Foster City

Foster City Homes For Sale

About Foster City

Foster City was founded in the 1960s on engineered landfill in the marshes of the San Francisco Bay, on the east edge of San Mateo. The city was named after T. Jack Foster, a real estate magnate who owned much of the land comprising the city and who was instrumental in its initial design. His successor firm, Foster Enterprises, run by his descendants, is still active in real estate affairs throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

Niche named Foster City #2 on its list 2020 Best Place to Live in San Mateo County. Forbes ranked Foster City #10 on their 2009 list of America’s Top 25 Towns to Live Well. Money has also recognized Foster City multiple times as one of the Best Places to Live.

Things To Do In Foster City

Water Sports, Festivals, Hiking and Biking Trails, Dog Parks, Golf, Parks, Sports, Soccer

THINGS TO DO

Foster City is a man-made island of islands with over 16 miles of navigable canals weaving through it. The crown jewel featuring many water sports is the beautiful lagoon in Leo Ryan Park. A variety of activities are shown on this lagoon map, from paddle boards, to windsurfing, to riding electric boats, to walking and picnicking.

Several major and minor events are held here as well, a few examples are the best fireworks display on the Peninsula, the Polynesian Festival, and summer concerts. Check our special events calendar for details. Swimming, paddle boards, kayaks, electric boating, water skiing, and even outrigger canoe races are some popular water activities which can be easily found if you know when and where to look.

Miles of trails for hiking, biking and skating are in and around the city. The most important is a popular segment of the San Francisco Bay Trail. Central Lake has a nice boardwalk and is a good place to start when walking your dog to the fenced in dog park.

Foster City Recreation Center headquarters many different classes as does the new Peninsula Jewish Center just across the street.

The City’s well maintained twenty one parks provide a wide variety of sporting facilities including plenty of tennis courts, soccer fields and basketball courts. E.g., Sea Cloud Park has 6 baseball diamonds for Little League teams. There are even bocce ball courts, swimming beaches and a nine hole golf course & driving range.

William E. Walker Recreation Center

The Foster City Recreation Center unifies the community by providing a space in which the needs of many can be accommodated. Several of its eight rooms, including its banquet hall, are complemented with a beautiful view of the lagoon. The rec-center also offers summers camp programs as well as a variety of classes.

William E. Walker Recreation Center, 650 Shell Boulevard, Foster City, CA, USA +1 650 286 3380

CityFest

Formerly known as the Arts and Wine Festival, this event is Foster City’s largest, and it has occurred annually for the past 45 years. CityFest includes about 175 vendors that promote art, food and wine. With live music, an amusement park and a food court full of diverse options, the pleasant aura of the event attracts thousands.

CityFest, 650 Shell Blvd, Foster City, CA, USA +1 650 286 3380

The Vibe

The Vibe serves as a supervised hangout for teenagers, where they are able to meet up with their friends after school or over weekends. Following registration, teenagers have access to the facility’s many offerings, including game tables, television and video games. The teen center also hosts special events such as dances and sports tournaments.

The Vibe, 670 Shell Blvd, Foster City, CA, USA +1 650 286 3254

San Francisco Bay Trail

Atop of Foster City’s levees lies the San Francisco Bay Trail. The Foster City portion of the trail begins in the north, near Seal Point Park in San Mateo, and ends in the south, near Oracle Bridge in Redwood Shores. Bikers, runners and dog walkers alike utilize this trail and its spectacular bay-view for some outdoor activity.

San Francisco Bay Trail, Beach Park Boulevard, Foster City, CA, USA

Shells Dirt Jumps

Trailing off from the bay trail into the forest of tall grass takes you to the Shells Dirt Jumps. Made from piles of solidified dirt and salt, this hidden gem is the perfect place for bikers to catch some air. The area has become so popular in recent years that it even has its own Yelp reviews

Shells Dirt Jumps, Beach Park Boulevard and Foster City Boulevard, Foster City, CA, USA

Foster City Lagoons

Foster City contains a whopping 16.5 miles and 212 acres of lagoon canals, all of which intertwine through the city’s man-made land. Residents of Foster City take full advantage of the water by engaging in activities such as wind surfing, paddle boarding and kayaking. Additionally, many waterside residents complete the luxury lifestyle by having their own electric boats.

Lagoons, Foster City, CA, USA

Peninsula Jewish Community Center (PJCC)

Located in the heart of Foster City is the Peninsula Jewish Community Center, a beneficiary of The Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco. Regardless of its association, the organization openly welcomes people of all faiths, backgrounds and ages. From its award-winning pre-school, to its many summer camp options, to its 50,000 square foot athletic facility, the PJCC caters to the needs of many.

PJCC, 800 Foster City Boulevard, Foster City, CA, USA +1 650 212 7522

Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park

In memory of Congressman Leo J. Ryan lies this twenty-acre recreational park. Overlooking Central Lake, Leo J. Ryan Park includes an outdoor amphitheater, as well as a boardwalk and a lawn, which make the park perfectly suitable for hosting an array of events. These include concerts, graduations, a 4th of July festival and an annual dragon boat race.

PARKS

Parks and Recreation

The Parks & Recreation Department is responsible for managing the City’s parks, recreation activities, and community events. We pride ourselves on offering a wide range of educational, creative and fun programs offered for our community. No matter what your interest is, we have a class for you! Participating in an recreation class, attending a special event, or enjoying one of our beautiful parks is a great way to get connected with residents and members of surrounding communities, accomplish a fitness goal, or start a new family tradition! If you can’t find the answer to your question on our website, give us a call at (650) 286-3380.

Arcturus Park

Bike Path
Children’s Play Area
Picnic Area