The 13 Longest and Most Iconic Piers in California

California, with its stunning coastline stretching over 840 miles, is home to some of the most iconic and longest piers in the world. These architectural marvels not only offer breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean but are a hub of recreational activities for both locals and tourists. Here are the 13 most iconic and longest piers in California that span the northern reaches of the state to the sunny shores of Southern California.

1. Santa Cruz Wharf

Located in Santa Cruz near the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk, the Santa Cruz Wharf stretches 2,745 feet into Monterey Bay. It is the most famous and longest pier in California. Built in 1914 using Douglas fir wood, the wharf was originally constructed to serve as a shipping port for local timber and limestone. Today, Santa Cruz Wharf has a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options to choose from. Moreover, it is a great place to see sea lions. Santa Cruz Wharf hosts events and activities year-round, including the traditional Wharf to Wharf Race every July that sees runners run for six miles from Santa Cruz Wharf to Capitola Wharf.

2. Stearns Wharf

Located in Santa Barbara, Stearns Wharf is a historic landmark that stretches 2,300 feet into the Santa Barbara Channel. The wharf was built in 1872 and was a main commercial port. The wharf is dotted with several eateries and shops. In addition, Stearns Wharf offers great views of the Santa Ynez Mountains on the horizon. There is also the interactive Sea Center marine museum and the Nature Conservancy exhibit hall at the wharf with exhibits of sharks, rays, sea stars, sea urchins, anemones, and other marine life.

3. Ventura Pier

Approximately 1,958 feet long, Ventura Pier was built in 1872 during the California oil boom. Today, the pier is a historic attraction in the city of Ventura. Visitors come here to admire the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands National Park on the horizon. Formerly known as San Buenaventura Wharf, near Ventura Pier are over 50 local establishments, including restaurants, cafes, wineries, and breweries. The pier also plays host to Pier Under the Stars, a fundraising food and wine event.  

4. Oceanside Pier

Measuring 1,942 feet, Oceanside Pier is the longest wooden pier in California located north of San Diego. The pier was constructed in 1888 primarily for lumber transportation. In addition to being a spot for water recreational activities like surfing, Oceanside Pier is a popular spot for fishing and angling. Moreover, in the Pacific Ocean waters below the pier, you can occasionally see dolphins. Oceanside Pier also has a restaurant at the end of the pier and an amphitheater at its base, which is the venue for many concerts and events throughout the year.

5. Seal Beach Pier

Located in Orange County and extending out for 1,865 feet into the Pacific Ocean, Seal Beach Pier is another iconic pier in California that was built in 1906. Once a popular place for seeing seals, today, the pier attracts visitors with its stunning views of the coastline. Take a selfie with Slick, a bronze statue of, a seal at Seal Beach Pier, and enjoy the many restaurants and shops at the nearby Main Street.

6. Huntington Beach Pier

At a length of 1,850 feet long, Huntington Beach Pier is situated in Surf City, USA—Huntington Beach. Built in 1904 to transport goods from ships to shore more efficiently, it now offers visitors stunning panoramic views of surfers riding waves. Moreover, Huntington Beach is the venue for several surfing competitions, including the US Open of Surfing, which sees professional surfers from around the world participate. In addition to surfing, fishing is a popular activity at the pier. At Huntington Beach Pier are a variety of shops and restaurants, and within walking distance are several oceanfront hotels and resorts.

7. Avila Beach Pier

Avila Beach Pier is located on the central coast of California near San Luis Obispo. An iconic pier measuring 1,685 feet, it was originally built in 1908 to transport oil from nearby Port Harford to ships offshore. Avila Beach Pier, one of three piers on Avila Beach, offers a peaceful retreat far removed from the hustle and bustle.

8. Santa Monica Pier

Located in Santa Monica in Southern California, Santa Monica Pier is an iconic pier in California that stretches out into the Pacific Ocean for 1,600 feet. Built in 1909, it was initially constructed to serve as a dock for cargo ships. Today, the pier has transformed into an entertainment destination and is the home of the Pacific Park amusement park. In addition to rides and games, the park is where the iconic Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel stands. Street performers and live music acts add to the charm of Santa Monica Pier, as do the many shops and eateries. Fun fact, at the entrance of Santa Monica Pier, is where the famous Route 66 ends.  

9. Redondo Beach Pier

Redondo Beach is home to one of the most iconic and longest piers in California. At 1,541 feet long, the Redondo Beach Pier was built in 1889 to support the fishing community. Today, the boardwalk is a premier destination for entertainment, dining, and shopping. The pier has over 30 eateries and 20 specialty and souvenir shops. You can enjoy several activities near the Redondo Beach Pier like fishing. In addition, you can rent kayaks and paddleboards or take boat tours from the pier. Redondo Beach Pier is also the venue for performances and cultural events centered around the local community.

10. San Clemente Pier

The San Clemente Pier, extending 1,296 feet into the Pacific Ocean, was constructed in 1928. It is a historic landmark in Orange County. American politician and town founder, Ole Hanson, built the pier as part of his vision for a Spanish-style coastal community. Along with spectacular views of the coastline, the pier is popular for fishing. It is also a great place to watch surfers in action. In addition, nearby the pier are many eateries and shops, and north of the pier, visitors can tour Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, which is a historic building. San Clemente Pier is accessible from 4 am to 12 midnight.

11. Pacifica Pier

Pacifica Pier is an L-shaped, 1,140-foot-long pier in Pacifica from 1973. This fishing spot is located on Sharp Park Beach. To date, it is a premier spot for fishing and angling. Pacifica Pier is also popular for watching surfers and sunsets. For the convenience of visitors, the pier has benches and a coffee and a snack bar kiosk.

12. Manhattan Beach Pier

Located on Manhattan Beach and at 928 feet long, Manhattan Beach Pier dates back to 1920. It is the oldest standing concrete Pier on the West Coast and is a California Historical Landmark. Some popular activities at the pier are surfing, paddleboarding, and fishing. At the end of Manhattan Beach Pier is the Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium, which houses sharks and other marine life that is prolific in Santa Monica Bay. Other attractions at the aquarium include a seahorse tank, an octopus tank, and an education gallery.  

13. Balboa Pier

Situated over the Balboa Peninsula on Newport Beach, Balboa Pier was built in 1906. It is 920 feet long and is a popular destination for fishing and taking in scenic views of the coastline. Moreover, near Balboa Pier are many opportunities to rent bicycles to explore the area along with eateries, shops, and the Balboa Fun Zone with rides, arcade games, and more.