History

The origin of the name Coyote Point is somewhat clouded. Since it was originally an island completely surrounded by salt marsh, it is doubtful that it was inhabited by coyotes. It is probable that the name could be attributed to Coyetana Arenas, to whom it was granted by the Governor of Mexico. It is improbable that Indians lived on Coyote Point, although small shell mounds do exist indicating that they at least used it for feasts and perhaps special ceremonies. Without fresh water, however, they could not have survived for long on the island proper.

Coyote Point was originally a part of the Presidio and Mission lands. After it passed to Mexico, Governor Pio Pico granted it to Coyetano Arenas. It was later sold by the Arenas family to the firm of Mellus and Howard. Howard bought it from the firm in 1850, and it remained in the Howard family until acquired by the County and the Federal Government in 1942.

The Howard family built a pier at Coyote Point for lumber loading in the late 1800's. Mr. Howard built a bathhouse and pool on the beach in 1880, and had Eucalyptus, Cypress and Pine trees planted on the knoll. It was the Howard family also who reclaimed the marsh between the island and the mainland for the purpose of creating a dairy pasture.

In 1922, a group of promoters organized and built the Pacific City Amusement Park Corporation on land leased from the Howard family. The area embraced the natural beach running north from the knoll about 3,000 feet with ninety acres of land adjoining the beach. The main features of the park were a boardwalk, children's playground, and concessions consisting of scenic railway, merry-go-round, ferris wheel, dancing pavilion and several food concessions. It was reputed to have had one million visitors during the first season. During its second season the amusement park experienced a fire, which destroyed about a quarter of the development. It never opened for another season. The reasons given for its closing were the strong afternoon winds and sewer contamination in the bay.

In 1942, the Knoll proper, or the original Coyote Point, was acquired for a Merchant Marine Cadet School. The Knoll area was used for this purpose until 1946, when the buildings and factories were sold to the College of San Mateo. It was operated as a college until it was acquired by the San Mateo County for use as a park and recreation area in 1962.

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Trails

There are a number of pathways in the park that connect the various park areas. Park users find them beneficial for a brisk walk or a casual stroll. Segments of The San Francisco Bay Trail run through the park.

It is always required that one observes the trail signs and speed limits. Bicycles and motorized vehicles are not allowed off of designated paved areas. Please respect your fellow trail users and follow the guidelines for safe and courteous trail use.

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The  Knoll Day Camp is a day-use facility for Scout group activities only. It's available reservation year-round for organized Scout groups.

The Captain's House, a coveted meeting and conference facility, is located in the heart of the park. It is used by many companies and organizations for retreats, seminars and conferences. The Captain's House can accommodate up to 30 people and has three 'breakout' rooms. The facility can be made fully accessible with prior notice. A kitchen and a lounge area are located in the building. Trails and picnic benches are located nearby. The Captain's House is available year around Monday through Friday and on Saturday and Sunday from September through March by reservation only. To reserve the Captain's House, please call the Reservations Desk at (650) 363-4021.

Captains House Conference Facility

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Activities

Coyote Point has the Peninsula's only environmental science museum, the Coyote Point Museum for Environmental Education. It has exhibits featuring the six major ecosystems found in the Bay Area. One can also experience games and short films, as well as changing exhibits. The Wildlife Habitats Center, adjacent to the museum, houses live reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds. Stop by and visit these animals that are native to the bay area. Admission to the Wildlife Habitat Center is included with museum entry. You can contact the Museum at (650) 342-7755 for further information. The hours are:

Coyote Point is one of the most popular windsurfing locations in northern California. Most days are suitable for windsurfing due to fairly regular and constant winds. On some days the water can get very choppy. Wetsuits are recommended for any extended periods in the cold bay waters. Windsurfing and kiteboarding gear and lessons are available for rental in the park by Boardsports School.

On the north side of Coyote Point is a gravel beach area. It is ideal for sunbathing and the cool bay water is very refreshing on hot summer days. Food and drink are permitted on the beach, but alcohol is prohibited.

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Days and Hours of Operation

Coyote Point Recreation Area is open every day of the year including all holidays. It opens daily at 8:00 A.M. The closing time varies by time of year. Certain facilities within the park have different schedules. The park's closing times are:

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Natural Features

Coyote Point (also formerly knows as San Mateo Point) was originally an island surrounded by salt marsh. The point is basically a red rock formation with a thin layer of salty soil. This original soil supported scrub oak, grasses and chaparral. The oak never achieved a significant height, having been sculpted by the wind. In the 1800's the marsh between the main land and the island was filled in. Also, Eucalyptus, Monterey Cypress and Monterey Pine were planted but most have been stunted due to the wind and poor soil.

The most prominent feature of the park today is the large stand of Eucalyptus trees. They are visible from many points along the peninsula and provide protection from the almost constant winds near the bay. Also, remnants of the salt marsh still exist at the southeastern corner of the park near the Marina.

All of the plant and animal species are protected in the Coyote Point Recreation Area, and their habitats may be off limits to park users. Please observe signs carefully, and keep motorized vehicles and bicycles on marked trails and parking areas.

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Directions to the Park

Attention Vistors to Coyote Point Park: Due to Caltrans construction, access to Coyote Point Park from 101 via Bayshore Blvd. will be blocked from May 5, 2008 to May 19, 2008. Airport Blvd. will remain open to traffic for those wanting to access the park.

When coming to Coyote Point from the north (San Francisco), use Highway 101 South. Take the Poplar Avenue exit. Turn right onto Humbolt until Peninsula Avenue. Turn right onto Peninsula Avenue. Go over the freeway, and then circle around and into the Park.

When coming to Coyote Point from the south (San Jose), use Highway 101 North. Take the Dore Avenue exit. Immediately turn left onto North Bayshore Boulevard. Turn right onto Coyote Point Drive to the park.

SamTrans buses provide service to key destinations throughout San Mateo County and San Francisco, such as work, schools, malls, civic centers and parks. Please visit SamTrans website to find out how you can take one of their buses to this park.

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Reservations

Coyote Point Park has 3 picnic areas with 12 different sites. The Eucalyptus Picnic Area is located near the Marina, the Beach Picnic Area is located near the northern beach front, and the Magic Mountain Picnic Area is located near the Magic Mountain Playground.

The Knoll Day Camp is also available only by reservation and accommodates up to 50
youth and leaders.

The Captain's House Conference Center is also available by reservation.

The above areas are booked for the entire day. Fees are charged for using these areas and for vehicle entry into the park. Payment in full, by credit card, is required at the time you
make the reservation. Reservations are not required for general drop-in use. Vehicle entry fees are charged at the gate house.

To reserve a picnicking site at Coyote Point Park, visit our on line reservation system or please call the San Mateo County  Parks Department reservations desk at (650) 363-4021. Reservations for Knoll Day Camp sites and for the Captain's House Conference Center must be made by phoning the reservations desk.

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Volunteers Program

A large and varied number of volunteer activities take place all year long at Coyote Point Recreation Area as part of the Parks Department's Volunteer Program. Individuals, groups, families and organizations can take part in trail construction, plant maintenance, visitor services and other beneficial and rewarding projects. Special activities are held each year for Earth Day, Coastside Cleanup Day and Trails Day. Please contact Coyote Point Park or San Mateo County Parks Volunteer Program for further information.

The Coyote Point Museum for Environmental Education is funded and supported by donations and volunteers. Volunteers staff the Museum and Wildlife Center, provide interpretive education, and lead docent tours. Call (650) 342-7755 for further information on volunteer opportunities at the Coyote Point Museum.

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