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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Castro Valley, California
Lake Chabot Regional Park Loop
4.08.65 mi / 1263 ft gainLooking for a fun day on a lake, but don't want to drive too far? We recommend heading out to the East Bay where you can combine a nice hike with an afternoon of fishing. This moderately challenging hike remains scenic throughout the 8.5 mile trek around the lake, and offers many opportunities fo...Read more -
Daly City, California
Mussel Rock Loop
4.01.95 mi / 322 ft gainMussel rock, a three-story, 50 million year old rock that has been carried some 500 miles northwest from Southern California, is where the San Andreas fault meets the Pacific Ocean. It's also an excellent spot to drink some wine and catch a sunset. From San Francisco, take Highway 1 south towar...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Watch the Sunset at Martin's Beach
4.5Martin's Beach is a beach about 7 miles south of Half Moon Bay. It features a large, very cool looking rock formation right off the coast. This beach is accessible via Martin's Beach Road, which is a small turn off on your right when southbound on Highway 1, though sometimes the road is only open...Read more -
Los Altos, California
Park Day at Foothills Park
1.7Disclaimer: Foothills Park requires proof of residence in Palo Alto or being accompanied by a resident of the city. Learn more here.Foothills Park is 2.7 miles west of 280 after exiting Page Mill. After exiting you take a short scenic drive up the hill and come to the park entrance on your right...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Bernal Heights Park
4.70.95 mi / 128 ft gainBernal Heights Park is an excellent week night adventure for those who need an escape from the city. Sit atop this small, grassy peak in peace and look out over the San Francisco skyline. Park on the street bordering the park and follow a pathway that leads up to the top. You will be instantly g...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Swing at Billy Goat Hill
3.5Billy Goat Hill Park is located in the Glen Park neighborhood of San Francisco. The park has street parking at the top of the park on Beacon Street or at the base of the park on Ladley Street. Getting to the swing is only a short walk up or down the stairs that run through the middle of the park....Read more -
San Francisco, California
Paddle at Crane Cove
5.0Crane Cove is a beautiful waterfront park with access for paddle boards and kayaks. This area is protected from the wind (it will be less choppy here than in the middle of the bay). If you decide to paddle up to mission bay or down towards Islais Creek you'll most likely face more currents and w...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Bouldering at Glen Canyon Park
5.0Want to get out of the climbing gym, and do some bouldering in the city? Head to Glen Canyon park! After you park the car, take a short hike on a shade-covered path to the boulders. This climbing spot has history dating back to the 1930s when people first started scaling these boulders. This is a...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Glen Canyon Park Trail
5.01.76 mi / 394 ft gainGlen Canyon Park Trail is a loop most commonly used for running or hiking in the southwestern side of San Francisco, California. Parking for the loop is street parking, so be sure to take any valuables out of the car with you. Note: There are restrooms available at the Glen Canyon Recreation Ce...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Lake Merced Loop
4.74.53 mi / 180 ft gainLake Merced Loop is a loop trail in the southwestern part of San Francisco. This trail is used for running and walking. You'll see plenty of people getting exercise or taking their dog for a stroll. There are also benches and tables around the loop. The lake itself is fresh water and is used for...Read more -
Santa Clara County, California
Black Mountain via Rhus Ridge Trail
9.75 mi / 2992 ft gainJust outside of Los Altos is a very long ridge of mountains, one of which is Black Mountain. This is a very dry hike, with no tree canopy, so it can get very hot! Be aware that this can make the hike feel a lot more difficult with the sun beating down on you. Follow Rhus Ridge Trail to Black Mo...Read more -
San Francisco, CaliforniaMount Davidson
4.51.03 mi / 299 ft gainMount Davidson Park is located in the southwestern part of the city nestled between Diamond Heights and Portola Dr. The climb isn't too difficult, but to reach the top of the 928ft summit, you should wear close-toed shoes and be ready for some loose gravel or mud if it's been raining. The hike is...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Park Day at Dolores Park
4.0If the sun is shining, and you’re in the mood for playing around with friends in one of SF’s many amazing parks, Dolores should be at the top of your list. With amazing views of downtown, huge tiered lawn areas, tennis courts, basketball courts, a brand new playground, and easy access to some of ...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Catch a Sunset at Twin Peaks
4.6Most locals have heard of Twin Peaks, so if you hop in an Uber or Taxi you should be just fine. If not or you are driving yourself, head for Twin Peaks Boulevard, then just follow it to the top. Voila!When you're there, be sure to catch a sunset, as it is absolutely breath-taking, If you are luck...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Take a Ride on the Seward Street Slides
4.2Tucked away in a small neighborhood park in Eureka Valley is a set of really fun, slippery, and surprisingly steep concrete slides. They were originally designed by a 14 year old kid over 30 years ago, and we all owe him a big hat tip. People use a variety of sliding materials (saucers, food tray...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Fort Funston Trail
4.71.81 mi / 253 ft gainFort Funston is an SF gem I discovered when looking for a dog friendly hike near the city. Located west of Lake Merced, you'll find a gorgeous Northern California beach oasis where you and your dog can run wild and free :). Parking is located at the top of the park where you'll descend a steep se...Read more
