Foster City, California

Looking for the best photography in Foster City? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Foster City. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Photography Spots in and near Foster City

  • 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

    Ed Taylor Loop Trail

    4.0
    1.42 mi / 295 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 ...
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  • Redwood City, California

    Crystal Springs Trail Loop

    4.0
    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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  • 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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  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Whittemore Gulch via Purisima Creek Road

    6.44 mi / 1870 ft gain
    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. Starting Options:Start at Purisima Creek Roa...
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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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  • Redwood City, California

    Methuselah and El Corte De Madera Creek Loop

    6.5 mi / 1778 ft gain
    This loop hike will provide people with the opportunity to experience the tranquility of the lower canyons of the preserve, which tend to be more isolated than the heavier-trafficked trails that are closer to the main highway. Be warned that this hike is fairly strenuous because of the large amo...
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  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail

    4.6
    5.51 mi / 220 ft gain
    Start at the visitor center along Kelly Avenue. Take note that the day parking fee is $10 in 2024 for each vehicle. You will then be able to enjoy both the Coastside Trail and Francis Beach (plus other beaches) with access to the amenities such as coin-operated showers and a semi-private beach. ...
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  • Stanford, California

    Kite Hill

    4.0
    Kite Hill is nothing more than what the name describes. A simple ascent less than 100 feet in elevation. But that 100 feet is all you need to feel like you discovered a little escape from the buzz below. To get there, you can park directly at the base of Kite Hill along Peter Coutts Rd and simpl...
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  • Pacifica, California

    Milagra Overlook Trail

    5.0
    2.51 mi / 558 ft gain
    Found this hike with some friends after spending some time googling in my car when we were in the area looking for a quick hike with a view!   Dog friendly Free parking (but quite limited) Ocean views Known to have gorgeous wildflower blooms (we were not there during this)Porta-potty type toilet...
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  • Pacifica, California

    Mori Point Loop

    4.8
    2.54 mi / 276 ft gain
    Start at the parking lots close to the pier, where bathrooms are also available. Walk along the pier to watch the sunset as it begins. Next, walk along Sharp Park Beach to discover the plethora of wild flowers and friendly locals always ready to guide you on your walk. Take the stairs up to the...
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  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail

    4.5
    6.8 mi / 528 ft gain
    This trail begins at the Cowell State Beach parking lot and is only open on the weekends. From the lot, take the short Cowell Ranch Access trail to a scenic overlook. There are steps down to the secluded pocket beach just above the main trail. The trail playfully meanders along the cliffside with...
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  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Catch the Sunset at Maverick's Beach

    5.0
    1 mi
    Maverick's beach is most well-known for the Maverick surf competition and the gnarly waves which surface here in the winter months. For the rest of the year, the beach is still a site to see. With huge waves crashing ¼ mile off shore and bluffs towering 100 feet above you, it’s a picturesque plac...
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  • Palo Alto, California

    Arastradero Preserve: Juan Batista & Meadowlark Loop

    3.0
    4.65 mi / 597 ft gain
    Getting There: From Hwy 280, take the Page Mill Road exit and head West on Page Mill Road, away from Downtown Palo Alto (if you're taking 101, exit on Oregon Expressway). Then turn right on Arastradero Road. There will be a small sign indicating the dirt parking lot on the eastern side of the st...
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  • Moss Beach, California

    Pillar Point Bluff Loop

    4.7
    1.84 mi / 154 ft gain
    Sitting on a 140 acre bluff top, the Pillar Point Bluffs are a simple, easy hike with breathtaking views throughout. The bluffs are 22 miles from San Francisco – a 30 minute drive depending on the traffic. There is a small 10 car or so parking lot off of Airport Blvd, but there are two additional...
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