Foster City boasts many different parks, all of which are well developed and maintained. In fact, it has more parks per capita than any other city in California. There are now 21 parks total with at least two more (Destination Park & Werder Park) on the way. Many are adjacent water (lagoon, canals, sloughs, SF Bay) which adds beauty and varied aquatic sports. Also see our parks pictures page and our best Parks Map.
They provide a wide variety of excellent facilities for tennis, baseball (e.g., six diamonds at Sea Cloud Park), soccer, basketball, picnics, dog exercising, swimming, bocce ball, golf and skateboarding. There is plenty of green grass and many miles of flat trails for hiking, biking and roller blading. Here’s a City Park Chart to help you determine exactly what facilities are in what park!
Here are some the parks we like best. See our Parks Map for locations and our Swimming Beaches page.
- Leo J Ryan Park (20.73 acres) – The main city park with a wide variety of activities and facilities including a large Recreation Center building, Band shell, and many special events. Surrounds Central Lake, the biggest water area in town also known as the Lagoon.
- San Francisco Bay Trail – It runs along the Bay from Redwood Shores near the San Carlos Airport, along the bay edge of Foster City, and along the bay shore to just south of San Francisco International Airport in Millbrae. Foster City’s portion is a highly improved multi-use trail that is great for hiking, biking and skating easily accessible via three parks (Destination Park, Werder Park, 3d Ave Kiteboarding Park).
- Sea Cloud Park (23.9 acres) – Here’s where you’ll find some of the nicest Little League baseball facilities in the SF Bay Area including 6 baseball diamonds & an enclosed batting practice area. It’s also a good place to start a bike ride along the Bay Trail.
- Marlin Park (3.13 acres) – A nice example of one of the smaller parks. Has a calm sandy beach for swimming. Gull Park and Erckenbrack Pack are similar.
- Port Royal Park (3.98 acres) – Another smaller park consisting mainly of a soccer field. It’s a good starting point for a walk south along the SF Bay Trail.
- Boothbay Park (11.21 acres) – Tennis, children’s park, picnicking, baseball.
- Dog Park / Boat Park (3.18 acres) – A fenced-in dog park, parking, and a boat ramp, all in Boat Park.
- Golf Course & Driving Range – A small 9-hole golf course with a big double-decker driving range.
Easter Egg Hunt in Leo Ryan Park, 2014
Near Foster City:
- Seal Point Dog Park & Park, San Mateo – Another nearby enclosed dog park (in San Mateo). It is much bigger but not as well maintained. The rest of the park includes a big hill and the Bay Trail.
- Parkside Aquatic Park, in Marina Lagoon/Oneal Slough/Seal Slough in San Mateo – Has a swimming beach, playground and boat launch ramp. This is the only place nearby where you can water ski and use power boats (check out the rules).
- Belmont Sports Complex, Belmont – Several excellent baseball diamonds right next to Foster City. You can reach by the SF Bay Trail or by the Marine Parkway off Hwy 101 (then north on Island Parkway).
Related Pages:
- Best Foster City Parks Map and Pictures. Also our best Swimming Beaches Map.
- City Park Chart – Shows exactly what facilities are available in what parks
- Regulations for Foster City Water Activities. Also information about safety of the water for swimming (the county health department checks it)
- Best Belmont Parks & Dog Walks – Excellent open space trails in nearby Belmont
- Top of page, Home page or website Index
