Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, Bay Area Travel Guide

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Discover Candlestick Point State Recreation Area: San Francisco's urban oasis with bay views, trails, fishing, and windsurfing.

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Candlestick Point State Recreation Area

Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, San Francisco's first urban state park, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. Once a wasteland, this 252-acre park now features trails, picnic areas, a fishing pier, and windsurfing opportunities, all with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay.

A brief summary to Candlestick Point State Recreation Area

500 Hunters Point Expy, San Francisco, Candlestick Point SRA, California, 94124, US
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Monday 7 am-5 pm
Tuesday 7 am-5 pm
Wednesday 7 am-5 pm
Thursday 7 am-5 pm
Friday 7 am-5 pm
Saturday 7 am-5 pm
Sunday 7 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Candlestick Point State Recreation Area.

Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and increase your chances of spotting wildlife.
Check the park's hours of operation, as the gates are locked in the evening.
Bring layers, as the bayfront location can be windy and cool.
A fishing license is required to fish from the shoreline if you are over 16.

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Explore Candlestick Point State Recreation Area on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

While Candlestick Point SRA is not directly accessible by public transit, you can take the Muni #15-Third Street bus to Arleta and Bayshore, then transfer to the #15 Rutland and exit at Executive Park Plaza. From there, walk across the road to the San Francisco Bay shoreline. Alternatively, from the East Bay, take BART to Balboa Park station and transfer to the #15-Third Street MUNI bus. A single ride on Muni costs $3.00, or $2.50 with a Clipper card. A day pass is available for $5.70.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Take a taxi or ride-share service (Uber/Lyft) to the main park parking lot at 500 Hunters Point Expressway. Be aware that some apps may not have the location correct, so it's best to use Google Maps and enter 'Pelican Group Picnic Area' as your destination. Taxi fares in San Francisco start at $4.15, with an additional $0.65 for each additional 1/5 mile and $0.65 per minute of waiting time. A short trip from the Bayshore Caltrain station to Candlestick Point could cost approximately $15-$20, depending on traffic.
Driving

From Highway 101, take the Third Street exit, then the first left, and continue until Gilman Ave. Turn right on Gilman Ave and continue to the park entrance on your left. As of early 2023, Hunters Point Expressway is blocked to cars. Enter the park by driving to the end of Gilman Ave and bearing left then right. Parking is available in the main Candlestick Point parking lot. There is no free parking near Candlestick Point State Recreation Area.

Discover more about Candlestick Point State Recreation Area

Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, a hidden gem in southeastern San Francisco, provides a welcome escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Established in 1977 as California's first urban state park, it transformed a former garbage dump into a vibrant recreational space. The park's location on the western shoreline of the bay offers panoramic views of San Bruno Mountain, the East Bay Hills, and the San Francisco Bay.The park's name has several possible origins, including a rock outcropping that resembled a candlestick, a local name for the long-billed curlew (candlestick bird), or the 19th-century practice of burning abandoned sailing ships in the bay, their flaming masts resembling lighted candlesticks.Candlestick Point offers a variety of activities for visitors. Anglers can fish from the public pier for halibut, jack smelt, striped bass, and other species. Windsurfing is popular due to the area's strong and consistent winds. The park also features walking trails, open lawns, and picnic areas with BBQ grills. Birdwatchers can spot hawks, pelicans, and various migratory birds.The park's history is intertwined with the surrounding Bayview-Hunters Point community. After the demolition of Candlestick Park stadium in 2015, the recreation area has remained a protected green space, offering respite and recreational opportunities for city residents. Candlestick Point State Recreation Area is a testament to community activism and the preservation of urban green spaces.