Coyote Point

Coyote Point. A prominent headland and regional park located on the San Francisco Bay in San Mateo County, California. The 670-acre site, managed by the San Mateo County Parks Department, features a marina, museum, recreational beaches, and protected natural habitats. Its strategic location offers sweeping views of the San Francisco skyline, the San Mateo–Hayward Bridge, and aircraft approaching San Francisco International Airport.

Geography and location

Coyote Point is situated on a curving peninsula that juts northward into the San Francisco Bay, directly east of the city of San Mateo, California. The point forms the southern boundary of the Central San Francisco Bay and lies just south of the San Mateo–Hayward Bridge. The topography includes a distinctive 150-foot-high rocky promontory, with surrounding areas consisting of fill land, tidal marshes, and sandy beaches. Its position makes it a notable landmark for mariners using the Port of Redwood City and pilots navigating approaches to San Francisco International Airport. The area is part of the larger San Francisco Bay estuary system, which is a critical ecological zone within the California Coast Ranges.

History

The point's recorded history begins with the Ohlone people, who inhabited the region for thousands of years before European contact. In the late 18th century, the area became part of the Spanish Rancho de las Pulgas land grant. The name "Coyote Point" first appeared on United States Coast Survey maps in the 1850s, likely derived from the prevalence of coyotes in the then-rural area. In the early 20th century, the site was used for gravel mining and later as a base for the Grumman aircraft company during World War II. The land was acquired by San Mateo County in 1962 and developed into a public park, with major additions like the Coyote Point Marina constructed in the 1970s.

Recreation and facilities

The park is a major recreational hub, featuring the 600-slip Coyote Point Marina, one of the largest protected marinas on San Francisco Bay. The landmark CuriOdyssey museum, located within the park, combines a science museum and wildlife center, focusing on the native species of the Bay Area. Other amenities include the popular Coyote Point Recreation Area with picnic grounds, the Magic Mountain Playground, and designated areas for windsurfing and kite flying. The park also houses the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol unit and hosts annual events like the Pacific Sail & Power Boat Show.

Natural environment

Coyote Point provides vital habitat within the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge complex. The protected Coyote Point County Park encompasses areas of coastal scrub, eucalyptus groves, and restored tidal marshes that support diverse fauna. The rocky shoreline and offshore pilings are haul-out sites for harbor seals and California sea lions. The area is a significant stop on the Pacific Flyway for migratory birds, including species like the double-crested cormorant and the great blue heron. Conservation efforts are managed in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Transportation and access

Primary vehicular access is via the Coyote Point Drive exit from U.S. Route 101 in San Mateo, California. The park is served by SamTrans bus routes, providing public transit connections to San Francisco and other Peninsula cities. For boaters, the marina offers direct access to the San Francisco Bay shipping channels, with proximity to the San Mateo Channel. The San Francisco Bay Trail runs through the park, offering pedestrian and bicycle access along the shoreline, connecting to trails in Foster City and Burlingame. The nearby Bay Meadows area provides additional transportation linkages.

Category:Parks in San Mateo County, California Category:Headlands of California Category:San Francisco Bay