Ryder, Seal Point, Harborview, and Coyote Point Parks

Location

Ryder and Seal Point Parks are located in San Mateo. To get there, take the 3rd Avenue Exit East off of Hwy 101. The road will become J Hart Clinton Drive. This street has a median down the center of much of it, so you may have to make a U-turn to get to the park entrance, which is on the East side of the street. The parks are at 1901 and 1801 J Hart Clinton Dr.

Both parks have free parking. It is also possible to park at the Bay Marshes, Harborview Park, and Coyote Point, but Ryder and Seal Point parks are recommended because these parks have bathrooms (unlike Bay Marshes and Harborview) and parking is free (unlike Coyote Point).

Attractions:

The trails are wide, flat, and meticulously maintained.
Bicycles are allowed.
Dogs are allowed, and there is a dog park at Seal Point Park.
There are wildflowers along some of the paths, as well as nicely landscaped areas closer to the park centers. Wildlife include sea gulls, herons, egrets, ducks, squirrels, and lizards.
The path is part of The Bay Trail (see www.strollerhikes.com/Hikes/BayTrail/BayTrail.html), leading North to Coyote Point Recreation Area, and South to Mariners Island Blvd in Foster City. Add on to the hike at the North or South end to make it a long trek.
There is kayak and windsurfing access at Seal Point Park, and on windy days, the brightly colored sails are fun to watch.
The huge jets approaching San Francisco Airport come in just high enough not too be too loud here, but low enough to impress!
There is a fantastic round parking area at the peak of Seal Point Park, if you're up for the view, but not for a hike.
Both parks have bathrooms, benches, lawns / grass areas, and gorgeous views of the bay.
Ryder Park has a large play area for kids.
There are placards along the trail to provide history or biology of the area.

Limitations:

It can get windy here, so dress in layers.

Season:

Year round, about 8 am to sunset. There ARE locking gates at some trailheads.

Fees:

None.

Maps & More Information:

Maps are posted at Seal Point and Ryder Parks, with clearly marked path options. Trails are also well marked.
City of San Mateo Webpage on New Ryder and Seal Point Parks: http://www.cityofsanmateo.org/dept/parks/dev_shoreline/shoreline_parks_opening.html
City of San Mateo park (and other facilities) map: http://www.ci.sanmateo.ca.us/downloads/facility_map.pdf
San Francisco Chronicle article's map of Bay Trail as it passes through area: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?f=/c/a/2003/07/22/MNBAYTRAIL22.DTL&o=0

Handicapped Access:

Both parks have handicapped parking and bathrooms. There is a specific handicapped access trail along the East side of the hill at Seal Point Park, but all trails are wide, flat, and mildly graded.

Recommended routes:

Ryder Park South to Seal Point and Back:
From the parking lot at Ryder Park, hike Southeast, crossing the boat-shaped bridge. At the junction between two paved paths, head East (left). At the junction between the paved and fine gravel (handicapped access) path, choose the low road (paved) or high road (fine gravel). The fine gravel route brings you to the peak parking area at the top of Seal Point, with nice views all around. The paved path brings you past the kayak and windsurfing access spot. Both paths turn North to bring you back to Ryder Park. On your way back, notice the Dog Park and other facilities of Seal Point Park. The route merges back towards the boat-shaped bridge, bringing you back to Ryder Park. About 0.9 to 1.1 miles depending on the path taken (paved closest to bay (low road) is longest). You can extend the hike by continuing South to the Bay Marshes, instead of immediately turning North towards the dog park. This is an out-and-back trail. Adding it gives about 0.8 miles more distance.
Seal Point Park North to Ryder, Harborview, and Coyote Point Recreation Area and Back:
From Seal Point Park, hike North to Ryder park. You will cross the boat-shaped bridge into the park. Stop to enjoy the lush lawns, picnic area, playground, or bathroom facilities, before continuing North along the bay. This trail is marked Gerry Mon Memorial Bike Path and Bay Trail. In about 0.5 miles, you will come upon Harborview Park, which has less facilities than Seal Point and Ryder Parks. In another 0.3 miles, you will begin to see some of the attractions at Coyote Point Recreation Area. The golf course comes first, then a large park complete with bathrooms, playing fields, picnic areas, and a large play structure. This, like much of the bay here, is a haven for wind surfers. Turn back any time and continue back the way you came. Total distance is 2 to 3 miles depending on where you turn back.