01
Best close-to-home waterfront walk
San Francisco Bay Trail – Foster City Levee
Foster City Waterfront • Flat Bayside Path With Big Views • Everyday Local Favorite
A breezy, paved shoreline route that circles Foster City with nonstop Bay and bridge views.
If you want a hike you can squeeze in before dinner, this is the go-to option. The levee path links parks, pocket beaches, and kite-surfing spots, so you can make anything from a quick mile to a longer loop along the water. It is exposed but scenic, with constant views and plenty of benches to take a break when the wind picks up.
02
Best for families and casual walkers
Coyote Point Recreation Area
San Mateo Shoreline • Bayfront Park With Short Hill Walks • Best For Families
A compact network of waterfront and hillside paths paired with lawns, a beach, and playgrounds.
Coyote Point is ideal when your group includes both hikers and non-hikers. You can stroll the paved waterfront trail, climb the bluff for big Bay and airport views, then regroup at picnic tables or the playground below. It is not a wilderness hike, but the mix of shoreline, eucalyptus groves, and amenities makes it an easy crowd-pleaser.
03
Best long, scenic out-and-back
Sawyer Camp Trail
Crystal Springs Reservoir Corridor • Paved Lakeside Multi-Use Trail • Best For Long Mileage
A gently rolling path along Crystal Springs Reservoir that’s perfect for steady, scenic mileage.
Just west of Foster City, this classic Peninsula route follows the shoreline of the reservoir under oaks and open hills. The pavement makes it accessible for strollers and casual walkers, yet the distance lets runners and hikers log serious miles without worrying about route-finding. Arrive early on weekends, as it is popular and parking fills quickly.
04
Best wildflower hillside hike
Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve
Redwood City Foothills • Rolling Oak And Grassland Preserve • Best Spring Wildflowers
A network of dirt trails climbing through oak woodland to open ridges known for standout spring blooms.
Edgewood feels surprisingly wild given how close it is to the freeway. Loop trails weave through shaded canyons and up to grassy clearings with views toward the Bay, and in spring the wildflower displays can be among the best on the Peninsula. Expect moderate climbs, narrow singletrack, and a more natural, park-preserve vibe than the paved Bayfront walks.
05
Best dog-friendly forest ramble
Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve
San Carlos Hills • Wooded Canyon And Ridge Loops • Best Off-Leash Dog Outing
Shaded, rolling trails lead through quiet woods, with a central off-leash area that’s a hit with local dog owners.
Pulgas Ridge offers a cooler, more forested alternative to the open Bayfront paths. You can link several moderate loops through oak and bay laurel to get a satisfying workout without a huge time commitment. The designated off-leash zone in the middle of the preserve makes it especially appealing if you are hiking with a dog that likes to roam.