Foster City is unique in-and-of-itself due to its development on a landfill. Strolling through the city, however, you would never have any suspicion of its foundation. Full of watersides, restaurants and endless parks, Foster City’s beautiful scenery is the perfect setup for a family-friendly lifestyle.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Located directly outside of The Vibe is the Foster City Skate Park. This unsupervised hotspot is fitting for both beginning and advanced skaters, but it closes at dusk for safety precautions.
With over 23 acres of land, this park encompasses plenty of soccer fields, baseball diamonds, children’s play structures and even snack shacks. With a waterside view and an excess of greenery, the beauty of Sea Cloud Park is the cherry on top.
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.
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
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.
