Whether you are an avid fisherman, a beach lover, or just looking for a scenic spot to take a walk, you’ll find some of the world’s longest piers in California. It’s one of California’s best features and many visitors come to the state just for the opportunity to see these enormous piers for themselves.
I have to say – living in a city with one of the top 10 longest piers – that it is a sight to behold and certainly is worth visiting for. If you’re just curious, or if you are making a plan to visit some of these piers, you’ll find a list of the 10 longest piers in California below. We’ve also included other notable piers that didn’t make the cut.
» You might also like Where to Find the Best California Tide Pools.
» Looking for more inspiration along the route? Check out all our guides to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Diego. Find the best beaches in Monterey, waterfalls in Southern California, and national parks.
The longest pier in California is the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. Other notable piers include the Ocean Beach Pier in San Diego, which is the longest concrete pier in Southern California, and Stearn’s Wharf in Santa Barbara, a historic wooden pier that has been around since 1872.
What is the Longest Pier in California?
If you’re wondering what the longest pier in California is, the answer is the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. According to seecalifornia.com, the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf is a wooden pier that stretches 2,745 feet into the Pacific Ocean. It was built in 1914 and is the longest wooden pier in California and the longest pier of any type on the Pacific Ocean.
The Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf is not only a popular tourist attraction, but it also serves as a commercial fishing pier. You can find a variety of shops, restaurants, and fishing spots on the pier. It’s a great place to take a stroll, grab a bite to eat, or catch some fish.
While the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf is the longest pier in California, there are many other piers worth visiting throughout the state.
10 Longest Piers in California (in the Pacific Ocean)
If you’re looking for a list of the longest piers in California, you’ve come to the right place. California is home to some of the most breathtaking and iconic piers in the world, and they are a must-visit for anyone who loves the ocean.
1. Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf
Location: 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
The Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf is the longest pier in California, measuring 2,745 feet in length. It was built in 1914 and was originally labeled as a wharf instead of a pier, even though it doesn’t parallel the water. Be sure to stop for some fresh seafood at Stagnaro Brothers Seafood, grab a cup of chowder at Dolphin, at the end of the pier, or watch the sunset with a beer at the Humble Sea Beer Garden.
2. Ocean Beach Pier
Location: 1850 Ocean Front St, San Diego, CA 92107
Holding the title of the longest concrete pier in the world and the second longest ocean pier in California at 1,971 feet in length is Ocean Beach Pier. It was built in 1966 and is a very popular tourist attraction in San Diego. It’s also one of San Diego’s premier surf spots. Some of the best things to do at this pier are walking, photography, and simply taking in the stunning ocean views.
For restaurants, there’s only one on the whole pier and that’s Walking on Water Cafe (formerly Ocean Beach Pier Café) where you can get lobster tacos and fish ‘n chips. The café is currently closed due to work taking place on the pier after the 2022 storms.
» While you are there check out all the things to do in San Diego.
3. Stearn’s Wharf
Location: 217 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Stearn’s Wharf in Santa Barbara is the third-longest pier in California, measuring 1,950 feet in length. It was built in 1872 and is the oldest working wharf in California. You can actually still drive out onto this pier and park right outside the restaurant you’re visiting, though I don’t really recommend that, because parking is very tight.
Out on this wharf, you’ll find the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center, The Harbor Restaurant, and Santa Barbara Shellfish Company, among other eateries.
» While you are there check out all the great things to do in Santa Barbara.
4. Oceanside Pier
Location: Pier View Way, N Pacific St, Oceanside, CA 92054
The Oceanside Pier, located just north of San Diego, is the longest wooden pier on the western United States coastline, measuring 1,954 feet in length. It was first built in 1888 and has since undergone several renovations and repairs. The best things to do here are walking the pier and fishing. It’s free to fish from the pier and there’s a bait and tackle shop on the pier as well.
At the very end of the pier is a spot for a restaurant, that was once a Ruby’s Diner location, which closed in 2021. A new restaurant is said to be going in to that spot soon.
» While you are there check out all the fun things to do in Oceanside.
5. Huntington Beach Pier
Location: 325 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
The Huntington Beach Pier is the fifth-longest pier in California, measuring 1,856 feet in length. It was built in 1904 and is a popular spot for fishing, surfing, and enjoying the beach. Huntington Beach is one of the most popular and picturesque beach towns in California, so you won’t be surprised that it’s always busy here. At the base of the pier, you’ll find Duke’s restaurant and Sandy’s Beach Shack.
6. Seal Beach Pier
Location: Main St & Ocean Ave, Seal Beach, CA 90740
The Seal Beach Pier is 1,865 feet in length and was built in 1906. It is a popular spot for fishing and strolling. There used to be a Ruby’s Diner at the end of the pier, but it was destroyed in a fire in 2016, followed by a few years of restoration work before the pier opened back up again. There is still no restaurant at the end of the pier, but you can walk all the way to the end again and you can fish off the pier. It is very common to catch corbina, perch, mackerel, topsmelt, and halibut.
7. Avila Beach Pier
Location: 3950 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach, CA 93424
The Avila Beach Pier is 1,685 feet in length and was built in 1908. Since it is fairly unprotected from the elements, this pier has had to be repaired many times throughout history. It is currently closed at the end due to repairs that need to be made. However, it is a popular spot for fishing, strolling, and enjoying the beach. There are no restaurants or shops along the pier.
» See why the Avila Beach made the list for the 10 best beaches in San Luis Obispo County.
8. Ventura County Pier
Location: 750 E Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA 93001
The Ventura County Pier is 1,620 feet in length and was built in 1872. It’s currently closed near the start of the pier due to storm damage, but will hopefully open again in 2023 or 2024. You can still visit Beach House Tacos at the base of the pier and MadeWest Brewing, one of Ventura’s many breweries, located upstairs in the iconic wooden building. There are many other restaurants surrounding, as well as a place to rent bikes to explore the coastal path.
» Explore Ventura and check out all the fun things to do on a day trip there.
9. Imperial Beach Pier
Location: 2 Elder Ave., Imperial Beach, CA 91932
The Imperial Beach Pier, located in San Diego, is 1,491 feet in length and was built in 1963. This is the southern-most pier in the state of California, just a few miles north of the Mexican border. At the base of the pier you can grab ice cream and coffee at Cow-A-Bunga Ice Cream & Coffee. It’s a nice walk across the wooden planks to the end where the Tin Fish restaurant sells food and drink and has tables to sit at to enjoy your food. This pier is also popular for fishing and surfing.
» Read all about Imperial Beach in 12 Warmest Beaches in Southern California.
10. Goleta Pier
Location: 5936 Sandspit Rd, Goleta CA 93117
The Goleta Pier is 1,310 feet in length and was built in 1941. The pier provides boaters, fishermen, and families out for a stroll and an engaging view of the Pacific coast. The Goleta Pier boat launch is available for public use on weekends and holidays. No fishing license is required from this pier. There are no services on the pier, but there is Goleta Beach Park at the base of the pier with restrooms and picnic areas.
Other Notable California Piers
Pismo Beach Pier
Location: 100 Pomeroy Ave, Pismo Beach , CA 93449
The Pismo Beach Pier is 1,200 feet in length and was built in 1928. It is a popular spot for fishing, strolling, and enjoying the beach. The pier is also home to a variety of restaurants and shops.
» Enjoy these 16 fun things to do in Pismo Beach while you are there.
Santa Monica Pier
Location: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
The Santa Monica Pier is 1,080 feet in length and was built in 1909. It is a popular destination for dining, shopping, and entertainment. The pier is home to an amusement park, aquarium, and a variety of restaurants and shops.
» Check out these 15 great things to do in Santa Monica while you are soaking up some sun.
Port Hueneme Pier
Location: 550 E Surfside Dr., Port Hueneme, CA 93041
The Port Hueneme Pier is 1,000 feet in length and was built in 1956. It is a popular spot for fishing, strolling, and enjoying the beach. The pier is also home to a variety of restaurants and shops.
Pacifica Pier
Location: 2100 Beach Blvd, Pacifica, CA 94044
The Pacifica Pier is 1,000 feet in length and was built in 1973. It is a popular spot for fishing, strolling, and enjoying the beach. The pier is also home to a variety of restaurants and shops.
Just 15 minutes from San Francisco, this beautiful beachfront town offers a variety of activities for all ages. Whether you’re interested in surfing, hiking, or simply enjoying the stunning ocean views, Pacifica has something for everyone.
San Clemente Pier
Location: 615 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, CA 92672
The San Clemente Pier is 1,000 feet in length and was built in 1928. It is a popular spot for fishing, surfing, and enjoying the beach. The pier is also home to a variety of restaurants and shops.
Cabrillo Pier
Location: 3720 Stephen M White Dr., San Pedro, CA 90731
The Cabrillo Pier is 1,000 feet in length and was built in 1962. It is a popular spot for fishing, strolling, and enjoying the beach. The pier is also home to a variety of restaurants and shops
What are the Piers Made of?
When it comes to constructing piers, there are two main materials used: concrete and wood. Concrete piers are made of reinforced concrete, which is a mixture of cement, sand, gravel, and water. Wooden piers are made of timber or lumber, which is a type of wood that is treated to resist decay and insect damage.
Concrete piers are known for their durability and strength, making them ideal for use in areas with high waves and strong currents. They are also resistant to fire, rot, and insect damage, making them a low-maintenance option. However, concrete piers can be expensive to build and require regular maintenance to prevent cracks and other damage.
Wooden piers are less expensive to build and have a more natural look and feel. They are also easier to repair and replace than concrete piers. However, wooden piers are more susceptible to damage from insects, rot, and fire, and may require more maintenance over time.
In California, both concrete and wooden piers can be found along the coast. The longest wooden pier in California is the Oceanside Pier. Other notable wooden piers in California include the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf and Stearn’s Wharf in Santa Barbara County.
Of the concrete piers in California, Ocean Beach Pier in San Diego County is the longest. However, purists don’t consider it a pier because it is not in the ocean and subject to ocean waves.
Fishing at the Piers
If you are a fishing enthusiast, you will be delighted to know that California’s longest piers provide ample opportunities for fishing. Fishing at these piers is a popular pastime, and many of them offer free fishing.
The piers are equipped with fishing amenities like fish cleaning stations, bait and tackle shops, and fishing charters. You can fish for a variety of species like halibut, bass, and salmon, depending on the season and location.
When fishing at the piers, it is important to adhere to the fishing regulations and rules. These regulations are in place to protect the fish populations and ensure a sustainable fishing environment. You should also be mindful of other pier users and avoid casting your line in their direction.
Piers as Tourist Attractions
Piers in California are not only functional structures for fishing and transportation, but they also serve as popular tourist attractions. The state boasts some of the longest piers in the world, attracting visitors from all over the globe.
Here are some of the most popular piers in California that you can visit during your vacation:
Santa Monica Pier: Santa Monica Pier is one of the most famous piers in California. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a variety of attractions such as an amusement park, aquarium, restaurants, and souvenir shops. The pier also offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is a great spot to watch the sunset. Read more about Santa Monica.
Redondo Beach Pier: Redondo Beach Pier is another popular pier in Southern California. It is located in Redondo Beach, which is known for its beautiful beaches and vacation cottages. The pier offers a variety of restaurants and shops, and visitors can also enjoy fishing and sightseeing.
Catalina Island Piers: Catalina Island is a popular tourist destination located off the coast of Southern California. The island is home to several piers, including the Avalon Pier and the Green Pier. These piers offer a variety of activities such as fishing, kayaking, and sightseeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the oldest pier in California?
The oldest pier in California is the Oceanside Pier, which was built in 1888. It has undergone several renovations and repairs over the years, but it still remains a popular destination for fishing and sightseeing.
What is the biggest fishing pier in California?
The biggest fishing pier in California is the Santa Monica Pier, which measures 1,600 feet in length. It is home to several fishing tournaments throughout the year and attracts anglers from all over the state.
How many piers are in California?
The number of piers in California depends on whether you are referring to public piers, private piers, or both. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, there are over 100 public piers in the state. These piers are open to the public for fishing and sightseeing. There are also numerous private piers that are owned by individuals or businesses.
Travel Planning Guide
🚙💨 Where should I book my rental car?
Renting a car is one of the best ways to get around in California, no matter where you’re visiting. Public transportation can only get your so far, even in big cities. I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks the prices of all major rental car companies, so you get the best rates.
🛌 What’s the best way to book my accommodations?
For hotels and vacation rentals, Booking.com or Expedia.com are the best sites, but you can also book through TripAdvisor. If you’re considering renting a house instead, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb.
🧳 What do I pack for California?
Head to the our California Packing List or Disneyland Packing List to get all the info on packing.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights to California?
For finding cheap California flights from around the world, I recommend Skyscanner. I’ve also had pretty good luck with Kayak.com.
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Laura is a travel fanatic who loves seeing and doing new things. She lives in Ventura, CA, and spends a lot of time exploring California’s cities, beaches, and national parks.