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Parks & the Bay Trail in Burlingame
Burlingame earned its nickname, the City of Trees, honestly. You can picnic beneath century-old elms, jog a breezy waterfront path, and watch jets glide into SFO, all in the same afternoon. Here are the green spaces worth your time.
What are the best parks in Burlingame?
The best parks in Burlingame are Washington Park, a 17-acre green heart downtown with heritage trees and a playground; Bayside Park, a waterfront spot ideal for walking and plane-spotting; the Shorebird Sanctuary for birdwatching along the bay; and Village Park, a family-friendly neighborhood playground. Just east in San Mateo, Coyote Point adds a beach and tide pools.
Top Parks & Trails
Washington Park
850 Burlingame Ave · Free · Open daily
The 17-acre green heart of town, with heritage trees, tennis courts, a dog park, ball fields, a big playground, and the community center. Bring a picnic and stay all afternoon.
Bayside Park
1125 Airport Blvd · Free · Open daily
A paved bay-front trail lined with benches, athletic fields, and outdoor fitness equipment. One of the best free spots in town to watch planes take off and land.
Shorebird Sanctuary
Old Bayshore Hwy · Free
A quiet, paved shoreline path with refreshing bay views and excellent birdwatching. Visit at higher tides for the best chance to spot shorebirds up close.
Village Park
1535 California Dr · Free
A charming, fully fenced neighborhood playground with separate areas for younger and older kids, a basketball court, a grassy field, and shaded picnic tables.
Coyote Point Recreation Area
Just east in San Mateo · Small entry fee
A standout regional escape with a sandy beach, tide pools, eucalyptus-shaded picnic groves, a great playground, and front-row plane views.
Pershing Park
138 Crescent Ave · Free · Open 24 hours
A quiet residential park with climbing structures, a sandbox, and a big basketball court, well suited to older kids looking to burn off energy.
Walking & Biking the Bay Trail
The San Francisco Bay Trail runs right along Burlingame’s waterfront, linking Bayside Park and the Shorebird Sanctuary on a flat, paved route perfect for a morning walk, jog, or easy bike ride. With the bay on one side and planes overhead, it is one of the most distinctive strolls on the Peninsula, and it is completely free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Burlingame’s parks free?
Yes. Washington Park, Bayside Park, the Shorebird Sanctuary, Village Park, and Pershing Park are all free to enter. Coyote Point, located just east in San Mateo, charges a small per-vehicle entry fee.
Where can I watch planes in Burlingame?
Bayside Park and the Shorebird Sanctuary, both along the bay near the airport, offer some of the best plane-watching in the area. Coyote Point’s beach also has excellent views of jets landing at SFO.
Are the parks dog-friendly?
Many are. Washington Park has a dedicated dog park, and the bay-front trails welcome leashed dogs. Always bring water and waste bags, as supplies can run low at busy times.
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