Touring * Fitness * Beginner * Hockey * Artistic *

From U.S. 101 heading north from the south bay, exit at Anza Boulevard and park at the Days Inn or the Doubletree Hotel. Both have "Public Shore" parking near the lagoon. From U.S. 101 going south from downtown San Francisco, exit at Broadway. Follow the signs to Bayshore Highway, looping back over the freeway to the northeast. Turn right on Bayshore and left on Airport Boulevard. Continue on to Anza and park as described above.

Despite the fact that the San Francisco International Airport hotel area is heavily developed, the intrepid skater will find some peaceful spots and spectacular vistas by following the edge of the bay and exploring the nearby lagoons. A bonus for airplane lovers, the shoreline parallels the normal flight approach to the airport.

Starting near the Doubletree Hotel just north of Anza Boulevard, follow the trail next to Anza west toward U.S. 101. It soon loops under the Anza Boulevard bridge and heads south along the edge of the lagoon. Enjoy the marshy scenery for approximately half a mile until the trail veers sharply left toward the bay. (A footbridge goes straight to cross the slough here, but it was closed at press time) The remainder of the trail is in need of repaving on the approach to its termination at Airport Boulevard. From this point, you can turn right to continue south on the edge of Airport Boulevard to reach Coyote Point County Recreational Area. Turn around here and return to the lagoon, following it until you reach the Anza Boulevard bridge. Before you head back under the bridge, go left and skate on it to cross the lagoon heading toward U.S. 101. On the other side of the lagoon, the Sanchez Creek Marsh has a short nature trail that passes between the freeway and the lagoon, offering a tiny wildlife haven from all the development in the area. Return to the Doubletree Hotel by following the trail back across the lagoon and under Anza Boulevard.

To explore the Bayside Park Trail, cross Airport Boulevard to the bay side and continue skating northwest until you reach Bayside Park. This is a perfect spot for beginners; the pavement is new and smooth and there are some great bay views. On the north side of the park, the dedicated trail curves to the west and then ends too soon at Bayshore Boulevard.

If you're eager to continue on, turn right and follow the terrible sidewalk next to Bayshore. Be careful on the rough, narrow surface, and watch for obstacles such as manhole covers and frequent driveways. Just north of the One Bay Plaza building, an almost hidden "Public Shore" sign points the way to a trail on the right that leads back to the shore. Skate next to the San Francisco Bay on varying pavement textures to pass by hotels and restaurants until you finally reach a pretty little park (with a water fountain) just south of the roar of the airport.

One last diversion awaits on your return to the Doubletree. Just past the Crown Sterling Suites on the east side of Airport Boulevard, a short trail extension leads south to a loop around the pretty Anza Lagoon, where rest rooms and water are available.

One final note: A pickup hockey game starts at noon most Sundays in a parking lot between the two lagoons. Look for the players behind the Airport Corporate Center at 533 Airport Boulevard.