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Candlestick Point State Recreation Area: San Francisco's Urban Oasis

Discover stunning bay views, outdoor recreation, and community spirit at San Francisco's Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, an urban oasis.

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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, it has been transformed into a vibrant space with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, diverse wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor adventures.

A brief summary to Candlestick Point State Recreation Area

  • 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

Local tips

  • Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and increase your chances of spotting wildlife.
  • Head to Sunrise Point early in the morning for a breathtaking view of the sunrise over the Bay.
  • Bring a picnic and enjoy the views from one of the park's many picnic areas with BBQ grills.
  • Check the park's event calendar for community events, school field trips, and public programs.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown San Francisco, take the Muni T-Third line to the Arleta and Bayshore stop. Transfer to the #56 Rutland bus and exit at Executive Park Plaza. Walk across the road to the San Francisco Bay shoreline and follow the path into Candlestick Point State Recreation Area. Muni fares are approximately $3 per ride. Alternatively, as of December 2024, the Bayview Shuttle provides direct service to Candlestick Point.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Request a ride to the main park parking lot at 500 Hunters Point Expressway. From there, it's a short walk to the park's trails and facilities. A taxi or ride-share from downtown San Francisco will cost approximately $30-$40, depending on traffic.

  • Driving

    From Highway 101, take the Third Street exit, take the first left, then continue until Gilman Ave. Take a right on Gilman Ave. and continue to the park entrance, which will be on your left. Parking is free. The main parking lot is open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Note: As of early 2023, Hunters Point Expressway is blocked to cars.

Unlock the Best of Candlestick Point State Recreation Area

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Discover more about Candlestick Point State Recreation Area

Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, often called a 'hidden gem', is a testament to community activism and ecological restoration. Established in 1977 as California's first urban state park, it arose from the efforts of Bayview-Hunters Point residents who sought to reclaim the shoreline from junkyards. Today, it's a tapestry of grassy uplands, coastal salt marsh, intertidal mudflats, and pocket beaches. The park offers panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, the East Bay Hills, and San Bruno Mountain, providing a sense of solitude amidst the urban landscape. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including fishing, bird watching, windsurfing, hiking, and picnicking. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including hawks, herons, ground squirrels, jackrabbits, and various bird species. Anglers can fish off the public pier, catching halibut, jack smelt, striped bass, and more, depending on the season. Candlestick Point SRA also boasts a kayak-in/hike-in/bike-in campground, accessible via the San Francisco Bay Trail and the San Francisco Bay Water Trail. The campground offers accessible campsites with picnic tables, food storage boxes, and grills. The park's history is intertwined with the surrounding Bayview-Hunters Point community, a vibrant and diverse neighborhood with a strong connection to the park. Candlestick Point SRA stands as a symbol of community empowerment, environmental stewardship, and urban recreation.

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