Coyote Point Recreation Area, San Mateo Travel Guide

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Discover bayside fun at Coyote Point Recreation Area: hiking, wildlife, history, and stunning views await in San Mateo!

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Coyote Point Recreation Area

Coyote Point Recreation Area, located on the San Francisco Bay, offers a diverse range of recreational activities and stunning views. From picnicking and windsurfing to exploring the Magic Mountain Playground and CuriOdyssey, this 670-acre park provides something for everyone. With a rich history spanning from pre-colonial times to its days as an amusement park and a Merchant Marine training facility, Coyote Point is a treasure trove of natural beauty and historical significance.

A brief summary to Coyote Point Recreation Area

1701 Coyote Point Dr, San Mateo, Shoreview, California, 94401, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Coyote Point Recreation Area.

Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure parking and prime picnic spots.
Bring layers, as the weather can change quickly, with fog and wind common.
Visit CuriOdyssey for interactive science exhibits and a glimpse of local wildlife.
Take a walk along the beach promenade for scenic views of the bay and the San Francisco skyline.
Check the park's event calendar for festivals and special activities.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Coyote Point Beach

San Mateo County History Museum

Magic Mountain Playground

Safari Run, San Mateo

Laurie Meadows Park

Explore Coyote Point Recreation Area on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Coyote Point Recreation Area, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Highway 101, take the Peninsula Avenue exit (417B). Head east on Peninsula Avenue, which becomes Coyote Point Drive. Follow Coyote Point Drive for about 1.1 miles to the park entrance. The vehicle entry fee is $6. Credit cards and cash are accepted at the electronic pay station. Parking is available throughout the park.
Public Transport

Take Caltrain to the Burlingame station. From there, it's approximately a 29-minute walk to Coyote Point Recreation Area. Alternatively, from San Francisco, take the SamTrans 292 bus to the Peninsula Ave & N Claremont St stop. From there, it is a short walk to the park. SamTrans bus fare is between $1 and $5. Check the SamTrans or Caltrain website for the most up-to-date schedules and fare information.
Ride Share

From downtown San Mateo, a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft to Coyote Point Recreation Area will cost approximately $15-25, depending on traffic and demand. The drop-off location is typically near the park entrance at 1701 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo, CA 94401. Note that there is still a $6 entry fee per car.

Discover more about Coyote Point Recreation Area

Coyote Point Recreation Area is a 670-acre park in San Mateo County, California, offering a wide array of activities and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. Situated south of the San Francisco International Airport, the park's distinctive eucalyptus-covered point is easily recognizable from the air.The park boasts a rich history, having served as an island for the Ohlone Indians, a freight and lumber loading pier in 1868, and even the site of the Pacific City Amusement Park in the 1920s. During World War II, it was a Merchant Marine training facility, and later, the campus for the College of San Mateo. The county acquired the park lands in 1962, transforming it into the recreational haven it is today.Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including picnicking, swimming, windsurfing, bicycling, and jogging. Families will love the Magic Mountain Playground and CuriOdyssey, a hands-on science museum and native animal zoo. Stroll along the beach promenade, explore the saltwater marsh, or visit the marina to see colorful boats and windsurfers. The park also features hiking trails, a shooting range, and reservable picnic areas.Coyote Point's natural features are equally captivating. Once an island connected to the mainland by a marsh, the park now features a knoll with eucalyptus and Monterey cypress trees, offering panoramic views. It's also a prime location for birdwatching, with diverse species inhabiting the area.