Candlestick Point State Recreation Area

Update (December 8, 2020): California has issued a Regional Stay at Home Order to stop the surge of COVID-19 cases and prevent a strain on the health care system. This action will help protect critical care for patients. While the order includes the closure of campground sites in impacted regions, the state also recognizes that mental health is physical health. As such, day use outdoor areas of park units currently open to the public will remain open. Members of the same household are encouraged to stay local and recreate responsibly in the outdoors. Please take the time to read the information contained on this webpage to find out what is open and closed, and the COVID-19 guidelines for this park unit.

What is open now?
  • Trails.
  • Fishing pier.

What is currently closed at this park and throughout the State Park System?
Closed at this park:
  • Camping.
  • Parking (vehicle access).
  • Kiosk.
  • Community Gardens.
Statewide:
  • Many campgrounds across the state remain temporarily closed until further notice or will be temporarily closed in accordance with the new Regional Stay at Home Order. More information here.
  • High public-use indoor facilities, including museums and visitor centers.
  • Special events and tours continue to be canceled until further notice.

Are there any new visitor guidelines?
Yes, State Parks has implemented the following guidelines to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in the outdoors:
  • Stay Local –Stay close to home to slow the spread of COVID-19. Do not travel if you or someone in your household is sick.
  • Plan Ahead – The COVID-19 pandemic response continues to be dynamic and fluid. As such, information on this webpage may change. Prior to visiting us, please check this webpage again right before you visit the park to find out if new guidelines are in place.
  • Stay Safer at 6 feet – No matter the recreational activity, maintain a physical distance of 6 feet or more. Your guests should only include those within your immediate household. This means no guests or friends, and no gatherings, picnics or parties. Visitors are being asked to leave if there are too many people to allow for the required physical distance.
    • Boating: Do not raft up to other boaters or pull up onto a beach next to other recreators.
    • Off-highway Vehicle Recreation: Do not ride next to others or pull up next to someone else as it could put you in close proximity to others. Stage 10 feet or more from each other during unloading and loading.
  • Keep Clean – Be prepared. Not all restrooms are open to the public. in some cases, restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer. Please pack out all trash. Park units are experiencing heavy use and you can help alleviate the impact on park facilities.
  • Stay Covered – The state requires you wear a face covering when you cannot maintain physical distancing of six feet or more. Individuals must have a face covering with them at all times.

Statewide, California State Parks continues to work with locals on a phased and regionally driven approach to increase access to state park units where compliance with state and local public health ordinances can be achieved. However, the situation remains fluid and park operations can change at any time. The need for Californians to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the outdoors remains critical.

For information on statewide current closures and available services, please visit parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.

Phone Number

(415) 671-0145

Park Hours

Change seasonally

March 10 to Oct. 31: 8am to 7pm

Nov. 1 to March 9: 8am to 5pm

Dogs Allowed?

Yes

Driving Directions to Candlestick Point SRA

From Highway 101 take the Candlestick Park exit heading towards the stadium and follow the shoreline to the Candlestick Point State Recreation Area (Day Use) parking lot.

View on Map

Camping and Lodging

Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date – based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules.

Online Reservations

Upcoming Park Events

No events scheduled at this moment.

BOATING
Boating
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
Hike or Bike Campsites
TRAIL USE
Bike Trails
Hiking Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Picnic Areas
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Guided Tours
Beach Area
Swimming
Windsurfing/Surfing
Family Programs
Geocaching
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Wheelchair Accessible

Due to COVID-19 concerns, the San Francisco County Department of Public Health has not approved camping at Candlestick SRA. Therefore, the campsites will be closed through the remainder of 2020 calendar year. Please check the web periodically for updates.

From Candlestick Point State Recreation, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, the East Bay Hills,San Bruno Mountain as well as relax in the peaceful scenery of the park itself. Its location on the western shoreline of the San Francisco Bay provides a variety of recreational opportunities from windsurfing, fishing, bird watching and walking to simply relaxing. The trails, group picnic sites and fishing piers at this urban park offer a get-away of open space and outdoor activities. 

Candlestick Point SRA was the first California State Park unit developed to bring state park values into the urban setting. From historic wetlands to landfill to landscaped park, Candlestick Point demonstrates major land use changes of the San Francisco Bay. Its name is derived from 19th century locals who thought the burning of nearby abandoned sailing ships and their flaming masts in the bay resembled lighted candlesticks. 

Location

Main Park Entrance: 500 Hunters Point Expressway (not Boulevard) Take the Candlestick Park exit off U.S. 101 in San Francisco. Park Office: 1150 Carroll Ave. S.F., CA 94124

Seasons/Climate Recommended Clothing

The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended.

Activities

Candlestick Point SRA is a unique state park on San Francisco Bay offering a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors.

Wind sheltered individual and group picnic areas have spectacular bay views. There is a 50 person limit per group site; all groups sites are walk-in only. No reservations or fees required at this time. All sites are first come first served. Please note some activities require special use permits and additional fees in order to avoid fines.

Prohibited activities include: Bounce Houses, Private vendors, DJ's, Amplified music, Drones, or sales of any kind. Commercial filming requires a permit from the California Film Commission, and need at least 10 days to process.

Collecting or destroying anything in the park, including mushrooms, is prohibited.

Windsurfers enjoy the wind-whipped bay along Candlestick’s shores, primarily in the spring and summer.  

The park is popular for the fishing opportunities found along its shoreline and a public pier. The "Old Pier" on Jamestown Avenue is temporarily closed for rehabilitaion. The "Fishing Pier" at Sunrise Point remains open for use during park hours. Depending on the season, catches might include halibut, striped bass, perch or sturgeon. No fishing liscence is required on the pier, but there is two pole limit per person, or 1 pole and 1 net. Fishing from the shoreline requires a license and is limited to one pole only.

PLEASE NEVER LEAVE POLES UNATTENDED, ALL FISH AND WILDLIFE LAWS APPLY.

Bird watching is best in the winter when migrant waterfowl and shorebirds are numerous in the bay, but pelicans, egrets and hawks can also be seen throughout the year. Please remember all wildlife and plantlife is protected within the park.

A fitness course along Candlestick’s popular shoreline walking trails is an asset to those who wish to stay in shape. 

Please note that there are no LifeGuards on duty at any time.

 

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More about the park

It was first born during World War II as 170 acres of landfill that was going to be used as a U.S. Navy shipyard. After the war, the landfill remained, but without a purpose. Some of its neighbors found a purpose for it--an easy place to dump their garbage.

Other neighbors sought a different purpose; they wanted to turn it into a park, with grass, trees, shrubs, and flowers. In 1973, the state legislature set aside $10 million to purchase the land. In 1977, the California Legislature voted to develop the land as a state recreation area--the first urban state recreation area.

The park offers hiking, jogging, bicycling, bird watching, informal games, and picnicking. There is a bike path and a fitness course. Candlestick Point is also a popular entry point for windsurfing on the bay.

On any given day, people come to  exercise, fish, and just enjoy the experience of "getting away from it all" - a treasured respite from city life. It is also valued as a community park with many frequent visitors from the nearby Bayview/Hunters Point neighorhoods.

Firearms, weapons or hunting is not allowed. Possession of loaded firearms and air rifles is prohibited. This includes anything that shoots a projectile, including, but not limited to, arrows, pellets, BB's, paint balls and sling shots.

Park plants, artifacts and animals are protected and should not be touched or harassed. It is important that you use the provided metal storage bins for all food and scented items to avoid accidentally feeding or having any negative interactions with native park wildlife.