Leo J. Ryan Park is a popular park in Foster City, California, welcoming leashed dogs to enjoy its open green spaces, walking paths, and recreation areas. Located on the San Francisco Peninsula, the park provides a great spot for dogs and their owners to get fresh air, stretch their legs, and socialize. Quick afternoon walk or leisurely weekend outing, this park is a dog-friendly destination in the community. With a 4.8-star Google rating from 2,347 reviews, it is a well-loved spot among locals and visitors alike.
Named after Congressman Leo J. Ryan and also known as Central Park, this sprawling twenty-acre park is the centerpiece of Foster City’s park system. The expansive grounds feature lush green lawns, scenic walking trails, and direct access to the Foster City Lagoon, creating a beautiful setting for a day out with your dog. The park’s size means there is plenty of space for you and your dog to explore without feeling crowded, even on busy weekends.
One of the biggest draws for dog owners is the dedicated off-leash dog park within Leo J. Ryan Park. The fenced dog park covers more than an acre and is divided into two separate sections — one for small dogs and another for larger dogs. This thoughtful design ensures that dogs of all sizes can run, play, and socialize safely. The dog park includes benches where owners can relax while their dogs enjoy off-leash freedom, making it a favorite gathering spot for the local dog-owning community.
Beyond the dog park, the broader grounds of Leo J. Ryan Park offer scenic walking and biking trails that wind along the lagoon, providing beautiful waterside views that make every walk feel special. A boardwalk and picnic areas invite you to slow down and enjoy the scenery with your leashed dog. The lagoon itself is a centerpiece of the park, and while your dog will need to stay on dry land, the water adds a peaceful backdrop to your outing. The park also has playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, a gazebo on the lagoon, and restroom facilities.
For those looking to make a full day of it, the area around Leo J. Ryan Park offers additional recreation options, including pedal boat, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals on the lagoon. The park is easily accessible with ample parking and is open daily. Quick morning walk, an afternoon at the dog park, or a scenic evening stroll along the lagoon trails — Leo J. Ryan Park is one of the best dog-friendly destinations on the San Francisco Peninsula.
