Top 10 Things to See and Do in Foster City, California
An insider’s guide to Foster City’s best parks, lagoons, dining, and outdoor fun on the San Francisco Peninsula.
Located on the San Francisco Peninsula, Foster City is a carefully planned community famous for its serene lagoons, expansive green spaces, and rich array of family-friendly attractions. While it may lack a classic downtown, Foster City delivers hidden charm and a lively spirit through its parks, waterfront recreation, and inviting local businesses. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Bay Area local seeking new adventures, Foster City offers a variety of unforgettable experiences year-round.
1. Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park: Foster City’s Recreation Heart
Leo J. Ryan Park is the social and recreational epicenter of Foster City, stretching along the edge of the city’s central, man-made lagoon. The park is named for Congressman Leo J. Ryan, honored with a tranquil setting that hosts:
- An amphitheatre for live music, cultural events, and the beloved Foster City Summer Concerts.
- Charming gazebos and picnic spaces, perfect for families and gatherings.
- A boathouse offering paddle boating and kayak rentals for exploring the lake’s clear blue waters.
- Broad, scenic walkways and boardwalks lined with lush landscaping and peaceful views.
Relax beneath the trees, take a stroll along the waterfront, or enjoy a community festival—Leo J. Ryan Park is where Foster City comes together.
2. Cruise the Lagoons by Kayak or Paddleboard
The city’s design features an extensive 218-acre lagoon system—a gleaming network of canals, inlets, and lakes constructed to drain the lowlands and provide unique urban water recreation. Visitors can:
- Rent a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or small electric boat from local outfitters, including the friendly California Windsurfing shed on the lakeshore.
- Meander through tranquil waterways, passing by residential docks, flower-filled gardens, and playful waterside scenery.
- Watch for wildlife and enjoy the peaceful hum of city life from the gently rocking surface of the water.
The lagoons are strictly reserved for electric, wind, or muscle-powered watercraft, preserving the serene environment and offering an ideal location for novice and experienced paddlers alike.
3. Experience Parks and Playgrounds Galore
Outdoor enthusiasts and families flock to Foster City’s exceptional 24 parks, which collectively span more than 200 acres. These urban oases are connected by walking and biking trails and include:
- Erkenbrack Park – A hidden gem with a playground, sandy picnic area, and views ideal for a quiet day out.
- Boothbay Park – Known for spacious lawns, sports fields, and shaded rest spots.
- Catamaran Park – Provides waterfront access and kayaking launches, plus a beachy atmosphere.
- Brewer Island Park – Features sports facilities, quiet picnic nooks, and a welcoming ambience near Foster City Elementary.
Every neighborhood is close to a park in Foster City, making outdoor adventure and family recreation part of daily life.
4. Mariners Point Golf Center: Hit the Greens by the Bay
Active travelers will love Mariners Point Golf Center, a 9-hole course and driving range offering:
- Scenic golf with views across the waterfront and
- Practice areas designed for all skill levels, including a modern driving range.
- A relaxed, approachable atmosphere, whether you’re a new player or a lifelong golfer.
The fresh air and panoramic vistas make Mariners Point a standout destination for sports and leisure in Foster City.
5. Windsurfing, Kite-Surfing, and Water Sports
Mariners Point and the Foster City lagoons are renowned among Bay Area water sports lovers. The city’s location on the inner San Francisco Bay makes it ideal for wind-powered activities, with a dedicated spot for:
- Windsurfing
- Kite-surfing
- Dragon boating and outrigger canoeing
The local clubs, including the Bay Area Dragons and Ho’okahi Pu’uwai, call these waters home and welcome both beginners and experienced racers. Seasonal events and casual lessons are often available for those wanting to try something new.
6. The Vibe: Foster City’s Teen Activities Center
A highlight for youths and families, The Vibe is Foster City’s newly built, state-of-the-art Teen Activities Center. This $4 million facility offers:
- Recreation lounge with TVs, computers, and video games
- Art and homework rooms for creativity and study
- Full kitchen space for learning and events
- Outdoor basketball and a concrete skatepark
The Vibe provides a safe, engaging environment for local teens, adding vibrancy to the city’s family-friendly culture.
7. Werder Pier: Maritime History and Fishing Legacy
On the city’s Bay edge stands Werder Pier, one of California’s oldest and longest piers and a remnant of the original San Mateo–Hayward Bridge. Though no longer open for fishing due to needed repairs, the pier remains a landmark:
- Walk along the trailhead near the pier for striking views of the Bay and historic traces of past infrastructure.
- Capture photos where the city meets the water and experience a quieter, reflective side of Foster City.
Even as the pier awaits restoration, its presence is a reminder of Foster City’s blend of innovation and history along the Peninsula coast.
8. Eichler Homes and Modernist Architectural Strolls
Foster City channels mid-century California cool with over 200 iconic Eichler homes—distinctive, low-slung modernist residences by famed architect Joseph Eichler.
- Stroll neighborhoods such as Shell Boulevard and admire the blend of contemporary style and tranquil suburban living.
- Notice the open layouts, atriums, and glass-walled living spaces that have made Eichler homes so beloved among design fans.
- The contrast of modern homes with waterfront and park settings offers an architectural treat for detail-oriented visitors.
9. Dine Waterfront: Local Eats with a View
After a day of outdoor fun, Foster City invites you to dine at its lakeside and waterfront restaurants. Highlights include:
- Waterfront Pizza – Mediterranean-inspired menu, friendly staff, and a patio with views of the central lagoon. Despite its simple exterior, the food and relaxed setting have become a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
- Bridgepointe Shopping Center – Offers a variety of casual dining options and easy parking for families on the go.
- Numerous cafes and casual spots dot the city’s business parks, making it easy to sample global flavors or grab a quick bite between adventures.
Enjoy a meal outdoors, soaking up Foster City’s signature peaceful ambiance beside rippling blue water.
10. Art, Culture, and Community Events
Foster City may be modern and master-planned, but it brims with community energy through art installations, seasonal festivals, and local gatherings. Don’t miss:
- The robust summer concert series at Leo J. Ryan Park’s amphitheatre
- Farmers’ markets, cultural fairs, and family holiday celebrations
- Community-run Foster City TV with programs highlighting local life and city government
The city celebrates its diversity, encouraging visitors to join in and feel at home among its welcoming residents and unique traditions.
A Brief History: Brewer Island to Modern Day Foster City
Before becoming Foster City, the area was known as Brewer Island, a marshland supporting little more than cattle and hayfields. In the late 1950s, visionary developer Jack Foster led an ambitious project to transform 2,600 acres of tidal flats into a “new world Venice”. Barges hauled millions of cubic yards of sand to create the current landscape of homes, parks, and waterways. By 1970, the master-planned city was home to 10,000 people—an achievement that reflected California’s spirit of reinvention.
Residents, Pop Culture, and Fun Facts
- Peter Thiel, PayPal co-founder, grew up in Foster City.
- Famous baseball players Kevin Mitchell and Jeff Kent lived here while playing for the San Francisco Giants.
- The 1979 movie Over the Edge was inspired by real events in Foster City, chronicled in the article “Mousepacks: Kids on a Crime Spree.”
- Foster City has been consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the U.S., with extremely low crime rates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Foster City family-friendly?
A: Absolutely. With its extensive network of parks, the lagoon, family events, and excellent schools, Foster City is tailored to families seeking safe, outdoor-oriented living and recreation.
Q: What’s the best way to enjoy the lagoons?
A: Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or small electric boat from the waterfront rental sheds, and cruise the lagoons for a peaceful way to experience Foster City’s unique water-based landscape.
Q: Are there good restaurants in Foster City?
A: Yes! While the city may not have a classic downtown dining district, options like Waterfront Pizza and various international fare at Bridgepointe Shopping Center offer excellent food with beautiful water and park views.
Q: What public transportation and access options are available?
A: Foster City is conveniently accessed via Highway 101, near the San Mateo Bridge. Bicycling is popular along lagoon trails, and SamTrans buses connect to neighboring cities and regional rail.
Plan Your Foster City Adventure
From tranquil waterside parks to high-energy sports and cultural festivities, Foster City rewards exploration with surprises at every turn. Its planned scenery, diverse recreation, and welcoming neighborhoods create a memorable Northern California experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
