Coyote Point Recreation Area

Park Overview

One of the park's most recognizable features is its prominent point crowned with eucalyptus trees - a landmark you might spot if you're gazing out an airplane window when landing at SFO. That elevated, tree-covered bluff sits at the heart of Coyote Point Recreation Area and offers excellent bay views over San Francisco Bay.

Spread across 670 acres in San Mateo County and straddling the border between Burlingame and San Mateo, the park covers a range of diverse landscapes with activities that run from hiking trails to family-friendly spaces.

Park Layout

Coyote Point naturally divides into three distinct areas, each with its own character. The Peninsula Beach Shoreline on the western side offers sandy stretches great for contemplative walks. In the middle, you can find the Knoll & Eucalyptus Area with its cooling shade and scenic overlooks. To the east, the Coyote Point Marina and Shoreline Meadow/Marsh showcase the meeting of land and water in their most natural state.

The park is laced with several miles of trails for hiking and biking, including segments of the broader San Francisco Bay Trail network. These paths wind through various ecosystems, making your morning jog or afternoon stroll an ever-changing experience.

Wildlife Viewing

Bring your binoculars! Coyote Point is a hotspot for birdwatching, where you can observe Great Blue Herons wading in the shallows, Peregrine Falcons soaring overhead, and Western Sandpipers scurrying along the shore.

Historical Significance

The land beneath your feet at Coyote Point has lived many lives. Back in the roaring twenties, it hummed with the sounds of Pacific City, a popular amusement park where Bay Area residents came to play.

During World War II, the area transformed into a training ground for the United States Merchant Marine service. After the war, it served as the College of San Mateo campus for about ten years before finding its current identity as a county park in 1962.

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Amenities and Attractions

You'll discover plenty of picnic areas scattered around the park - meant for everything from family gatherings to quiet lunches with a view. The sandy beach invites swimming and sunbathing on warmer days, while kids gravitate toward Magic Mountain, an expansive playground that lives up to its enchanting name.

For those with nautical interests, Coyote Point Marina provides berths for various watercraft. Meanwhile, CuriOdyssey science museum and wildlife center offers hands-on learning experiences that will fascinate curious minds of all ages.