Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, State recreation area in San Francisco, California, United States

Candlestick Point State Recreation Area is a 170-acre (69 ha) landfilled park at the southeastern tip of San Francisco, immediately south of Hunters Point. It has picnic areas, two fishing piers, fitness courses and hiking trails along the bay. Strong, regular winds make it a popular windsurfing spot.

The 170-acre site was reclaimed from the bay and meant as a World War II Navy shipyard, but the war ended before it was used. It then served as a garbage dump until the California State Legislature bought it for $10 million in 1973 and voted in 1977 to make it a state park, the first urban recreation area in California.

The name Candlestick has three competing explanations: an 8-foot pinnacle rock once at the high-tide line, the long-billed curlew or "candlestick bird" once plentiful here, and 19th-century burning of abandoned sailing ships whose masts resembled lighted candlesticks. Windsurfers still use the point for its strong, regular winds.

The park is accessible during daylight hours with parking available at multiple entry points. The best time to visit is on dry days when the paths are easiest to walk.

The name Candlestick has three competing explanations: an 8-foot pinnacle rock once standing at the high-tide line, the long-billed curlew or "candlestick bird" once plentiful here, and 19th-century burning of abandoned sailing ships whose flaming masts resembled lighted candlesticks.