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

Escape the city in San Francisco's first urban state park, offering bay views, recreation, and a breath of fresh air.

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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 park with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, providing a welcome escape from the city bustle.

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.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown San Francisco, take the T-Third Muni Metro line towards Sunnydale. Exit at the Arleta Avenue stop on Bayshore Boulevard. Walk east on Blanken Avenue. You can take the 56-Rutland bus east from Blanken Ave and Bayshore Blvd to the terminus on Thomas Mellon Drive in SF Executive Park, which shortens the walk. From there, it's about a mile walk to the park entrance. Check the SFMTA website for current schedules and fares. A single ride on Muni costs $3.00.

  • Ride Share

    From anywhere in San Francisco, use a ride-sharing service (Lyft, Uber) and request a ride to the main park parking lot at 500 Hunters Point Expressway. Be aware that Hunters Point Expressway is blocked to cars as of early 2023, so enter the park by driving to the end of Gilman Ave and bearing left then right. Ask your driver to take you to the Pelican Point Picnic Area. From there, it's a short walk to the park's attractions. A ride from downtown San Francisco will typically cost between $20 and $30, depending on traffic and demand.

  • Driving

    From Highway 101, take the Candlestick Park exit heading towards the stadium and follow the shoreline to the Candlestick Point State Recreation Area parking lot. Be aware that Hunters Point Expressway is blocked to cars as of early 2023, so enter the park by driving to the end of Gilman Ave and bearing left then right. Parking is available in the main lot, but it closes early. Check posted hours upon arrival. There are no parking fees.

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Discover more about Candlestick Point State Recreation Area

Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, 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 recreational haven. The park's name may originate from a rock formation that resembled a candlestick, a local name for the long-billed curlew, or the practice of burning abandoned ships whose masts looked like lighted candles. Today, Candlestick Point offers panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, San Bruno Mountain, and the East Bay Hills. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including fishing, bird watching, windsurfing, kayaking, and hiking. The park features picnic areas with BBQ grills, walking trails, and a fishing pier. It also serves as an important stop on the Pacific Flyway, attracting migrating birds from Canada and Alaska. Candlestick Point's history is intertwined with the surrounding Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood. The park provides a much-needed green space for the community, offering opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and connection with nature. Despite facing challenges such as budget cuts and road closures, Candlestick Point continues to be a valuable asset for San Francisco residents and visitors alike.

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