If you wanna watch the sun set or rise this is the place to be. It's a cool spot if you wanna surf but not to hard. If you just wanna float it's the perfect spot. read more

"The sage governs by emptying senses and filling bellies." Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu There are portions of Shoreline Park that is a fantastic place to zen out even with all the noise from the planes landing towards SFO. The Shoreline Park towards the Foster City side, has a bridge to observe wildlife refuge. This is where I spend most of my time especially, during the summer months to watch and observe wildlife. But more importantly, I sit there to zen, reflect, remain still and quiet; all awhile rejuvenating my sense of balance. I recommend coming here if you need to decompress and try to experience a moment of stillness. You might just discover another world of yourself that you didn't know existed. Cheers! read more

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I love coming here for workouts and taking in the views! There is more than one path here and are on various different levels which are nice and flat which are good for Bikes and Strollers. I particularly like the path along the top of the mud mound which is great for the more adventurous trainer (like me) as you can use the steps or just one of the dirt paths to add some intensity to those runs! And as it's by the coast and you get a breeze off of the water it also doesn't get too warm either. It's also a nice place to just come for a walk or cycle, which many people do, I cycle through here a lot myself going from Redwood Shores to Burlingame The trails have a few informational spots and metal sculptures plus you get a good view of the planes coming into SFO if that's what you're into. At the far end next to what I believe is Ryder Park there's a couple of Telescope things too and there is plenty of wildlife to spot. There is a children's play area here as well (Ryder Park, I believe) which looks great - Swings, Jungle Gym, Sand pit, Picnic area ect. It looks like a really nice place to come on a warm day. I have had to fight the urge to come here and go on swings mid workout though - It looks quite popular and is always people there and I wouldn't want to look like some nut case playing in a children's area! read more

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The view here is spectacular. So peaceful. You can walk, ride a bike or scooter, or just sit and enjoy the best of mother nature. The path seems never ending. And included in the scenery is a view to the long, long San Mateo bridge. read more

Shoreline Parks - Twenty minute drive bridge! - Parks Near Me - San Mateo, California

Free parking and great way to get 5 miles in! Bay area views of shoreline and dumbarton bridge. There's also a huge dog park and many parks along the trail for kids. Great place for bike riders, too. Along the trail there are also very clean restrooms with TP, seat covers & soap! Came here during the heat wave so it wasn't as cool but there was a slight breeze. Wear sunscreen and bring your own water (there are water fountains but they are scattered). Plenty of parking! read more

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To unwind after work, a mere excursion through San Mateo County's Shoreline Parks is effective. Visited on a Thursday after 5:30 pm, and I was thrilled that it wasn't crowded. Not sure how crowded it gets on the weekends. There is ample parking and free entrance for sensational San Francisco Bay views. Park gates close by 8:30 pm, so be sure to GTFO by then. The place amounts to two parts: Ryder Park and Seal Point Park. I only got the opportunity to tour Seal Point and it is already huge AF! I would have to dedicate a full day here to experience Shoreline Parks' entirety. There are plenty of benches and prominent lookout points for those moments when you just want to sit/stand still, to mull over why your thief of a coworker took a piece of Andes Chocolate Mint candy from your hidden container in the break room without asking for permission. During your stroll, you'll notice a few whimsical art pieces scattered around the park. Essentially, this park has an array of visual delights. If you're lucky, you might even spot a sea lion! There are hills and a long staircase that you may use for exercise. The park's Bay Trail is a long stretch of a trail that wanders through natural and restored habitats. You'll notice that the park is ideal for a variety of outdoor activities, such as moderate hiking, dog walking, biking, and running. The park is very accommodating to dogs, as there is a 3-acre off-leash dog park. In regards to the water, I noticed a few dudes fishing, and there was a crew kite boarding on the water. Man, next time, I am totally bringing my Nike frees and my imaginary Siberian husky. read more

Perfect for ankle-biters of all 3 persuasions. It's only 15 min. south on the 101, where we had a fantastic pic-a-nic! 1) KIDS The picnic/playground area is well-designed and impeccably maintained. There are plenty of picnic tables and grassy space for the wee ones. Plus, sightlines are such that you can let 'em off the leash to explore and develop their independence like we used to back in the day before the news had parents all FREAKED about cannibalistic hobos and whatnot. As a long-time early childhood educator, I can honestly say to parents that micro-manage their kids' days from playdate-to-planned activity, "You are plain f*cking up." Did you know there is such a thing as "NATURE DEFICIT DISORDER?" Keep on with the Palm Pilot and they'll be drugged and sullen on a therapist's couch by age 12. Get 'em out here and set 'em loose on that big hill to discover their own confidence. Mother nature is an awesome parent - and she takes no crap. 2) DOGS Separate dogparks for large and small. There's plenty of room to run and plastic bag dispensers are plentiful. Each entrance has a thoughtful double gate for un/leashing. The rows of six fire hydrants at the western end of each was way more inviting than the restrooms at Supperclub, though not as rancidly social. 3) WILD ANIMALS! The large hill is full of red-winged blackbirds, territorially active and beautiful. Tons of bugs and beautiful wildflowers. Our friends' way-cool Cocker Spaniel, Buddy, even found me a new friend: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/l8Imzh9bdBEG47Dp-jjGVg?select=UQEjBUdnUXy4tpJEngsP2g I was a like a kid again, and it kicked ass! read more

Shoreline Parks - California Nightsnake found along the walkway. Beautiful irredescent skin on the belly. - Parks Near Me - San Mateo, California

Shoreline Park is one of San Mateo's newest parks - comprised of two parts - Ryder Park and Seal Point Park - It offers an abundance of open space and scenic views of the San Francisco Bay. It's kind of bare in terms of trees/shade and kind of reminds me of Cesar Chavez Park in Berkeley. I've been here twice and each time with different wives. And I really hope that this is the end of that pattern! In any event, it's a great place to walk around, look at the views, watch the planes come into SFO, and maybe enjoy a picnic meal. There's also some interesting art structures sprinkled around, a few of which accent the windy surroundings. read more

This brand-spanking-new string of bayside parks in San Mateo, just off the 3rd street exit from 101 along J. Hart Clinton Drive, is a beautiful new addition to the outdoor recreation scene on the peninsula. Shoreline Parks includes Seal Point Park, Ryder Park, and the Shoreline Dog Park. Ryder Park includes a fantastic playground with soft surfaces and wonderful climbing and playground equipment, and a walk-in water fountain for the little ones (and even the big ones) to walk through with unpredictable splash patterns. We came on a hot day to find dozens of kiddies of all sizes, shapes, and colors frolicking in the water. The park also sports a unique picnic shelter with nice outdoor grills, and a very cool foot suspension bridge over a creek. There's also an awesome tide-driven shellmound fountain. The connected Seal Point Park includes a huge hill with outstanding views of the city and Mt. Tam beyond, the east bay and Mt. Diablo, and the San Mateo bridge, as well as the peninsula hills and greenspaces in the distance. The park features lots of places to jog, stop and rest, or rig and ride your windsurfer or kiteboards. The huge dog park features a handsome shelter, but could do with more grassy areas rather than decomposed granite. There's plenty of parking, and just beyond the park, over the Foster City line, is a kiteboarding beach where we saw literally a hundred or more windsurfers and kiteboarders taking advantage of hot weather and stiff breezes, to our visual delight. read more

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This review is only about Ryder Park. Ryder Park is awesome for tots. It's new, it's clean, and it's well designed. Sand pit. Check. Bucket toddler swings. Check. Small kid jungle gym. Check. Geodesic dome with rope climbing. Check. Recycled rubber surface. Check. Green grassy knoll. Check. Shaded picnic bench area. Check. Water fountain play area. Check. View of airplanes landing at SFO. Check. Spin seats and other kidlet structures. Check. This playground is small, but in the morning between 9-11 it was not crowded at all; it was around 11:15-11:30 pm that families started to pour in. Your best bet is morning or late afternoon around 5:15 pm. Note: the water fountain works only 11-5! Bring extra clothes and plenty of towels for the fountain area! The bad things about this park is that when it's busy, the very small parking lot is full and you have to drive to adjacent Seal Point Park to find parking (meaning you have to haul your kid and gear on foot). I sorely wish this park existed closer to home base. read more

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Bring a dog, kids, and binoculars. For dogs, the park features long-distance ball-chasing. For kids, there's a playground with water sprays. And the binoculars can help you spot landing planes from around the world. (In just a few minutes, my nephews spotted KLM, Emirates, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Air New Zealand...). My favorite spot: the wind pipe sculpture. Press your ear against it for a beautiful and occasionally hypnotic symphony. The only downside is low tide, when the trail smells like dead fish. read more

Shoreline Parks - Parks Near Me - San Mateo, California

Shoreline hiking options are shrinking in San Mateo. The pump houses are being replaced near Coyote Point and now the levee projects along 3rd and Foster City are beginning (soon?). Large sections are closed to hiking even though I don't see any work being done. Today I went walking around Mariner's Point Golf & Practice Center, just south of Seal Point. There was very few other people there despite it being a sunny day. I went hiking out in the marsh area and it was very peaceful with a feeling of being distant from the regular energy of city activity. read more

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Free parking and no entrance fees. Great place for kids to bike, run, and play in the playground. It has a great view of the bay, SFO, bridges on both ends of the bay. Definitely a place to hang out , or workout, or spending family time, or even fly a kite. read more

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Great place to hike, walk around next to the water, there's wonderful views and best of all it's free!!! An awesome place to come and relax and get away from the stress of the daily grind. read more

Incredibly easy parking and quiet shoreline. The shoreline goes on for quite a while with a wonder path for runners and bikers as well as a path along the shore. It is not so much a beach spot but more of a walk along the sea shells type of adventure. read more

Shoreline Parks - Seashells, Shoreline, Seagulls and Sunsets. - Parks Near Me - San Mateo, California

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Super Duper, GREAT, Awesome, *Fantasmic*... place for a run!! Why? Because it's pretty freakin' FLAT! Also, the trail goes pretty far! If you're up to it, you can probably run the entire Peninsula overlooking the Bay! Okay, don't trust me on that, because I haven't actually done it. I could be wrong, but there's a chance I could be right. *whoopsies* However, I know for sure, you can at least run from Redwood City on up to Millbrae...probably even Oyster Point! Okay, again, I've never actually ran this far, but I have eaten at restaurants in each of these towns where I can see the trail by the water! Ummmkay! The truth is, I just started running again -- after a 3 year break -- and this is the PERFECT place to do it! Even though I do loads of cardio at the gym, nothing is as hard as running! Argh! So, this is a great place to recondition your body to run and/or to start out without totally killing yourself. I did jog/walk from Foster City to Burlingame and back. I did tackle the tiny little dirt hill in San Mateo. I do love seeing all the dogs jogging along the trail next to me. What I liked and didn't like is ...where the hell are all the people??? I was getting a little spooked that there was hardly anyone on the trail on a beautiful weekend. I love that it's a relatively clear path and not crowded, but at the same time it makes me a little paranoid. Yeah, I'm running with the bear spray. Either way, it's a great place for a walk/run/jog, and one of the few flat areas you'll find in the Bay Area [that's not a city street] to do it! read more

This is the perfect place to exercise. There's stairs, hills, a long flat trail and it's not too hot because it's next to the water. When I used to "train" for the Nike Women's (half) Marathon, I used to come here to run up and down the hill (from the parking lot near the dog park) and the stairs (that lead to the windsurf and kayak ramp) and on the trail around the high plateau. If you want a longer, flatter place to run, walk or jog, follow the trail along the water. The north trail will go to Coyote Point whereas the south one that goes toward the San Mateo Bridge will go to Foster City. The new Ryder Park has come a long way from its predecessor. I used to come here with my Girl Scout troop to help clean up the bayfront and creek for California Coastal Cleanup Day. http://www.coastal.ca.gov/publiced/ccd/ccd.html Ryder Park is now the place to go on warm summer days because of its key attraction, the water rocket that sprays spouts of water through a hose. read more

Great place for running and walking, especially for the newb like me (What? So I have an office job. Running is scary, scary stuff). Flat (yay!) but apparently if you run over by the marina, there is a trail going up for some hill work (too scared to try that yet). Parking is really ample as well. I haven't seen much in the way of crowds yet, so while you're huffing and puffing along (like me), there isn't that many people around so you won't feel that embarrassed. read more

Great area to run, walk or cycle- it's part of the Bay Trail. Adjacent to Ryder Park, it's also got a pretty big dog park (with areas for bigger dogs and smaller dogs), a decent hill with stairs running up the bay side of it, cool metal installations scattered about, a place at the top of the hill to hear the airport traffic coming in, and restroom facilities. I've seen tons of kite-surfers, some wind-surfers, and a few people on waverunners. Some placards are around where you can read about the local flora & fauna, the history of the area, and the airplane traffic patterns (since SFO is so close by). It helps me appreciate the area and nature. :) If I have one complaint, it's only that on hot, sunny days, there is no tree cover or shade. I guess I'll just go to Sawyer Camp Trail on those kinds of days. :) read more

To review the DOG PARK go here http://www.yelp.com/biz/lXLEydphs2IWsUPHFvO_rA I find this park is a perfect example of what reclaimed landfills can become! read more

One of my favorite parks to come to. Sometimes I need to get away from the northern Peninsula fog and this is where I go. We park the car over by the dog park (totally awesome fenced off area where dogs can roam off leash - two sections available: big dog and small dog). I load up the buddy in the jogging stroller and we go south along the water. The buddy tells me about all the planes landing and taking off as I get a nice long walk in. When we're feeling super energetic we walk all the way to the San Mateo Bridge. Then we turn around and walk to Ryder Park. The buddy loves Ryder Park. I love the rubberized surface the play area is on, totally great for newly, mobile toddlers. The play structures are in good shape, the sand box fairly clean, and the rope climbing structure is cool. The picnic area is really nice too and is partially shaded (for those of you who do not like eating under the hot sun). Our only complaints are there aren't enough swings and the water play area has been closed off for maintenance the last couple of hot weekends. UPDATE - the water play area has reopened!!! Lots of water squirting out intermittently for hours of hot, summer fun!!! read more

Dog Park + beautiful walk/run + park with water spouts + ice cream man that comes hourly. Win! read more

jog walk jog walk ooooo scenery! this place is awesome on a beautiful day! if you don't care for the planes towering above miles away then more ups to you! i think that this place does have to be one of the best parks that i have ever been to around the area. well for one its close to the water. i mean seriously who doesn't like joggin by the water at like 3 in the afternoon? and then there are the doggies running around at the little dog park which is right next to the park too! the best part is running up the stairs to the top of the hill and taking in the panoramic view of the entire bay. its breathtaking metaphorically and physically speaking. beautful walk. beautiful run. beautiful park. read more

This stretch of park is HUUUUGE. You can practically have a full day here and not get to enjoy all that It offers (well maybe but if you do, I applaud you and want to get a trophy made just for you and all that hard work!!) The park/playground - very nice park with large open area to play ball with the kids. Includes a water feature to cool down in during those hot days. Very nicely laid out. My son loves the spider web looking jungle gym (very cute, I have not seen one like this elsewhere in the area). Parking for the park area is somewhat small but usu has at least a couple spots open (weekdays, during school hours...however there are larger more accommodating parking areas closer to the hiking trail area.) Trail - so nice. Bonus is that it has multiple types of walking/running/riding trails... fitting the needs of all levels of physical fitness (now if they just supplied a pusher for me so that he/she could roll me around, that would be awesome!) For ex, there is a trail that goes around the base of a good sized hill, and another that scales the hill for those looking for a good heart pumper. The views all along are beautiful as you can see the waters and enjoy the breezes. Also great for catching sunsets!! Tres magnificent! Picnic area- it can accomodate quite a few families and is available for reservation. There is a large sloping structure that can provide a nice shade but it cant beat shade from a tree. ;) Across the way is the dog park and what I have recently learned is an outdoor classroom, as well as kayak/windsurfing ramp to get some water activities on. All around you can enjoy the beauty of the shoreline... since its remodel many years ago, this place has skyrocketed into one of "the spots" to do anything your heart desires when in the san mateo area. read more

I absolutely am in love with this park. It has a lovely view, a long road for running/walking or biking. I think it's almost perfect. The only bad thing is in the mornings when I go workout some days smells really, but I mean really bad. It must be the smell of the bay? Has anyone else notice it? Then again I do go work out at 6 am, and run up and down the hill, and steps (ooh how I hate those steps and hill sometimes!). I like how on some mornings when I go (and when it doesn't smell horrible) the smell of the ocean (bay), working out to the sun rising. read more

I live about 37.8 feet from this place so it has become my default destination for all my running and dog-walking needs. The architecture is contiguous throughout and there's plenty of restrooms for the types who can't just go in public, and poo-bag dispensers for those who can. A fairly spacious grilling area graces the front of the park, but people often leave their garbage there. A great view of the Bay with a good assortment of flora and fauna is present, as well as the occasional snake (I haven't encountered and poisonous species). The "big dogs" park has plenty of sprinting room and I have yet to see it overcrowded, but the comeplete lack of grass is somewhat disheartening. A plus for the doggie drinking fountain. There's a nifty little playground but I haven't played in it yet. Eventually I will... when no one's looking. Oh. A lot the indiginious speedo-clad-ameture-cyclists-with-some-severely-high-riding-shorts. I'm trying to study their feeding habits. A solid park over all. Nothing innovative, but solid. read more

Rain or shine the stretch of Shoreline Parks is a treat, this is not like any other park that for a runner, cycler and even a walker where you'd find yourself going round and round a track or mini lake getting bored after 20 minutes. The trails go for a good distance and you are right alongside the Bay so there's lots to keep your eyes occupied. I was surprised at how quiet it was even though the planes are continuously flying overhead. The trails are clean and the people are very friendly. There's flat paved pathways as well as sanded paths and a hillside over on Seal Point if you want a challenge for an incline or to run up and down steps for a warm up. If you have a pup, there's a great dog park that's right off of Seal Point too. Not as packed as other parks seem to be with cyclists so it's fun for everyone. read more

Came here to a bike ride and stop to enjoy the view and also see some action at the dog park. got it "action" ? We have not been to the top of the hill but you can drive there if you decided not to bike or walk up. I believe parking is free at the dog park and there is a clean restroom. A playground for children, very good and clean place with smooth trail. What more can you ask for? read more

Shoreline Parks - Parks Near Me - San Mateo, California

I hadn't been to this side of 3rd Ave in many years, I decided to go for a bike ride. I thought the parking lot I used to park at was expanded and made more user friendly, I later found out, Shoreline Park (Seal Point Park) is a new location, the old parking lot still existed about a half mile further down. Anyways, I was overly impressed with Seal Point Park, the adjacent dog park, and the Ryder Park. Many parking spaces, free, restrooms, and a VIEW! I rode from this park up to Coyote Point, checked out the airplanes land/take-off from SFO. I then rode the other way, back to this park and further down to Foster City. Before hitting FC, I see that there's a bunch of kite-surfers, I watched for a while, it was cool. Continuing on the Bayland Trail, going under San Mateo Bridge, and into FC. Going was easy, headwind returning made is slow going. I rode a round trip of 17miles, but I could have probably kept going, but I stopped when I hit the Sea Cloud Park in FC. read more

Lovely parks, all of them Ryder is great for kids and doggies Great place for jogging, biking and walking read more

I love these parks.. this makes me glad to live around here. They got alot of spots that you can workout, bring kids, or just simply walk the distance. Great Places!!!! read more

It is really nice place for distance run, I did a loop and it is about 8 miles. The scenic jog route will be a reason you want to come back again and again. five thumb up. read more

Awesome place to hang out and take a walk! Beautiful broken shells make up the "sand". Check this place out if you are ever around the area. read more

Maybe I came during an off time. Sunday around 5pm. It was easy to get to and plenty of parking but no one was around. We started down the path along the bay but as soon as we got near the water treatment plan, it smelled terrible. Not very impressed but will give it another shot sometime later. Saw a sealion, that was cool. read more

I come here with my dog for the dog park than I can also go walking. the wind never stops here so it's nice place to come to get cool off on warm day. read more

This is the best park! There are many different walking paths...great to walk the doggies. You can walk along the bay's edge and see the San Mateo Bridge and on a clear day and you can see the Bay Bridge and even Twin Peaks off to the left. I love lookin out over the water being able to see most of eastbay. There is the "mountain" which is great for a little steep workout... you can either use the dirt trails up either side or the "stairs", which I see everyone doing their workouts. The best thing about this park is that it is very open, not too many trees, cuz its all about the views, from the trails to the "mountain" to all the paths. There is also a huge dog park, one for little dogs and one for big dogs. The children's park is also pretty nice and they even turn on the water play area on hot days. read more

Note: this review is only for Ryder Park. I've been here quite a few times over the last couple of months and I have to say I like it. There's lots of stuff for the kiddies to do, at pretty much any age. I haven't been here yet when the big water fountain is on but it sounds awesome. As others have mentioned, the parking lot is super tiny... and if you double park even only for a few minutes, those who take it upon themselves to be meter maids will call and report your car. read more

My favorite park in my area. Ryder Park is great for kids. It's very clean and spacious. Walkers, Runners, Bikers, Picnickers, Kids and all, you will enjoy this park! read more

Went to Ryder Park with my 3-yearl old daughter. I mainly choose to check out this park because I read about the water feature...it was one of those warm afternoons and I assumed this would be a fun place to end the day. I was rather disappointed...the playground is much smaller than expected. Tons of kids; the water feature is disappointing, and the parking lot next to the playground is too small to accomodate more than approx. 20 cars. The park is right next to the ocean, so it was incredibly windy too! My daughter ended up having a good time in the sandbox and she did enjoy the playground. I would say it's an ok playground if you live close by. But I would not suggest driving here thinking it's an amazing playground! Beresford Park and the playground at Coyote Point are much more fun! Another thing I personally dislake is having dogs around on the playground. I just don't like my daughter around dog pee and poop, and I fear that dogs can bite/jump on the kids.... read more