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

Discover San Francisco's hidden gem: Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, offering stunning views, outdoor activities, and a rich history.

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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's now a haven for bird watching, windsurfing, fishing, and picnicking, with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay.

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.
  • Check the park's website for information on free arts and nature programs.
  • Bring layers, as the park can be windy and cool, especially in the afternoon.
  • A license is required to fish from the shoreline if you are over 16 years old.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    While Candlestick Point SRA is not directly accessible by public transit, the SFMTA offers bus service to the intersection of Thomas Mellon Drive and Executive Park Boulevard, about a mile west of the park. From there, you can walk or take the Bayview Shuttle directly to Candlestick. A single ride on Muni costs $3.00.

  • Car

    The park is accessible by car via Highway 101. Take the Candlestick Park exit and follow the road towards the shoreline. Be aware that Hunters Point Expressway is blocked to cars as of early 2023. Use Gilman Ave to access the park, following signs for Candlestick RV Park and then southeast to the parking lot. Parking is available in the main lot. Parking fees may apply.

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, a 170-acre park located in the southeastern corner of San Francisco, stands as a testament to community activism and urban renewal. Established in 1977, it was California's first urban state park, transforming a former garbage dump into a vibrant recreational space. The park's name has several possible origins, from a rock formation resembling a candlestick to a local term for the long-billed curlew or even the practice of burning abandoned ships whose masts looked like lighted candles. Regardless of its exact origin, the name evokes the area's rich maritime history. Today, Candlestick Point offers a diverse landscape of grassy uplands, coastal salt marsh, and pocket beaches. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, the East Bay Hills, and San Bruno Mountain. The park is a popular spot for fishing, windsurfing, bird watching, and picnicking. Anglers can fish from the public pier, hoping to catch halibut, striped bass, or even leopard sharks, depending on the season. Birdwatchers can spot hawks, herons, pelicans, and various migratory birds. Windsurfers take advantage of the strong winds that sweep across the bay. The park also features walking trails, picnic areas with BBQ grills, and a kayak-in/hike-in/bike-in campground. It's a place where city dwellers can escape the urban bustle and connect with nature. Candlestick Point State Recreation Area is more than just a park; it's a symbol of community empowerment and the ongoing effort to create accessible green spaces for all.

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