Redwood City city feature
About this landmark
The region's only deep-water port
The Port of Redwood City is located at 675 Seaport Boulevard in Redwood City. The Port is uniquely described as the only deep-water port in South San Francisco Bay, positioned 18 nautical miles south of San Francisco. The Port is a City of Redwood City entity operating under the Redwood City Charter, with governance through a five-member Board of Port Commissioners appointed by the Redwood City Council. Commissioners must be Redwood City residents at appointment and for at least three prior years, serve four-year terms without compensation, and cannot simultaneously hold other city positions.
History and waterfront cargo operations
The Port has been in use since 1851 and was formally founded by City Charter in 1937. The Port occupies approximately 120 acres and maintains 190 berths across 5 wharves. The channel measures 200 feet wide by 13,360 feet long, accommodating a 30-foot draft depth for deep-water vessel operations. The Port specializes in bulk, neo-bulk, and liquid cargoes, and handles construction cargo for regional development. Annual operations move substantial tonnage of commodities including cement and metal recycling.
The Port Commission holds exclusive control and management of the Port under the City Charter and is authorized to adopt and enforce its own ordinances and regulations for Port administration. This governance structure enables the Port to operate with dedicated maritime expertise while remaining accountable to the Redwood City Council. The Port's location on the San Francisco Bay provides critical infrastructure for regional commerce and goods distribution serving Northern California.
Public access and recreation
The Port maintains over one mile of waterfront access with walkways, viewing areas, a fishing pier, and waterfront parks with picnic areas, restrooms, and public art. The Port operates the only public boat launching facility with Bay access south of Coyote Point, available 24/7. Equipment rentals for sailboats, kayaks, and personal watercraft provide recreational opportunities for visitors and residents.
Contact information for the Port includes phone (650) 306-4150 and email [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with alternating Friday closures. The Port balances its role as a working maritime facility with public recreational access, making waterfront areas available to the community while maintaining operations serving regional commerce.
Insurance connection: Flood insurance
Waterfront properties face distinct flood risks. Standard homeowners and commercial policies exclude flood, mudslide, and related water disasters, requiring separate coverage. Flood insurance through NFIP is provided mainly by the National Flood Insurance Program, established by Congress in 1968 and administered by FEMA, available in participating communities. A new policy generally takes effect 30 days after purchase, except federally-required policies in high-risk areas may bypass the waiting period. Flood coverage applies to direct physical loss from overflow of water, rapid surface-water runoff, and mudflow, but excludes earthquakes and landslides. Eligibility and limits depend on your policy. The issued policy controls.
Primary sources: the Port's official About page, the Port's governance page, and the Wikipedia article.
Insurance context is general information only. The issued policy and its endorsements settle coverage.