixes, different energy — but the same welcoming Burlingame spirit in both places.

Distinctive — Yet Connected

Downtown and Broadway each maintain their own style and flair. That’s intentional.

Different branding.
Different programming.
Different rhythms.

But together, they create something stronger than either could alone: a city that feels complete.

When both districts thrive, visitors stay longer.
When visitors stay longer, businesses benefit.
When businesses benefit, Burlingame shines.

Burlingame has two business districts because both areas are strong enough to stand on their own — and different enough to deserve storytelling tailored to their unique character.

So next time someone asks,
“Downtown or Broadway?”

Smile and say:

Both.

Because the best way to experience Burlingame is to walk them together.

Downtown Burlingame Business Improvement District

Lauren Hilt