Foster City, California
Foster City, California, offers some of the best trails and outdoor activities for outdoor adventures. The top attraction is the scenic Bayfront Trail, a must-visit for hikers. This trail offers stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, with its shimmering waters and bustling birdlife. With a moderate difficulty level, it caters to both beginners and seasoned hikers. The trail is also dotted with unique rock formations that add to its charm. For water-based activities, the Lagoon is a popular spot for kayaking and paddleboarding. Close by, the Seal Point Park is another outdoor gem, known for its beautiful landscapes and bird-watching opportunities. These attractions in and near Foster City make it a prime destination for outdoor fun.
Top Spots in and near Foster City
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Foster City, California
Paddle the Foster City Lagoon
5.0The Foster City Lagoon is one of the most calm waters to paddle on. This is a great spot for beginners to learn how to paddleboard for the first time. The lagoon gets very still and makes it the perfect spot for reflection photos. On sunny days, there are many kayakers, SUP, small boats, and ev...Read more -
San Mateo, California
Sugarloaf Mountain
5.01.64 mi / 417 ft gainSugarloaf is tucked away in Laurelwood Park which is located in a residential neighborhood right off of Hwy 92 in San Mateo, making this a great hiking & trail running option for Peninsula residents. I always park on Glendora Dr. and follow the paved path down towards the playground. At the ...Read more -
San Mateo County, California
Sawyer Camp Trail
5.011.61 mi / 1152 ft gainThe Sawyer Camp Trail is a popular paved trail that stretches alongside the Crystal Springs Reservoir all the way to Hillcrest Blvd. The sixth mile crosses over the San Andreas Dam with nice views of San Andreas Lake. There are markers every half mile which makes timing and tracking your run eas...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Cordilleras & Dusty-Footed Woodrat Loop
3.73.83 mi / 676 ft gainGetting there: exit Highway 280 at Edgewood Road, travel .75 miles east, turn left on Crestview Drive, then immediately left again on Edmonds Road. Once parked, there are several different path options through the park. All of them connect in a large loop, and return to the parking lot. The Cord...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Hassler Loop Trail
4.01.48 mi / 289 ft gainExperience the natural beauty of the San Francisco Peninsula on the scenic Hassler Loop Trail, a 1.5-mile moderately challenging hiking trail nestled in Redwood City's Emerald Hills neighborhood. This beloved local trail offers hikers, nature enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers a perfect blend...Read more -
Emerald Hills, California
Edgewood Loop
4.03.29 mi / 607 ft gainEdgewood Park and Natural Preserve rests in San Mateo County, California. The sweeping hillsides exemplify the true native flora of California, as the foundation of rock and soil is poor in nutrients. Only a few specialized native plants are adapted to live here--don't miss the unique wildflower ...Read more -
Emerald Hills, California
Sylvan Loop Trail
2.53 mi / 522 ft gainSylvan Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Redwood City, California.Read more -
Burlingame, California
Ed Taylor Loop Trail
4.01.42 mi / 295 ft gainThis hike can be done at any time of year. Hiking in winter and spring means that many varieties of wildflowers will be present, and the creek will have much more water. Summer and fall mean higher temperatures and drier conditions, but the hike is still a pleasant experience. Begin the hike at ...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Stulsaft Park Loop
4.00.91 mi / 98 ft gainStulsaft Park Loop in Redwood City, California, is a scenic and family-friendly 0.9-mile loop trail, ideal for hiking, walking, and running. This is a relatively easy stroll with only 98 feet of elevation gain and is accessible for people of all fitness levels. This trail is also particularly pop...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Crystal Springs Trail Loop
4.05.4 mi / 1227 ft gainThis is a great hike for any season of the year, with rushing streams during the winter, wildflowers in the spring, and cool, shaded canyons during the summer. Starting from near the Zwierlein Picnic area, take the Crystal Springs to the left into the redwood forest. Stay straight at the next tr...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Whittemore Gulch Trail
4.06.79 mi / 1791 ft gainThis trail starts out going downhill towards the ocean for the first half, which makes for a tough end to the hike as you trek back up the ridge. However, there are nice ocean and hilltop views that are worth the climb. On this trail, you'll pass 60+ banana slugs if conditions are right. They ar...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Whittemore Gulch and Harkins Ridge Loop Trail
4.66.43 mi / 1772 ft gainThere are two places to park for this specific loop- the main parking area on Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) and a smaller parking lot on the western end of the park. I would recommend parking at whichever is closest. Find directions to both on Openspace.org. From the main parking lot, the trail...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Whittemore Gulch and Purisima Creek Loop Trail
9.27 mi / 2165 ft gainThe Whittemore Gulch and Purisima Creek Loop Trail, nestled in the scenic Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve near Redwood City, California, is a popular choice for hikers looking for a moderately challenging yet rewarding experience. This 9-mile loop trail winds through lush redwood fo...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Goat Yoga at Lemos Farm
5.0This is a great way to destress and have fun! Goat yoga is like normal yoga, but with goats. Goats tend to like higher ground and flat surfaces. So, when you are in table top position, they are highly likely to jump onto your back! These goats are still young, and so do not weigh as much as f...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Purisima Creek Trail and Craig Britton Trail Loop
4.06.95 mi / 1411 ft gainThis hike is perfect for any time of year, always staying cool because it is near the coast, and there are multiple creeks that flow year-round. Even on foggy days, the fog condenses on trees to make it seem like it is "raining." Be warned that this hike has a lot of elevation change and is stre...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Whittemore Gulch via Purisima Creek Road
6.44 mi / 1870 ft gainThis beautiful mountain bike ride can be started at the Purisima Creek Road Trailhead or on Skyline Boulevard. There are many trails in the Purisisma Creek Redwoods, but Whittemore Gulch is by far the most beautiful and fun single track to descend on. Starting Options:Start at Purisima Creek Roa...Read more
Camping and Lodging in Foster City
La Selva Beach, California
Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
As seen on the hit CBS show Undercover Boss, this fun, family-friendly campground offers something for everyone! Enjoy the best of the Ca...
