Easy, relaxing, and fun lazy Sunday paddle.
The Foster City lagoon is a local bay area gem that not many people recognize for it's recreation boating opportunities. This man made lagoon is the center piece for their city. It provides a sheltered flat water paddle location with views of residential waterfront back yards, manicured city parks, a modern city skyline near the city center, and a few architecturally interesting bridges to drift beneath.
There are technically two lagoons. The western most lagoon boarders the city of Foster City with the city of San Mateo. The eastern most lagoon is wholly within the the city of Foster City. It runs north to south from the 3rd pumping and monitoring station, to the Sea Cloud park in the south. Our paddle today focuses on the eastern most lagoon.
Please have a look at a map to understand how this lagoon winds through the community and options for put in. See the map here.
We use Erckenbrack Park. This offers quick launch in a quiet setting in residential areas. As with most beach parks in Foster City, this launch requires a 500-100 yards of carry distance from the parking lot to the beach. You choose how far you go and the length of your trip. Note the main lagoon channel runs through community. The side channels that run inside, and next to homes are somewhat private and offer no outlet.
There's little fan fare and the water is like glass as you can see from our photos. It's super interesting yet without much excitement which is precisely why it's perfect for days when you want to have a relaxing excursion.
BOTTOM LINE: We give this paddle 3.5 out of 5 kayaks. It's definitely worthwhile if you're looking to get out and chill on the water.
LAST VISITED: March 2019
SEASON: Year Round
TRAFFIC: Mellow when we visited with a sprinkling of paddle boarders, fellow kayakers, rowing clubs and swimmers!
AVAILABLE KAYAKING MILEAGE: 16 Miles
GETTING HERE: Its easy to get to from the HWY 92 Foster City Blvd exit. When you arrive the park, note the rest rooms available for use prior to paddle.
2018 PARKING/LAUNCH FEES: None
INSPECTION: None
RENTALS: Yes, from California Wind Surfing located at The Lagoon at Leo Ryan Park, 650 Shell Blvd, Foster City. $10 per 1/2 hour singles; $20 per 1/2 hour doubles. Cash only. They also have lessons.
LAUNCH TYPE: While there are several place to put in, we use the beach at Erckenbach Park for it's curb appeal: quiet spot with inviting access, while you do have to carry your boats from lot to shore. Other options are boat ramps at Ryan City Park and Boat Park. Boat Park has a larger parking lot, bathrooms, and a dog park. There are many City Parks through out the area that offer lagoon access via a sandy beach.
FACILITIES: Restrooms at Erckenbach Park and Boat Park.
OTHER ACTIVITIES: Plenty of picnic areas, City Festivals, Biking Trails
Amigos Grill: Full Menu Made Fresh!
Order at the counter and then have a seat at one of the dozen or so tables available. They will make your order fresh and deliver to the table when it is ready. On the busy afternoon when we last visited, the order took a little more than 10 minute to prepare.
We shared a half dozen tacos including Al Pastor, Carnitas, Carne Asada, Grilled Chicken, and Shredded Chicken, along with a Ceviche Tostada. Overall, these are stand up street style tacos! Our favorites were the Al Pastor, which had a bit of a vinegar kick, the Carne Asada with perfectly tender meat and the Carnitas, also delectably juicy and well seasoned! While the shredded chicken taco was tender and juicy and Kym enjoyed it, Ben felt it needed a little extra flavor, requiring added salsa and lime. We agreed that the grilled chicken was on the dry side.
Regrettably, we missed the fish tacos so they're at the top of our list for next time. A good bet if the ceviche tostada is any indicated. Super yummy, tender fish piled high with the right mix of lime juice, jalapeno, and avocado.
Pre or post paddle, The Amigos Grill is our recommended spot!
BOTTOM LINE: 4 out of 5 tacos! Fresh + flavorful!
GETTING HERE: Approximately 2 miles from Erckenbrack Park. Easy access to freeways and an easy stop on the way to or after your paddle. Click here for the location.
ADULT BEVERAGES: Beer and Wine is served.
SALSA BAR: There is small salsa bar with red and green, mild + spicy, salsa, limes and pickled assortment for patrons to use.
WEBSITE/MENU: They do not have their own website, however the do have doordash service which listed lists their menu here.
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