Candlestick Point State Recreation Area

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.

 

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.