Activities
Self-Guided Park Tours New!
Get to know San Mateo County Parks with our informative and scenic self-guided park tours ยป
Camp
Memorial Park, an away-from-it-all destination with dense stands of evergreen trees, mountain trails and streams, is a popular camping spot for groups and families.
Hike, Run, or Stroll
- Crystal Springs Regional Trail, which includes the popular and historical Sawyer Camp segment, offers over 15 miles of scenic recreational trail.
- Runners enjoy trail loops at Edgewood Park.
- Hiking trails at San Bruno Mountain offer beautiful panoramas of the sea, bay, and San Francisco.
- See more trails.
Picnic
Most parks have drop-in and reservable picnic sites.
- Coyote Point Recreation Area features a number of tables close to the Magic Mountain Playground and is great for outings with kids.
- For a quieter, more wooded atmosphere try Huddart Park or Junipero Serra Park.
Bicycle
- Crystal Springs Regional Trail has popular paved bicycling trails. Try Sawyer Camp or San Andreas segments for beautiful views of the San Francisco Watershed.
- The San Francisco Bay Trail is a work in progress that when complete will circle the entire Bay. Try the scenic segment at Coyote Point Recreation Area.
- See more trails.
Youth Camp
Several parks are equipped with areas that cater youth groups such as scouts, schools and summer youth programs.
- Huddart Park has large youth group areas.
- San Pedro Valley Park, Junipero Serra Park, and Sam McDonald Park offer smaller camp sites.
Equestrian
- The facilities at Jack Brook Horse Camp in Sam McDonald Park provide a base for equestrians as they explore the extensive network of trails and rural roads spread across the Pescadero Creek, Memorial and Sam McDonald Parks.
- The historical (and recently beautifully restored) Folger Stable at Wunderlich Park is a public horse boarding facility, one of the few left on the Peninsula.
- See more trails.
Ocean & Bay
- Go boating at Coyote Point Marina.
- Go kite or wind surfing at Coyote Point Recreation Area.
- Explore the tide pools at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.
- Enjoy wide ocean views on Devil's Slide Trail.
Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to experience the outdoor treasures of our county parks and get involved with the community. Visit our volunteers page for info on upcoming events and how to sign up.
And Much More . . .
For Kids
Coyote Point Recreation Area is a kingdom of fun for kids. The popular Magic Mountain Playground features a castle play structure with slides and swings and two giant talking purple dragons. CuriOdyssey, a science center located in the park, holds exhibits and animals that connect children to science and the natural world.
Education and Local Interest
Historical Sites such as Sanchez Adobe and the Woodside Store offer interpretive programs that provide interesting insights into the history of the area. Interpretive programs at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve explore the ecological systems of the inter-tidal reef, beach, uplands and marsh/wetlands complex. The Bill and Jean Lane Education Center at Edgewood Park features interactive exhibits, a native garden and other resources for exploring Edgewood's unique flora. See all educational programs.
Sports
Flood Park is a neighborhood-style park with a running path, a baseball diamond, sand volleyball courts, and horseshoe courts.