Bay Meadows

Shoreline Park is one of San Mateo’s newest parks – comprised of two parts – Ryder Park and Seal Point Park – it offers an abundance of open space and scenic views of the San Francisco Bay. Seal Point Park includes a multitude of pathways for walking, cycling, bird watching and a three acre dog park. Its neighbor, Ryder Park includes a water theme play park, picnic facilities, native history interpretive panels and an outdoor classroom created by the shell mound gurgles tidal flows from the bay.

There are art sculptures in Seal Point Park, adding to the unique blend of recreational experiences along the edges of the bay, beginning with a nautical-inspired bridge between Seal Point and Ryder, including some kinetic sculptures that move in the wind and a huge echo chamber on the top of the hill. Tip: Stand inside the silver symbols of the echo chamber and make some noise! The park also has a natural stairway as well as kayak and wind-surf launch areas. Tip: Visit in the spring and take a natural history class taught by Park Rangers.

Seal Point Park offers a variety of terrain, hills for the pros and flat trails for the novice or family adventures. Keep your eyes open when on the trail and take your time wandering through restored natural habitats because Seal Point Park is home to many types of native wildlife you can spy alongside breathtaking views of the Bay. Tip: Bring a jacket or dress in layers and enjoy a nice breeze at this coastal spot. If you’re planning on spending the day, you made want to bring some shade.

Don’t forget your pooch! Seal Point Dog Park is a popular and spacious three acre off-leash dog park with big dog and small dog areas. It has bathrooms, water fountains, a hose, water bowls and a shaded bench area. The park is surrounded by trails and grassy hillsides with wildflowers and open daily from 6am until sunset.

What Yelpers are saying about Seal Point Park:

‘Parking is plentiful and grounds are beautiful. Views of the Bay Bridge are breathtaking!’- Derek S.

‘I love this area of San Mateo. Nice big dog park, nice trails to bike or walk along the water and great weather. The sculptures are also nice to look at. Very artsy. The views are beautiful. You can see San Francisco and the bridges from there.’ – Roger P.

‘This is a great place to climb stairs, go for a bike ride, or simply walk/jog. What I admired the most was the view of the bay and the modern art structures on site. They do not charge for parking, it is not crowded, and it is windy so you don’t have to worry about overheating while working-out!’ – Beatriz S.

With several biking options in Seal Point Park that are part of the San Francisco Bay Trail, this is a great place to pedal. Bay Meadows and other surrounding San Mateo areas are also bike friendly and offer many different paths to ride and sights to see. Here is a bike map that you can download and plan your day. However you decide to spend your day at Seal Point and Ryder Park, enjoy and Happy Trails to you!

Bay Meadows is a family-friendly neighborhood with lots of green space to enjoy all year long. Whether its growing your own vegetables in a gorgeous community garden with expert guidance, playing a game of pick-up basketball after work, team building over bocce and beers, or picnicking with friends and family on warm summer nights for Movies in the Meadow,there’s no shortage of green space to explore. If you have little ones, don’t miss Momdays on Mondays in Paddock Park!