Touring *

From U.S. 101 in San Mateo, take the Hillsdale Boulevard exit. Turn south on Edgewater and follow it to the end, where you can look for a place to park. From the San Mateo Bridge (Highway 92) take the Edgewater exit and repeat the above directions.

Just about anywhere you skate in Foster City is clean and scenic, with premium touring along its many waterways. In these parts, it's best to skate in the morning before the wind comes up. The Foster City Loop takes you on a clockwise route along a canal-side bike trail. (Reverse the direction if the winds are blowing south to north.) From the end of Edgewater Boulevard, skate to the right (southwest) along the Belmont Slough. Soon you will cross to the Marina Lagoon Trail, which takes you past upscale condominiums and then under the San Mateo Bridge. Skate on Fashion Island Boulevard, and turn left onto Mariner's Island Boulevard to reach East Third Avenue. At Third, you can regain the levee bike path and skate closer to the water. Continuing your loop at Third Avenue, the path goes to Little Coyote Point and then passes under Highway 92 (watch for arrows marking the way). The trail curves along the bay next to Beach Park Boulevard and through the Belmont Slough. Continue on until you reach your starting point at Edgewater. If you're still fresh, explore the neighborhood streets, where good pavement and light automobile traffic ensure a fun jaunt.