Redwood City's location — between the Bay and the ocean, with a dedicated fishing pier right in the marina — gives families more fishing options than most Peninsula cities. Most Bay pier fishing in California requires no license, and the variety of species within a short drive is genuinely impressive: perch, leopard shark, striped bass, and ocean species at the coast. We mapped the best spots within 20 miles of Redwood City where families can fish without a lot of gear or experience.
1. Port of Redwood City Public Fishing Pier (Redwood City)
Location: 460 Seaport Ct, Redwood City, CA 94063
Redwood City👶 Best for all ages💲 Free🚗 2.3 miRedwood City's own fishing pier — upgraded and family-ready: The Port of Redwood City's public fishing pier at 460 Seaport Ct was upgraded with peek-a-boo grate decking (kids love seeing the water beneath), educational signage identifying Bay fish species, and wire cable railings that give good water views. Target species include leopard sharks, bat rays, jacksmelt, striped bass, and perch. No license required for Bay pier fishing. It's the most convenient fishing option from central Redwood City by a wide margin.
Good to know: fishing pier, educational signage, restrooms nearby, parking.
Parent tip: Leopard shark and bat ray are the most frequently caught species — they put up a real fight and are safe to handle (catch-and-release recommended for sharks). The educational signs on the pier help kids identify what they catch. Best fishing is early morning.
For current hours and seasonal closures, see the official Port of Redwood City Public Fishing Pier page.
2. Coyote Point Marina Fishing Breakwater (San Mateo)
If you're based in Redwood City, it's about 10 min without traffic — worth combining with other San Mateo stops.
Location: 1700 Coyote Point Dr, San Mateo, CA 94401
Bay fishing plus a full park — the complete family fishing day: Coyote Point Marina's breakwater is one of the most family-friendly Bay fishing spots in San Mateo County — no license required, perch, shark, and occasional salmon are the target species, and the park around it has the Magic Mountain Playground, a sandy beach, CuriOdyssey museum, and picnic areas. Vehicle entry fee is $6–7. For families where only one kid wants to fish and the others need something to do, this is the ideal solution.
Good to know: fishing, playground, beach, museum, picnic areas, restrooms, marina.
Parent tip: The breakwater is accessible year-round. Non-fishing family members can spend time at the playground, beach, or CuriOdyssey museum while anglers fish. Perch are consistent; sharks show up in warmer months. No license required for this pier/breakwater location.
Hours and amenities shift with the season — confirm today's on the Coyote Point Marina Fishing Breakwater city page.
3. Pacifica Pier (Pacifica)
A genuine about 23 min drive each way from Redwood City — worth it if the kids need serious space to roam.
Location: Beach Blvd & Santa Rosa Ave, Pacifica, CA 94044
Ocean pier fishing — no license, big variety: Pacifica Pier extends from Sharp Park State Beach over the Pacific Ocean, which means entirely different species than Bay fishing — perch, jacksmelt, salmon runs in season, and occasional halibut. Like all California ocean piers, no fishing license is required. The pier is at the edge of Pacifica's beach neighborhood, which gives you a coastal walk and some food options before or after. The 15-mile drive from Redwood City takes 20–25 minutes on Highway 92/1.
Good to know: fishing pier, ocean fishing, beach access, parking.
Parent tip: Salmon run through Pacifica in fall (August–November is peak) — that's the time to make the drive. Bring heavier gear for salmon than you'd use in the Bay. Crabbing is also possible from the pier in proper season; check CDFW for crab regulations.
Planning a specific day? Check the Pacifica Pier status page for closures first.
4. Foothills Park — Boronda Lake (Los Altos Hills)
Coming from Redwood City, expect about 14 min without traffic — Los Altos Hills has enough nearby to make a half-day of it.
Location: 3300 Page Mill Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94304
Forested lake, fishing dock, non-motorized boats. Boronda Lake at Foothills Park is nine miles from Redwood City but feels much further — a proper forested lake with bass, sunfish, and a kayak launch. Historically the park restricted non-resident access; confirm current Palo Alto policy before visiting. If open to you, it's the most complete freshwater fishing experience in the area. License required, free for under 16.
Good to know: lake fishing, fishing dock, kayak launch, hiking trails, picnic areas.
Parent tip: Verify the current Palo Alto resident-only policy before making the drive — this park has historically restricted non-resident access. Canoe and kayak rentals may be available seasonally. A CA fishing license is required for lake fishing (under 16 is free).
Before you load up the car, review the Foothills Park — Boronda Lake page for maintenance or event closures.
5. Redwood City Harbor Pier — Sierra Point Pier (Brisbane)
Not a quick stop from Redwood City at 18.5 miles — best combined with other Brisbane stops to make the drive worthwhile.
Location: Sierra Point Marina, Brisbane, CA 94005
A Marina Bay pier with reliable access. Sierra Point's location at Brisbane Marina gives you a slightly different Bay fishing angle than Coyote Point — closer to the San Francisco shoreline, perch and rays consistent, striped bass occasional. No license needed for pier fishing. The furthest pick on this list from Redwood City at 18 miles, but straightforward access via 101 North to Sierra Point Blvd.
Good to know: fishing pier, marina access, parking.
Parent tip: Sierra Point is a good alternative to Coyote Point when that area is crowded — different section of the Bay, same no-license pier access. Best early in the morning before marina boat traffic.
Save yourself a wasted trip — the Redwood City Harbor Pier — Sierra Point Pier page lists current hours and closures.
How we picked these
We prioritized spots accessible without a boat, with no fishing license required where possible (California pier fishing typically requires no license; check CDFW for current rules), and with some family amenity (restrooms, shade, or adjacent park). No paid placements.Planning your visit
California bay and ocean pier fishing generally does not require a license for anglers fishing from a public pier. Children under 16 do not need a license for most freshwater and ocean fishing. Always confirm current CDFW regulations before you go. Best fishing is usually early morning or late evening. Crystal Springs Reservoir, San Andreas Lake, and most Bay reservoirs are closed to public fishing.For more kids' events near Redwood City this week, see the Redwood City events page.
Redwood City Fishing Spots — Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best fishing spots for kids near Redwood City, CA?
Our 2026 guide picks 5 standout fishing spots within about 20 miles of Redwood City. The top picks include Port of Redwood City Public Fishing Pier, Coyote Point Marina Fishing Breakwater and Pacifica Pier — each chosen for kid-friendly layout, parent reviews, and how well it holds up on a weekend visit.
Which fishing spots near Redwood City are free?
3 of the 5 fishing spots in this guide are free to visit, including Port of Redwood City Public Fishing Pier, Pacifica Pier and Redwood City Harbor Pier — Sierra Point Pier. The rest charge admission — check the individual cards above for prices.
What is the closest fishing spot to Redwood City?
Port of Redwood City Public Fishing Pier is the closest pick at about 2.3 miles from Redwood City. It's the easiest one to fit into a weekday afternoon — short drive, low commitment, easy to leave early if the kids melt down.