Coyote Point Recreation Area

Coyote Point Recreation Area is a 670-acre park located on the San Francisco Bay in San Mateo County, California. Situated on the border of Burlingame and San Mateo, the park offers visitors a diverse range of recreational opportunities and natural environments to explore.

The park features a distinctive point covered by a grove of eucalyptus trees, which can be seen from airplanes approaching nearby San Francisco International Airport. This elevated, forested bluff occupies the central section of the park and provides sweeping views of the surrounding area.

Coyote Point is divided into three main sub-areas: the Peninsula Beach Shoreline to the west, the Knoll & Eucalyptus Area in the center, and the Coyote Point Marina and Shoreline Meadow/Marsh to the east. These areas offer a variety of landscapes, from sandy beaches to wooded hills and salt marshes.

The park includes several miles of hiking and biking trails, including sections of the San Francisco Bay Trail. These paths provide opportunities for visitors to explore the park's natural features and observe local wildlife. Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species, including Great Blue Herons, Peregrine Falcons, and Western Sandpipers.

Coyote Point's history is varied and interesting. In the early 1920s, the site was home to a large amusement park called Pacific City. During World War II, it served as a basic training facility for the United States Merchant Marine service. Following the war, it became the campus for the College of San Mateo for about a decade before being acquired by the county as a park in 1962.

The park offers a range of facilities for visitors, including picnic areas, a sandy beach for sunbathing and swimming, and a large playground called Magic Mountain. The Coyote Point Marina provides berths for various types of boats, while the CuriOdyssey science museum and wildlife center offers educational experiences for children and families.