Top 20 Lakes around Redwood City
Best lakes around Redwood City are situated in a region characterized by its proximity to the San Francisco Bay and rolling hills. The area features a mix of urban development and natural landscapes, including significant water bodies that serve as both natural resources and recreational areas. Redwood City's location provides access to diverse aquatic environments, from large reservoirs to tidal marshes. The surrounding areas offer various opportunities for outdoor activities centered around these water features.
Best lakes around Redwood City
- The most popular lakes is Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir, a lake that is part of a 15-mile regional trail. This trail offers scenic views along three lakes and through riparian woodlands, with sections closed to cars on Sundays for cyclists.
- Another must-see spot is San Francisco Bay Trail, a trail that runs along the border of the bay. This flat, paved path provides views of wetlands and marshlands, with benches available for breaks.
- Visitors also love Hayward Regional Shoreline, a trail encompassing over 1,800 acres of marshes and wetlands. It features 5 miles of gravel trails along the waterfront, offering glimpses into historical landing sites during low tide.
- Redwood City is known for its reservoirs, lagoons, and ecological preserves. Visitors can explore a variety of water bodies, from large freshwater sources to tidal marshes and man-made lagoons.
- The lakes around Redwood City are appreciated by the komoot community. These locations have received 66 upvotes and feature 6 photos from visitors.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Speed limit: 15 mph, difficult for high-end road bikes to stay below, so bring a bell: some hikers stand and talk in the center of the trail ;-)
San Andreas segment: From Skyline Boulevard south of San Bruno Avenue the trail drops to the head of San Andreas Lake, with pretty views across to the west of the wilderness slope of Montara Mountain. It rides along the lake 2 miles to an access point near Larkspur and 0.6 miles to another (at Hillcrest) where it connects to the Sawyer Camp segment.
Sawyer Camp segment: This is a gorgeous, easy bike ride, where you drop 400 feet over the span of 6 miles to Crystal Springs Dam. The route descends into riparian woodlands for 2.5 miles to Jepson Laurel picnic grounds, then runs along Crystal Springs Reservoir for 5.2 miles. You can continue another 1.7 miles to Cañada Road for Bicycle Sunday (no cars).
Cañada Road/Crystal Springs segment: South along Upper Crystal Springs Reservoir for 2.1 miles to the Pulgas Water Temple. It continues another 2.1 miles past Filoli Botanical Center and Phleger Estate to Edgewood Road
sfgate.com/outdoors/sundaydrive/article/Crystal-Springs-Trail-links-lakes-woodlands-4723374.php
parks.smcgov.org/crystal-springs-regional-trail
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Hayward Regional Shoreline
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Eden Landing Ecological Preserve
Highlight • Natural
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Oracle Lagoon
Highlight • Lake
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San Francisco Bay Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Tips from the Community
This small lagoon offers an excellent photo opportunity for visitors and photographers alike. Its calm, crystal-clear waters create a stunning mirror-like reflection of the iconic Oracle Buildings that surround it. The tranquil setting, combined with the striking architecture, makes it an ideal spot to capture breathtaking images, especially during sunrise and sunset.
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This small lagoon offers an excellent photo opportunity for visitors and photographers alike. Its calm, crystal-clear waters create a stunning mirror-like reflection of the iconic Oracle Buildings that surround it. The tranquil setting, combined with the striking architecture, makes it an ideal spot to capture breathtaking images, especially during sunrise and sunset.
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On the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, Eden Landing Ecological Preserve spans about 5,040 acres in size. It was formerly an industrial salt pond from Oliver Salt Company, and the remains can still be found today. Ongoing restoration efforts have rehabilitated over 1,000 acres of marshland as bird habitat. In April of 2016, new trails and a kayak launch were opened to the public.
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Long gravel stretch was no issue for my hybrid commuter on a dry day. Nice and quiet, it's a lightly populated trail.
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The San Francisco Bay Trail is a flat, paved trail that runs along the border of the bay. It is a great place for a run because it is traffic free and has great views.
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This small lagoon offers an excellent photo opportunity for visitors and photographers alike. Its calm, crystal-clear waters create a stunning mirror-like reflection of the iconic Oracle Buildings that surround it. The tranquil setting, combined with the striking architecture, makes it an ideal spot to capture breathtaking images, especially during sunrise and sunset.
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The Crystal Springs Regional Trail is a top spot for cyclists, featuring mostly paved paths with minimal car traffic. The trail runs through scenic areas like Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir, offering beautiful lake views. On Sundays, you can ride the car-free Cañada Road segment for a more relaxed experience. Be mindful of the 15 mph speed limit, especially around hikers. The Sawyer Camp segment provides a gentle descent and stunning views, perfect for an easy ride through woodlands and along the reservoir.
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This small lagoon offers an excellent photo opportunity for visitors and photographers alike. Its calm, crystal-clear waters create a stunning mirror-like reflection of the iconic Oracle Buildings that surround it. The tranquil setting, combined with the striking architecture, makes it an ideal spot to capture breathtaking images, especially during sunrise and sunset.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of water bodies found around Redwood City?
Redwood City and its surrounding areas feature a diverse range of water bodies, including large freshwater reservoirs like the Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir, man-made lagoons such as Redwood Shores Lagoon and Oracle Lagoon, and extensive tidal marshes and wetlands found at locations like Hayward Regional Shoreline and Eden Landing Ecological Preserve. The Port of Redwood City also offers access to Redwood Creek Channel and the San Francisco Bay.
Are there family-friendly lakes or water areas in Redwood City?
Yes, several spots are great for families. The Crystal Springs Regional Trail, which runs alongside the Crystal Springs Reservoirs, is mostly paved and offers a safe environment for walking and biking. Redwood Shores Lagoon is also suitable for non-gas powered boating and offers a pleasant backdrop for family outings. For those with access, Emerald Lake at the Emerald Lake Country Club is known as a 'really, really happy place for kids' with swimming and beach access.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Redwood City?
The lakes and water areas around Redwood City offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling and walking along the Crystal Springs Regional Trail, which is popular for its scenic views and car-free Sundays on Cañada Road. Boating (non-gas powered) and windsurfing are popular at Redwood Shores Lagoon. For those interested in birdwatching and nature walks, the marshlands of Hayward Regional Shoreline and Eden Landing Ecological Preserve are excellent choices. The Port of Redwood City also provides a public boat launch for access to the San Francisco Bay and a fishing pier.
Are there good trails for hiking or cycling around the lakes?
Absolutely. The Crystal Springs Regional Trail is a prominent 15-mile paved path ideal for both cycling and walking, offering scenic views of the reservoirs and riparian woodlands. The Sawyer Camp segment, in particular, is a gorgeous, easy bike ride. For more extensive cycling, consider routes like the Crystal Springs Regional Trail Loop. For running, trails around Oracle Lagoon and Redwood Shores Lagoon are available, as detailed in the Running Trails around Redwood City guide.
What is 'Bicycle Sundays' on Cañada Road?
'Bicycle Sundays' is a special event where sections of Cañada Road, which runs alongside the Upper Crystal Springs Reservoir, are closed to cars. This creates a safe and enjoyable environment specifically for cyclists and pedestrians. It's a popular time to experience the scenic views of the Crystal Springs Regional Trail without vehicle traffic.
Can I go fishing in the lakes or water bodies near Redwood City?
Fishing is permitted in some areas, such as Redwood Shores Lagoon, with a State Fish and Wildlife permit, though restrictions may apply and fishing is generally not allowed from City parks around the lagoon. The Port of Redwood City also features a public fishing pier, offering opportunities to fish in the Redwood Creek Channel with access to the San Francisco Bay.
Are there any accessible trails for wheelchairs around the lakes?
Yes, the San Francisco Bay Trail is a flat, paved path that is generally wheelchair accessible, offering views of wetlands and marshlands. The Oracle Lagoon area is also noted for its accessibility.
What kind of wildlife or nature can I expect to see?
The region's water bodies are rich in wildlife. The Crystal Springs Regional Trail offers views of wilderness slopes and riparian woodlands. The marshlands and wetlands of Hayward Regional Shoreline and
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Redwood City?
The best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activity. For cycling and walking, especially on the Crystal Springs Regional Trail, Sundays are popular due to 'Bicycle Sundays' when sections of Cañada Road are car-free. Generally, spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities. Summer is ideal for water-based recreation at Redwood Shores Lagoon when water levels are higher.
Are there any historical sites or points of interest near the lakes?
Yes, the Hayward Regional Shoreline offers glimpses into historical landing sites during low tide, with remnants of timbers visible. Eden Landing Ecological Preserve was formerly an industrial salt pond from the Oliver Salt Company, and remains can still be found today, offering a look into the area's industrial past.
Where can I find scenic views of the lakes and surrounding nature?
The Crystal Springs Regional Trail provides continuous scenic views of the reservoirs, wilderness slopes, and riparian woodlands. The San Andreas segment offers views across to Montara Mountain. Oracle Lagoon is also known for its excellent photo opportunities, with calm waters reflecting the surrounding Oracle Buildings, especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset.
Can I launch a boat at any of the water bodies?
Yes, the Port of Redwood City Waterfront along Redwood Creek Channel offers a public boat launch ramp. It's one of only two with direct access to San Francisco Bay south of Coyote Point, available 24/7 for a nominal fee. Redwood Shores Lagoon also allows non-gas powered boating.
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