Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Check with the US State Department.

Is Foster City walkable?

Not very walkable overall; a car or bike is recommended for most errands.

Can I kayak in the lagoons?

Yes, the lagoons are open for non-motorized watercraft. Rentals are available.

What is the nearest airport?

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is about 15 minutes away.

Are there hotels in Foster City?

Yes, several mid-range hotels like Crowne Plaza and Residence Inn.

Is the tap water safe?

Yes, tap water is safe and of good quality.

What is the time zone?

Pacific Time (PT), UTC-8, with daylight saving.

Foster City

CityCalifornia, United States

Foster City is a CITY in California, United States.

Foster City, a serene planned community on the San Francisco Bay, offers a unique blend of waterfront living and suburban tranquility. With its network of lagoons and canals, it's a paradise for kayaking, paddleboarding, and leisurely strolls along the Bay Trail. The city's parks, like Leo J. Ryan Park, provide lush green spaces for picnics and outdoor concerts. While not a major tourist hub, its proximity to Silicon Valley and San Francisco makes it an ideal base for exploring the region. The calm, family-friendly atmosphere is punctuated by modern amenities, diverse dining options, and a strong sense of community. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful vistas of the bay, spot local wildlife, and experience a slice of Californian suburban life with a distinct aquatic twist.

Best time to visit Foster City

The best time to visit is from May to October when the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for outdoor activities like kayaking and biking. Summer (June-August) offers clear skies and mild temperatures (20-25°C). Spring and fall are also pleasant with fewer crowds. Winter is cooler and rainier, but still mild.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Mild 12-21°C, sunny

Travel notes

Crowds: Moderate
Prices: Moderate

Autumn colors, pleasant

Know before you go

Getting there

SFO

San Francisco International Airport

International

15 km away

OAK

Oakland International Airport

International

30 km away

SJC

San Jose International Airport

International

40 km away

Getting around

"Foster City is car-dependent, but biking is popular with dedicated lanes and the Bay Trail. SamTrans buses connect to nearby cities and Caltrain stations. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available. For exploring the lagoons, kayak rentals are a fun option. Parking is generally easy and free."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

50 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in hotels, cafes, and public libraries

Local SIM

Local SIM available at SFO airport from $10

Stay safe

Overall

9/10

Very safe; minimal scams. Standard precautions suffice.

Night safety

8/10

Very safe; minimal scams. Standard precautions suffice.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

2/10

"Foster City is generally very safe, with low crime rates. It's a family-friendly community with well-lit streets and active neighborhood watch programs. Petty theft can occur in parking lots, so secure valuables. The Bay Trail is safe during the day; at night, stick to populated areas. Overall, a safe destination for travelers."

Police

911

Ambulance

911

Fire

911

Entry and health

Health information

"Foster City has excellent healthcare facilities nearby, including Kaiser Permanente and San Mateo Medical Center. Tap water is safe to drink. No specific vaccinations are required, but standard travel health insurance is recommended. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are readily available. For emergencies, dial 911."

Culture

Local customs

"Foster City is relaxed and casual. Dress is typically Californian casual—jeans, shorts, and layers. Tipping is customary: 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink for bartenders. Respect for the environment is important; recycle and dispose of trash properly. Quiet hours are observed in residential areas after 10 PM."

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Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$15-25 | a mid-range meal costs ~$20

Hotels

$150-250 | budget hotels range $150-250/night

Local transport

$2.50 | local bus ride ~$2.50

Cost notes

Costs are higher than US average due to Bay Area location.

Timezone

America/Los_Angeles
Local time 15:05

More facts

Population

33,477

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Foster City, Foster Siti, Foster Sitis, Foster-Siti, Fostur Siti, Thanh pho Foster, Thành phố Foster, fosutashiti, fu si te cheng, fwstr syty, fwstr syty kalyfrnya, fwstyr syty, fwztr syty kalyfwrnya, fxs texr, phastar siti, phastara siti, phostar nagaram, phostara sahara, phostara sahera, phostara siti, poseuteositi, postar nakaram, pwstr syty, Φόστερ Σίτι, Фостер Сити, Фостер-Сити, Фостер-Сіті, Фостър Сити, פוסטר סיטי, فوزتر سیتی، کالیفورنیا, فوستر سيتى, فوستر سیتی، کالیفرنیا, فوستير سيتي, فوسٹر سٹی، کیلیفورنیا, फस्टर सिटी, फॉस्टर शहर, फोस्टर सिटी, ফোস্টার শহর, ફોસ્ટર શહેર, போஸ்டர் நகரம், ఫోస్టర్ నగరం, ಫಾಸ್ಟರ್ ಸಿಟಿ, ෆොස්ටර් නගරය, ฟอสเตอร์, ფოსტერ-სიტი, フォスターシティ, 福斯特城, 포스터시티, فوستير سيتي، سان ماتيو، كاليفورنيا

CityFamily-FriendlyWaterfrontOutdoor ActivitiesSuburban