SUNDAY DRIVE

What you see: The first surprise at Coyote Point is at the waterfront, where you can look out across the expanse of South San Francisco Bay. It’s so close to so many, but gazing out from land’s end at the jaws of the harbor, the scope of wide-open space can surprise even longtime residents. You can take advantage of all that water with a boat of any kind. Coyote Point is also a destination for easy walks, bird watching, fishing and windsurfing, and a science playground is popular with families and children.

Location: Coyote Point extends into the South Bay along the San Mateo waterfront, north of the San Mateo Bridge.

Boat: A boat ramp is set within a harbor protected from surge by a breakwater. The docks are filled mostly with sailboats. After launching, it is a short ride along the northern breakwater to the mouth of the harbor, which feeds along a channel that connects to the main north-south channel of the South Bay. A fuel dock is open daily 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. $3 launch fee. Coyote Point Marina, 650-573-2594.

Walk: If this is a first visit, take the Marina Trail a short distance from the Marina Overlook out to land’s end (no dogs). That will provide the best feel for the area. For those more familiar and who want more, the Bay Trail runs 1.2 miles through the recreation area, then extends beyond to the north or south. Leashed dogs are OK on the Bay Trail.

Bike: The rides are paved and near flat and, for the most part, short. Most cyclists will ride the Bay Trail, perhaps linking to the Promenade and Bluff Trail to ride around the rec area. The Bay Trail extends out of the park both north and south.

Bird watch: As late summer and fall arrive, so does the procession of migratory shorebirds and waterfowl to the tidal wetlands along the South Bay. The best walk to see birds is on the Shoreline Trail, located east of the marina along a tidal marsh. The common-sighted residents are egrets, herons, coots and sandpipers. Diving ducks, such as spoonies (northern shoveler), are the most common waterfowl.

Fish: It’s always a wild card, but, as winter arrives, Coyote Point can sometimes provide good perch fishing. On high tides, perch can feed along the outer breakwater. Grass shrimp are the preferred entreaty.

Water sports: Lessons, rentals for windsurfing, stand-up paddleboards, and kite surfing. Boardsports School, 415-3851224, https://boardsports california.com.

CuriOdyssey: Environmental science museum; $12.50 for adults, $9.50 for children. 650342-7755, https://curiodyssey. org.

Rifle & Pistol Club: Open 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; $5. Safety protocols required. 650-5732557.

Entrance: $6 per vehicle (free if using services provided by Curi Odyssey, Rifle & Pistol Club, or those with boats berthed at the marina).

Contacts: Coyote Point Recreation Area, 650-573-2592; San Mateo County Parks Department, 650-653-4020, https:// parks.smcgov.org.