Candlestick Point

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=519 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candlestick_Point_State_Recreation_Area Candlestick Point State Recreation Area provides an urban protected area on San Francisco Bay. The park is located at the southeastern tip of San Francisco immediately south of Hunters Point and 2 miles (3.2 km) north of Sierra Point in Brisbane. This 170-acre (69 ha) landfilled area was intended to be used during World War II as a shipyard by the United States Navy. However it was abandoned as the war ended. Without government controls, the area was used by nearby residences as a garbage dump. After the designation Candlestick became the first urban recreation area in the state. To this day Candlestick remains as a major recreation area in San Francisco, offering a wide view of the bay. The park features various picnic areas, two fishing piers, fitness courses as well as hiking trails. This park is also a popular area for windsurfing because of strong wind. Candlestick Park, the former stadium of the San Francisco Giants and San Francisco 49ers, was also located next to Candlestick Point.

Candlestick Point State Recreation Area Our Mission The mission of the California Department of Parks and Recreation is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. GRAY DAVIS Governor MARY D. NICHOLS Secretary for Resources RUTH COLEMAN Director, California State Parks California State Parks does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at the phone number below. To receive this publication in an alternate format, write to the Communications Office at the following address. CALIFORNIA For information call: STATE PARKS (800) 777-0369 P. O. Box 942896 (916) 653-6995, outside the U.S. Sacramento, CA 711, TTY relay service 94296-0001 www.parks.ca.gov Candlestick Point State Recreation Area P.O. Box 34159 San Francisco, Ca 94134 (415) 671-0145 © 2003 California State Parks Printed on Recycled Paper Surrounded by millions of urban dwellers, the park provides a great variety of recreational opportunities, from fishing to windsurfing to strolling. F rom Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, panoramic views of San Bruno Mountain, the East Bay Hills and San Francisco Bay give visitors a sense of solitude and relaxation. Its location on the western shoreline of the bay— surrounded by millions of urban dwellers—provides a great variety of recreational opportunities, from fishing to windsurfing to strolling. The walking trails, open lawns, and fishing piers at this 252acre park offer a chance to get away from it all, answering the human need for fresh air, open space and wholesome leisure activities. Angler on fishing pier HISTORY The name Candlestick Point dates back to the 1800s, when a U.S. Coast Guard survey gave the designation to a rock outcropping that resembled a candlestick. A somewhat more colorful local fable tells of the burning of abandoned sailing ships during the 19th century, and the flaming masts that The Old Pier resembled lighted candlesticks as they sank into the bay. Mudflat At the beginning of World walks, bird War II, the United States Navy View of Plover Group Picnic Area walks and filled in tidelands to create the fishing nearby Naval Shipyard (now programs are provided to schools and closed). Today the part of this landfill on other groups on request. Visitors which the park sits is a cultural resource strolling down a trail might encounter that demonstrates the effect of major land an artist, complete with easel, changes in ecologically sensitive areas. immortalizing the breathtaking bay RECREATION view on canvas. Along the way they Close to major routes of travel, might look up to see brightly colored Candlestick Point State Recreation Area kites bobbing in the brisk sea breeze. was the first California State Park unit Anglers find the convenience of two purposely acquired to bring state park piers where they can fish for halibut, values into an urban setting. This made striped bass, sturgeon, perch or both passive and active recreational flounder. opportunities available to Bay Area The Community Gardens offer city residents of all physical abilities. dwellers individual garden plots for Wind-sheltered individual and group growing vegetables and flowers, and picnic areas with spectacular views there is a fitness course for those who provide visitors with enjoyable outdoor wish to stay in shape. Windsurfers will experiences. Call ahead to reserve one of discover a wind-whipped bay with the four group picnic areas. Distances excellent opportunities for those at from the parking lot to the picnic areas intermediate and advanced levels. vary from 30 to 250 yards. WILDLIFE The mud and sand beds of the wetland habitat are home to clams, ghost shrimp, marine worms and other small animals. The bay waters support a great variety of sea life, as well as resident and migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Squirrels and rabbits make the park their home, and birdwatchers can enjoy the sight of hawks, brown pelicans, cormorants, surf scoters, western grebes, terns, and snowy and common Cormorant egrets, among many other species. ACCESSIBLE FEATURES Accessibility is continually improving. Call the park for the latest information. • One-and-a-half miles of mostly level, paved trails • Three picnic tables at the Last Port Area, and four picnic tables with barbecue grills at the Plover Group Picnic Area • Restrooms — At Plover Group Picnic Area (Restroom #4), Sunrise Point (Restroom #5) Adjacent Candlestick Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers football team HOW TO GET THERE The park is most easily reached from Highway 101. Take the Candlestick Park exit heading towards the stadium and follow the shoreline to the Candlestick Point State Recreation Area parking lo