Attractions and Places To See around Foster City - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Foster City include a variety of natural and recreational opportunities within this master-planned community on the San Francisco Peninsula. The city is characterized by its extensive lagoon system and numerous parks, offering diverse outdoor activities. Foster City's urban planning transformed marshland into a waterfront community with an advanced drainage system. This area provides a blend of natural beauty and developed recreational spaces.
Best attractions and places to see around Foster City
- The most popular attractions is Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir, a lake that features the 15-mile Crystal Springs Regional Trail. This trail is a mostly paved bike path routed along three lakes and through riparian woodlands.
- Another must-see spot is Pulgas Water Temple, a man-made monument. This monument was built to commemorate the Hetch Hetchy Project, which brought water from Yosemite National Park to the Bay Area, and features a design with fluted columns and Corinthian capitals.
- Visitors also love Hayward Regional Shoreline, a trail that encompasses 1,811 acres of salt, fresh, and brackish water marshes, as well as seasonal wetlands. It features five miles of public gravel trails along the waterfront, offering views of the marshes and remnants of historical landing sites.
- Foster City is known for its natural features like lagoons and trails, as well as cultural sites and landmarks. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, from expansive parks to historical monuments.
- The attractions around Foster City are appreciated by the komoot community, with 7 highlights receiving 66 upvotes and featuring 6 photos.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Speed limit: 15 mph, difficult for high-end road bikes to stay below, so bring a bell: some hikers stand and talk in the center of the trail ;-)
San Andreas segment: From Skyline Boulevard south of San Bruno Avenue the trail drops to the head of San Andreas Lake, with pretty views across to the west of the wilderness slope of Montara Mountain. It rides along the lake 2 miles to an access point near Larkspur and 0.6 miles to another (at Hillcrest) where it connects to the Sawyer Camp segment.
Sawyer Camp segment: This is a gorgeous, easy bike ride, where you drop 400 feet over the span of 6 miles to Crystal Springs Dam. The route descends into riparian woodlands for 2.5 miles to Jepson Laurel picnic grounds, then runs along Crystal Springs Reservoir for 5.2 miles. You can continue another 1.7 miles to Cañada Road for Bicycle Sunday (no cars).
Cañada Road/Crystal Springs segment: South along Upper Crystal Springs Reservoir for 2.1 miles to the Pulgas Water Temple. It continues another 2.1 miles past Filoli Botanical Center and Phleger Estate to Edgewood Road
sfgate.com/outdoors/sundaydrive/article/Crystal-Springs-Trail-links-lakes-woodlands-4723374.php
parks.smcgov.org/crystal-springs-regional-trail
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Pulgas Water Temple
Highlight • Monument
On October 28, 1934, the roar of Hetch Hetchy mountain water greeted everyone gathered at Pulgas Water Temple to celebrate its arrival. With vivid memories of the fire that had raged after the Great Earthquake of 1906, the city rejoiced in its new secure, plentiful supply of high quality drinking water. The frieze above the columns expresses the city’s relief: “I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people.”
Pulgas Water Temple was designed in the Beaux Arts style by William Merchant, a San Francisco architect trained by Bernard Maybeck. Merchant’s design featured fluted columns and Corinthian capitals to reflect the architecture of ancient Greeks and Romans, whose engineering methods were used to build the new water system. Artist and master stone carver Albert Bernasconi brought Merchant’s drawings to life.
Pulgas Water Temple is located about one-half mile south of the Cañada Road trailhead.
Open free to bikers & pedestrians every day, car parking opens only M-F 9-4
sfwater.org/index.aspx?page=93
Biketrail with more highlights and annotated photos at komoot.com/tour/11413421
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Hayward Regional Shoreline
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Eden Landing Ecological Preserve
Highlight • Natural
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Oracle Lagoon
Highlight • Lake
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Tips from the Community
A fun, pretty place to stop while riding Cañada road. I has water and an air pump and bathrooms. Take a photo with friends.
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This small lagoon offers an excellent photo opportunity for visitors and photographers alike. Its calm, crystal-clear waters create a stunning mirror-like reflection of the iconic Oracle Buildings that surround it. The tranquil setting, combined with the striking architecture, makes it an ideal spot to capture breathtaking images, especially during sunrise and sunset.
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This small lagoon offers an excellent photo opportunity for visitors and photographers alike. Its calm, crystal-clear waters create a stunning mirror-like reflection of the iconic Oracle Buildings that surround it. The tranquil setting, combined with the striking architecture, makes it an ideal spot to capture breathtaking images, especially during sunrise and sunset.
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You're not hallucinating: This monument was deliberately built in the style of ancient Greek and Roman architecture, to commemorate the Great Depression-era Hetchy Hetchy Project that brought water down from the mountains to the Bay Area. The frieze says, “I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people.”
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On the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, Eden Landing Ecological Preserve spans about 5,040 acres in size. It was formerly an industrial salt pond from Oliver Salt Company, and the remains can still be found today. Ongoing restoration efforts have rehabilitated over 1,000 acres of marshland as bird habitat. In April of 2016, new trails and a kayak launch were opened to the public.
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Long gravel stretch was no issue for my hybrid commuter on a dry day. Nice and quiet, it's a lightly populated trail.
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This small lagoon offers an excellent photo opportunity for visitors and photographers alike. Its calm, crystal-clear waters create a stunning mirror-like reflection of the iconic Oracle Buildings that surround it. The tranquil setting, combined with the striking architecture, makes it an ideal spot to capture breathtaking images, especially during sunrise and sunset.
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The Crystal Springs Regional Trail is a top spot for cyclists, featuring mostly paved paths with minimal car traffic. The trail runs through scenic areas like Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir, offering beautiful lake views. On Sundays, you can ride the car-free Cañada Road segment for a more relaxed experience. Be mindful of the 15 mph speed limit, especially around hikers. The Sawyer Camp segment provides a gentle descent and stunning views, perfect for an easy ride through woodlands and along the reservoir.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Foster City?
Foster City is known for its extensive lagoon system and numerous parks. You can explore the Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir, which features the 15-mile Crystal Springs Regional Trail, offering scenic views of lakes and riparian woodlands. The city's own Foster City Lagoon provides 16 miles of navigable waterways for various water sports, while Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park offers waterfront views and green spaces.
Are there any historical or cultural sites to visit in the area?
Yes, you can visit the Pulgas Water Temple, a man-made monument commemorating the Hetch Hetchy Project, which brought water from Yosemite to the Bay Area. Its design features fluted columns and Corinthian capitals. Additionally, the Hillbarn Theatre offers live productions, and the Peninsula Museum of Art is a notable cultural point of interest near Foster City.
What outdoor activities are available near Foster City's attractions?
The area offers diverse outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and running on various trails. For instance, the Crystal Springs Regional Trail near Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir is excellent for cycling. You can find more detailed routes and guides for these activities, including options like the Foster City Levee Trail or the San Francisco Bay Trail, on the Hiking around Foster City, Running Trails around Foster City, and Cycling around Foster City guide pages.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Foster City?
Many attractions in Foster City are family-friendly. Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park features a playground and picnic areas, perfect for families. The Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir and its Crystal Springs Regional Trail are also suitable for families, offering easy bike rides and scenic walks. The Foster City Lagoon is great for water activities like paddleboarding or kayaking, which can be enjoyed by families.
Where can I find trails for walking or cycling with scenic views?
The Hayward Regional Shoreline offers five miles of public gravel trails along the waterfront, providing views of marshes and historical landing sites. The Bay Trail, an extensive network of paved paths, also offers breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay, ideal for walking, jogging, or cycling along the shoreline.
What are some unique natural areas or preserves to visit?
The Eden Landing Ecological Preserve, located on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, spans about 5,040 acres. It's a former industrial salt pond now rehabilitated into a bird habitat with over 1,000 acres of marshland. It features new trails and a kayak launch, offering a unique opportunity to observe wildlife and restored ecosystems.
Are there any dog-friendly places or trails in Foster City?
Yes, many of Foster City's parks and trails are dog-friendly. The Oracle Lagoon area, for example, is noted as dog-friendly. Generally, the extensive network of coastal trails and parks like Sea Cloud Park are suitable for walks with dogs, though leash laws and specific park regulations should always be observed.
What is the best time of year to visit Foster City attractions?
Foster City generally enjoys a mild climate, making it pleasant to visit year-round. However, spring and fall often offer the most comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. Summer is also popular, especially for water sports on the lagoon and events at Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park, such as the annual Summer Concert Series.
Are there any attractions that are wheelchair accessible?
The Oracle Lagoon is listed as wheelchair accessible, offering a tranquil setting and photo opportunities. Many of the paved paths along the Bay Trail and within parks like Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park are also generally accessible, providing opportunities for visitors using wheelchairs to enjoy the scenic waterfront.
Where can I find a good viewpoint in Foster City?
The Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir and its surrounding trails offer beautiful viewpoints of the lake and natural landscapes. Additionally, the Bay Trail provides extensive views of the San Francisco Bay. The Oracle Lagoon is also a great spot for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset, with reflections of the iconic Oracle Buildings.
What kind of parks are available in Foster City?
Foster City boasts 24 parks and over 200 acres of green space. Key parks include Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park, which is a waterfront park with a playground, picnic areas, and an amphitheater. Sea Cloud Park offers various sports facilities like soccer fields, baseball diamonds, and tennis courts, along with playgrounds and picnic spots.
Can I observe wildlife in Foster City?
Yes, Foster City's natural areas are excellent for wildlife observation. The paths along the bay are particularly good for observing shorebirds and wading birds, especially at low tide. The Eden Landing Ecological Preserve is specifically managed as a bird habitat, offering opportunities to see various species in its marshlands.
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