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Leo J. Ryan Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 2,370 Google reviews · Running trail in Foster City, California · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Boardwalk
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Leo J. Ryan Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

BoardwalkOpen 24hScenicDog-friendlyTrailhead parkingQuiet

Lakeside park featuring a boardwalk, boat launch & grassy areas, plus tennis & basketball courts.

What runners say about Leo J. Ryan Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (2,370 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 5 mentions

“A few areas weren’t very clean due to bird droppings, but overall the park is well-kept.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 18 mentions

“Ryan Memorial Park in Foster City is a beautiful and versatile outdoor space that caters to a wide range of activities.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 5 mentions

“The calm water of the soul reflects the beauty and chaos of the sky—finding peace in the perfect balance of both.”

🐕 dog-walking favorite 3 mentions

“The smooth breeze from the lake, nature sounds, dog walks, picnics etc etc make this an ideal destination for weekend hang outs.”

Love the park specially under the California’s colorful sky as presented in the pics. It’s surrounded by a lake with gorgeous sunsets looking upon the city. It’s has a beautiful waking path around the lake, benches to sit, grasslands to lie down on a perfect sunny day and many more.

★★★★★ — Teja , Jan 2022

Go outside and take a walk! This lakeside park is beautiful, with scenic views. There are benches, an amphitheater, a senior center, a floating gazebo, and walking paths around. I've seen boats and mini electric sailboats on the water and people sunbathing and enjoying on the grass. It's a peaceful and pretty place.

★★★★☆ — Angelica , May 2023

Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park in Foster City is a beautiful and versatile outdoor space that caters to a wide range of activities. With its lush lawns, scenic lake views, and ample recreational facilities, it's a popular spot for picnics, sports, and leisurely strolls.

★★★★★ — Priyanka , Apr 2024

The marina park(Leo J. Ryan) is such a lovely spot clean, spacious, and beautifully maintained. It’s right along the lagoon, so the water views are amazing, especially on a sunny day. There are paved paths perfect for walking, jogging, or biking, and plenty of open grassy areas for picnics or just relaxing.

★★★★★ — Sk , Oct 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 2,370 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 26 mentions

“Ryan Memorial Park in Foster City is a beautiful and versatile outdoor space that caters to a wide range of activities.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 6 mentions

“The smooth breeze from the lake, nature sounds, dog walks, picnics etc etc make this an ideal destination for weekend hang outs.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 4 mentions

“Parking is available along the side street and there’s also plenty near the shops.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 4 mentions

“It’s peaceful but still lively, with people kayaking, walking their dogs, or just enjoying the scenery.”

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🪵 Boardwalk 2 mentions

“The park's playgrounds are a hit with children, while the amphitheater and boardwalk add a unique charm to the area.”

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Plan your run at Leo J. Ryan Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websitefostercity.org
  • Phone+1 650-286-3380

Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Leo J. Ryan Park

650 Shell Blvd, Foster City, CA 94404

Get directions

Running trails near Foster City

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

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Ball fields & batting cages fill this 23-acre site, which also features a bike path & playground.

1.1 miles away

Bay Trail

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Bridgeview Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 330 reviews

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Informal park with picnic tables and public restrooms on a trail overlooking the bay and San Mateo Bridge.

1.1 miles away

All running trails in Foster City, CA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.