Where is Foster City, California Located in the United States? - Foster City is a city located in theSan Mateo County in California, United States. Foster City lies between 37.5585 Degrees North latitudes and -122.2711 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of Foster City,San Mateo, California
About Map: The map shows the location of Foster City inSan Mateo County, in the U.S. state of California.
Foster City Map, California, USA
About Foster City Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.
About Foster City, San Mateo County, California
Foster City is located in San Mateo County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the northern part of the state in the state of the United States within the San Francisco Peninsula region of the San Francisco Bay Area. The city was incorporated in 1971 and was named after developer T. Jack Foster, who planned and built the community on reclaimed land along the San Francisco Bay, and it developed as a planned residential and business city.
Population
According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Foster City is 33,805 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 8,400 people per square mile.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, Foster City covers a total area of approximately 19.8 square miles (about 51.3 square kilometers), including about 3.8 square miles (9.8 square kilometers) of land and 16.0 square miles (41.5 square kilometers) of water.
Location and Surroundings
Foster City is situated east of San Mateo and west of the San Francisco Bay, positioned on a series of artificial islands and lagoons along the bay shoreline. The city features waterfront neighborhoods, canals, and landscaped parks that define its planned design. State Route 92 runs through the city, providing a major transportation route connecting Foster City to surrounding communities across the San Francisco Peninsula and East Bay.
Top Attractions
Foster City offers waterfront parks, recreational trails, and community facilities that support outdoor activities and local tourism. Popular destinations include Leo J. Ryan Park, the Foster City Lagoon system, and the Bay Trail along the shoreline. The city hosts community festivals, sailing events, and outdoor recreation programs throughout the year.
Transportation
Foster City is served by State Route 92 and nearby U.S. Route 101, offering convenient highway access throughout San Mateo County and the San Francisco Bay Area. Public transportation includes regional bus services connecting the city to surrounding communities and nearby rail stations. The nearest major airport is San Francisco International Airport, located approximately 10 miles to the north.
Explore more cities in California or visit the United States Map section to learn more about the country’s geography.
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official Foster City Website.
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Foster City City Facts
| City | Foster City |
| State | California |
| County | San Mateo County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | San Francisco Bay Area - Peninsula |
| Incorporated | April 27, 1971 |
| Founded | 1960s planned community |
| Total Area | Approximately 19.8 sq mi (51.3 km2) |
| Land Area | Approximately 3.8 sq mi (9.8 km2) |
| Water Area | Approximately 16.0 sq mi (41.5 km2) |
| Elevation | Approximately 10 ft (3 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | Approximately 33,000+ |
| Population (2020 Census) | 33,805 |
| Population Density | Approximately 8,900 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST) |
| ZIP Codes | 94404 |
| Area Code | 650 |
| Major Highways | U.S. Route 101, State Route 92 |
| Public Transit | SamTrans Bus |
| Major Attractions | Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park, Foster City Lagoon, Bay Trail |
| Official Website | https://www.fostercity.org/ |
Distance from Foster City City, CA to Nearby Cities
- San Mateo, CA – 3 miles (5 km)
- Belmont, CA – 4 miles (6 km)
- San Carlos, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
- Redwood City, CA – 6 miles (10 km)
- Burlingame, CA – 7 miles (11 km)
- Millbrae, CA – 9 miles (14 km)
- San Bruno, CA – 11 miles (18 km)
- Half Moon Bay, CA – 16 miles (26 km)
- Menlo Park, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
- Palo Alto, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
- Mountain View, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
- Sunnyvale, CA – 22 miles (35 km)
- Santa Clara, CA – 28 miles (45 km)
- San Jose, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
- Daly City, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
- San Francisco, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
- Oakland, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
- Berkeley, CA – 28 miles (45 km)
- Hayward, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
- Fremont, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
Driving Distances from Foster City, California
| City | State | Distance (mi) | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Mateo | California | 4 | 10 minutes |
| Belmont | California | 4 | 10 minutes |
| Redwood City | California | 7 | 15 minutes |
| Burlingame | California | 8 | 15 minutes |
| San Carlos | California | 8 | 15 minutes |
| Millbrae | California | 10 | 18 minutes |
| Palo Alto | California | 16 | 25 minutes |
| South San Francisco | California | 16 | 25 minutes |
| San Francisco | California | 22 | 30 minutes |
| San Jose | California | 30 | 35 minutes |
Transportation and Connectivity in Foster City, California
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | San Francisco International Airport |
| IATA Code | SFO |
| Port | Foster City Marina |
| Major Highways | US Highway 101, State Route 92 |
| Train/Amtrak Service | No Amtrak station; nearby Caltrain stations at Hillsdale, Belmont and San Mateo |
| Local Bus/Transit Service | SamTrans, Caltrain connections, Commute.org shuttles |
- US Highway 101 is the primary north-south freeway connecting Foster City with San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and San Jose.
- State Route 92 links Foster City with Half Moon Bay to the west and the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge and Interstate 880 to the east.
- East Hillsdale Boulevard provides the main local access between residential neighborhoods and US 101.
What are top Places to Visit in Foster City, California
| Landmark Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Leo J. Ryan Park | Park |
| Foster City Lagoon | Water Recreation Area |
| Sea Cloud Park | Park |
| Shorebird Park | Park |
| Foster City Pedway | Recreation Trail |
| Marlin Park | Park |
| Edgewater Place Shopping Center | Shopping Center |
| San Mateo Japanese Garden | Garden |
| Coyote Point Recreation Area | Regional Park |
| San Mateo County Event Center | Event Venue |
Colleges and Universities in Foster City, California
| Institution Name | Type | Level | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| College of San Mateo | Public | Community College | Transfer and career education |
| Notre Dame de Namur University | Private | University | Liberal arts and graduate programs |
| Canada College | Public | Community College | STEM and workforce training |
| Stanford University | Private | University | World-renowned research university |
| San Mateo Union High School District | Public | K–12 District | Public secondary education |
Waterbodies in Foster City, California
Foster City Lagoon, San Francisco Bay, Belmont Slough, Seal Slough, Marina Lagoon, Laurel Creek, Steinberger Slough, Brewer Island Slough
Golf Courses in Foster City, California
Poplar Creek Golf Course, Mariners Point Golf Center, Crystal Springs Golf Course, Peninsula Golf & Country Club, Burlingame Country Club, Green Hills Country Club
Foster City, California — Key Historical Facts
- Foster City was developed during the 1960s on reclaimed land along the western shoreline of San Francisco Bay by real estate developer T. Jack Foster.
- The city was incorporated in 1971 and became one of California's first planned waterfront communities with an extensive network of residential lagoons.
- Its innovative flood protection system, including levees and tidal barriers, has played a vital role in protecting homes and businesses from bay waters.
- Foster City experienced rapid residential and commercial growth during the technology boom, attracting major companies to the San Francisco Peninsula.
- Today, the city is recognized for its waterfront lifestyle, recreational lagoons, parks, and convenient location between San Francisco and Silicon Valley.
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