Candlestick Point State Recreation Area in California, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-11-01. Check linked official notices before travel.

Candlestick Point State Recreation Area is a California State Parks shoreline park in San Francisco’s Bayview–Hunters Point neighborhood. Choose a paved walk, picnic or public-pier fishing.

Choose a paved shoreline route

The Shoreline Trail starts at the main parking lot and leads to a fishing site. The roughly one-mile Bay Trail can be reached from the main lot or Last Port. These give walkers and wheelchair users distinct starting points.

Leave time for a daylight visit

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Bring layers for afternoon wind

Wind commonly increases in the afternoon. Bring layers. At picnic sites, check the route and table clearance before settling in: some firm pads are too small to maneuver easily, and reaching some tables involves crossing lawn.

Keep gatherings within park rules

Leash dogs within six feet. No balloons, confetti, bounce houses, open ground fires or prohibited weapons. DJs and private vendors require special permits.

Picnic tables are first come, first served

Tables and four group picnic sites are first come, first served; reservations are unavailable.

Choose the entrance that fits the walk

Use 500 Hunters Point Expressway for the main entrance or 150 Harney Way for Last Port.

Other Bayview waterfront stops by road

Heron’s Head Park’s EcoCenter is at 32 Jennings Street; the outdoor Nature Exploration Area operates sunrise to sunset. India Basin Waterfront Park includes the 900 Innes Avenue site. Reach it separately by road: the Bay Trail is closed between 900 Innes and PG&E Shoreline, so do not assume an uninterrupted waterfront connection.

Walk, picnic or fish from the pier

Public-pier fishing is license-free, subject to pole, bag and other wildlife limits. Shoreline fishing has separate license requirements.

Match accessible features to your needs

The main and Last Port lots serve the Bay Trail, with generally accessible restrooms. Jackrabbit and Plover picnic areas have accessible restrooms nearby, although some table approaches cross lawn. Windharp Hill has accessible parking and generally accessible table routes, but restrooms are farther away and faucets may require assistance. Consult the specific accessibility descriptions when choosing a meeting point.

A shoreline reclaimed for public recreation

Community organizing shaped the park

Residents helped reclaim former junkyards for California’s first urban state park.

Marsh, mudflat and wintering ducks

Marshes, mudflats and uplands support wildlife, including wintering ducks on the Pacific Flyway.

Confirm gates and group plans

Call 415-798-7318. Consult the park information and India Basin construction advisory.