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

  • Foster City, California

    Paddle the Foster City Lagoon

    The 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...
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  • Belmont, California

    Hike San Mateo's Sugarloaf Mountain

    5.0
    1.5 mi / 500 ft gain
    Sugarloaf 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 bo...
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  • San Mateo County, California

    Run Sawyer Camp Trail

    5.0
    12 mi / 300 ft gain
    The 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 easy....
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  • Redwood City, California

    Hike the Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve Loop

    3.7
    5.5 mi / 1000 ft gain
    Getting 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 Cordil...
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  • Emerald Hills, California

    Edgewood Loop

    4.0
    3.29 mi / 607 ft gain
    Edgewood 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 ...
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  • Burlingame, California

    Hike the Ed Taylor Loop Trail in Mills Canyon

    4.0
    1.4 mi / 300 ft gain
    This 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 t...
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  • Redwood City, California

    Stulsaft Park Loop

    4.0
    0.91 mi / 98 ft gain
    Stulsaft 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...
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  • Redwood City, California

    Crystal Springs Trail Loop

    5.4 mi / 1227 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • Redwood City, California

    Hike Whittemore Gulch at Purisima Creek Redwoods OSP

    4.0
    9.3 mi / 2109 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • Redwood City, California

    Hike Purisima Creek Redwoods OSP

    4.6
    7 mi
    There 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 ...
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  • Redwood City, California

    Mountain Bike at Purisima Creek

    This 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. If you are starting from Skyline Boulevard, i...
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  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Goat Yoga at Lemos Farm

    5.0
    This 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...
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  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Purisima Creek Trail and Craig Britton Trail Loop

    4.0
    6.95 mi / 1411 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • Woodside, California

    Meadow & Bear Gulch Loop

    5.0
    4.57 mi / 1089 ft gain
    Located in the iconic Silicon Valley town of Woodside, Wunderlich County Park offers a number of hiking trails as well as some horseback riding trails through the wilderness.  Once in the parking lot, you will see a number of stables, riding ring, as well as a beautiful historic stable that was ...
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  • Redwood City, California

    Old Growth Redwood Loop

    4.4
    5.68 mi / 1480 ft gain
    This hike starts at the parking lot of the El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserve. The lot is located roughly a mile south on Skyline Boulevard from the Skeggs Point Vista. From the parking lot, take the Methuselah Trail for 0.3 miles until you reach the Timberview Trail. Take this trail for anot...
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  • San Bruno, California

    Sweeney Ridge via Sneath Lane

    4.5
    3.88 mi / 646 ft gain
    Starting from the parking lot on Sneath Lane Trail, you’ll head through the gate and continue on the path up Sweeney Ridge. This is a 5.7 mile out-and-back trek. There is a 600 ft. elevation gain, which comes mainly in the first 1.5 miles of the trail. Your legs and lungs may hurt a bit, but if t...
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Camping and Lodging in Foster City

Santa Cruz North / Costanoa KOA
Pescadero, California

Santa Cruz North / Costanoa KOA

Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
La Selva Beach, California

Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday

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