From amazing views and a sea of sea lions to chowder bread bowls and California wines, your visit to San Francisco starts at PIER 39. Kick off your visit by exploring two levels of dining, entertainment, shopping and attractions, all surrounded by unbeatable views of the city and the bay. Take it from the world famous sea lions: a visit to San Francisco starts at The PIER.See more..
4.0Fisherman's Wharf(19.5k reviews)from $30.76 - Don't miss it Spent < 1 hour Neighborhoods • Piers & Boardwalks • Scenic Walking Areas
The historic Fisherman’s Wharf is one of San Francisco’s must-visit spots. Even getting there is an experience in itself—you can hop on a classic cable car from downtown. Dine at a scenic waterfront restaurant (try the famous sourdough bread bowl), explore the area’s shops and art galleries, check out the street performances and don’t miss the historic WWII submarine—the USS Pampanito. You can catch all these highlights on a walking, bike or big bus tour. Stay for the magnificent sunset views and if you’re lucky, you might even spot the mischievous sea lions at Pier 39. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.0Santa Monica Pier(19.2k reviews) - Santa Monica Pier Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Piers & Boardwalks
This hundred-year-old wooden pier offers superb views of the bay and the surrounding mountains. Catch the sunset from the fishing platform at the farther end of pier, though be warned, it can get pretty busy at the height of summer. As one of the most famous wharfs in the L.A. area, there are plenty of eateries, souvenir shops, street performers and things to do—don't miss the adjoining amusement park, which features a giant Ferris wheel, a high-tech arcade, and other thrilling rides. You can visit Santa Monica Pier, along with L.A.’s other iconic spots such as Beverly Hills and Hollywood on a guided tour. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.0Seaport Village(4.724 reviews) - Great half day walk with lunch Friday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks • Shopping Malls
Seaport Village is a vibrant harborside spot with stellar views of the San Diego skyline. There’s plenty to do here—stroll along the promenade, check out the art galleries, enjoy a meal at an upscale restaurant or do some shopping (local wines and souvenirs are good buys). Younger children will love the historic hand-carved carousel. Weekdays are the best time to visit when it’s less crowded and the vibe is more laid-back. The village is a stop on many hop-on, hop-off trolley tours of San Diego; include a visit to the USS Midway Museum and Maritime Museum along the way. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.0Old Fisherman's Wharf(2.774 reviews) - A Treat for the Tourists Neighborhoods • Piers & Boardwalks
Gift shops and stores fill this part of town.See more..
4.5Huntington Beach Pier(2.347 reviews) - Amazing sunsets Friday: 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks
Huntington Beach Pier was first finished in 1904 but was damaged in storm and rebuilt in 1914 and in 1931 500 feet was added to the pier but it separated from the original pier in the earthquake of 1933. The pier was repaired but was damaged again by hurricane in 1938 but was repaired the following year. During WW1 the pier was taken over by the military and a submarine lookout and large machine gun was installed. After the war the pier was returned to the public and held up until the storms of 1983 & 1988 finally damaged pier to the point it needed to close. The current pier was finished July 18th, 1992 with a dedication with 500,000 people. The pier was built using much of the same 1914 design. Huntington Beach draws almost 4 million people annually who come for the surfing, volleyball, air show, food and even Segway Tours from Surf City Segway can be booked.See more..
4.0Stearns Wharf(2.225 reviews) - Lively place with good Ocean views Piers & Boardwalks
Visitors can watch fishing boats unload the day's catch, enjoy spectacular sunsets, and sample fare from fast food to fine dining at California's oldest working wharf.See more..
4.5Oceanside Pier(2.030 reviews) - A "MUST" If You're Visiting Oceanside Spent < 1 hour Piers & Boardwalks
Longest wooden pier on California coast at 1941 feet, 1/3 of a mile, there is a convenience store half way out stocked floor to ceiling with fishing pole rentals, bait, tackle, snacks and beverages, and a whole lot of souvenir's stuffed into a 7X15 foot space. Ruby's 50's diner is located on the end with breakfast to burgers and a view to die for. The pier it self is open 24 hours a day 7days a weekSee more..
4.0Pismo Pier(1.642 reviews) - Nice sunset Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Piers & Boardwalks
The Newly Renovated Pismo Beach Pier and Promenade are open for business. We look forward to seeing you all very soon!See more..
Santa Cruz Wharf in California is well known for fishing, boat tours, dining, gift shops and a beautiful long pier. We visited on a sunny day with family including kids. We walked on the pier, visited the gift shops to buy some souvenirs and had lunch at the Firefish Grill comprising sea food, chicken and salad with Beer. We all then walked to the end of the Pier where we could hear and see the Sea Lions as well as the sail boats. The wharf is located close to the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk; where one can spend a day enjoying the thrill rides. The over 100 years old Wharf is a must visit for tourist to the city.See more..
4.0Redondo Beach Pier(1.323 reviews) - Large Pier on the Ocean Piers & Boardwalks
Spent the afternoon on the pier, great place to grab lunch and watch the seals. Parking close to the pier is $2 an hour, giving you access to the pier and all the shops. The pier consists of multiple levels of walking area filled with shops and restaurants. The top pier overlooking the water is filled with people fishing and provides a place to watch the seals. Many restaurants to chose from, not so many of you are vegetarian or vegan, mainly seafood and meat dishes fill the menus. Fun way to spend the afternoon.See more..
4.5San Clemente Pier(1.180 reviews) - A palmy blue treat Piers & Boardwalks
San Clemente is famous as a surfing mecca, but even if you don't surf, or don't have a chance to do so, the pier is well worth a visit. San Clemente is the last outpost of the greater L.A. metro area before it washes up against the impregnable military wilderness of Camp Pendleton, and perhaps as a result, the city has a refreshingly mellow vibe compared to its many cousins to the north. The pier amply reflects this. Drink in the views. Shop a little. Sample some local grub. You'll quickly figure out why world leaders have cherished this area as a retreat.See more..
4.5Dana Point Harbor(1.088 reviews) - A beautiful walk in the fresh air... Friday: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Marinas • Piers & Boardwalks
Known as the “Dolphin & Whale Capital of the World” Dana Point Harbor offers a variety of recreational amenities, boater facilities, dockside dining, and unique shopping experiences that cater to visitors, locals and boating enthusiasts. Activities abound both in and out of the water from watching migratory gray whales that frequent the coastline to enjoying the stunning sunsets and picturesque harbor views. Discover Dana Point Harbor and set sail on a historic and unforgettable seaside adventure.See more..
4.5Hermosa Beach Pier(965 reviews) - The Adventure Buddies goes to Hermosa Beach Pier Piers & Boardwalks
Hermosa Beach Pier is a fun spot where you can easily spend an entire day relaxing to the sounds of the thundering waves. Surfing is a big thing here, celebrated with plaques embedded in the concrete. Stroll to the end of the pier to watch surfers catching waves, and stay for a fantastic sunset. Hermosa Beach is well maintained, with lifeguards on duty and clean restrooms and showers. It gets busy in summer, so arrive early to secure a parking spot. You can rent bikes and skates, and there are a host of restaurants, bars, and gift shops in the area. – TripadvisorSee more..
Finding parking in the area might be an issue, but it is worth it! This is a wonderful pier to walk out on and a decent length. You get to look up the coastline towards Santa Monica and then, on a clear day, look south towards Palos Verdes Peninsula. With the waves crashing, people surfing, others enjoying a sunny day on the beach . . all quite a magical place. There is even an aquarium at the far end of the pier. And you can watch people trying their luck at fishing. It was even featured for a sunset/evening scene in the movie La La Land recently.See more..
4.0Malibu Pier(833 reviews) - Good place to stop in Malibu Points of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks
We visited this place on our way to San Francisco. Parking was not easily available but we got parking space for $15. The beach is clean and we walked all the way to the front to enjoy the scenery. The ocean looked clean and we some surfers in the water. We noted a number of lifeguard stations on the beach. The cafes there offered a variety of food but we decided to have lunch at our next stop in Santa Barbara. Nice place to stop. The restrooms were averagely clean. Munir DayaSee more..
4.5Santa Barbara Harbor(787 reviews) - Perfect scenic walk along the harbor Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks • Scenic Walking Areas
The Santa Barbara Waterfront is a gem within the City of Santa Barbara. Visitors can stroll from beach to beach by foot or bike, park in convenient waterfront parking lots, and experience Santa Barbara Harbor & Stearns Wharf. From boating excursions to standup paddle boarding, day fishing to excellent museums, fabulous restaurants to sweets, you can find everything you need to spend the day at the our waterfront. Managed by the City's Waterfront Department, our mission is to provide the community with a quality Waterfront for recreation and commercial use, along with mooring and landside services for boating. Approximately 252 acres of tidelands and submerged lands is managed by the Department. The area encompasses the Harbor and Stearns Wharf and the beaches within the city limits. These lands belong to the State and are held in trust by the City in order to provide preventative maintenance, capital improvements, parking services, staffing, public safety, slip and visitor boat services, special events, public education and more. For those visiting by cruise ship, Santa Barbara is a wonderful day trip destination. Cruise Ship Ambassadors welcome passengers and provide a wide variety of free information on all there is to do and see during your visit. There is also public transportation via MTD Downtown and Waterfront Shuttles along with access to taxis. Check out Visit Santa Barbara or Downtown Santa Barbara's websites for information to help you plan the best experience while visiting Santa Barbara.See more..
4.0Ventura Pier and Promenade(739 reviews) - Wonderful relaxing area to wander and wonder Piers & Boardwalks
Enjoyable Pier area, great at sunset and wonderful views and so close to the downtown Ventura area. Quite enjoyable. one thing though the Public Bathrooms here are disgraceful, flooded and disgustingly dirty, that's kinda a shame and embarrassment for the city and people in general. Despite that quite enjoyed the actual Pier area.See more..
A walk to remember alongside the ocean. It is a must place to visit to enjoy some great food, amazing natural beauty and great sight seeing. One can click some great pics while walking side by side the ocean and can even find some smallest of the crabs in this place. On one side you can walk beside the ocean and on the other side, you find some great eating outlets to spend a great evening time. one can also witness the San Francisco skyline from here as well.See more..
I recommend this whole area. After a delicious lunch at City Tacos, we strolled the quiet-for-a-Saturday beach to the pier, which is marked like a hwy for social distancing. Lots of people watching as many were fishing or surfing below. You can glimpse Baja, CA and Tijuana in the distance. See more..
4.5Coast Guard Pier(270 reviews) - Great place to see sea lions and cormorants Piers & Boardwalks
4.5Channel Islands Harbor(231 reviews) - Channel Islands Harbor Spent More than 3 hours Piers & Boardwalks
Neighbor to the scenic Channel Islands, Channel Islands Harbor is a working harbor that offers fun-filled water activities for the whole family. About an hour's drive north from Los Angeles, the Harbor features several beach-lined parks and coastline for picnics and surfing, as well as nearby biking and walking paths. While at the Harbor, visit our many shops and dine at one of several restaurants with menus ranging from deli sandwiches to Brazilian cuisine. Be sure to check out the Channel Islands Maritime Museum with its ever-changing exhibitions, world-class maritime art, and ship models.See more..
4.5Crescent City Harbor(206 reviews) - Amazing Friday: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks
It was so much fun watching the sea lions. There were probably 100 laying around any open space. You are suppose to stay 125 feet from the sea lions BUT too many people kept getting close to take a photo. Very new, clean harbor.See more..
We just wanted a nice place to have drinks and snacks. We parked in the free 2 hour parking and had a beer and fish tacos at the Lighthouse Oyster Bar & Grill. Then we drove 2 blocks to one of only 6 metered parking spots on the beach to walk the shore a bit. Back 2 blocks to the free parking again for happy hour at Rockin’ Baja Lobster where we got margaritas and free chips and salsa bar. Simply a great restful afternoon!See more..
This big expansive beach is gorgeous! The bright white sand and incredible blue hues of the Pacific ocean will almost make you think you're in Hawaii or the Caribbean... ...but in early May the water is still too freezing to actually swim in. Everyone is still wearing hoodies and jackets, and maybe dipping their feet in the water, not even knee deep causes just too darn cold!See more..
4.0B Street Pier(60 reviews) - Great place to watch sea lions swimming in groups ... Piers & Boardwalks
We could see over a hundred sea lions swimming in groups near the pier. It was a really cool experience. Not always, but we got a good chance to visit it when we went there. It was the greatest luck of my life. It is definitely a place you want to go again.See more..
4.0Pacifica Municipal Pier(59 reviews) - So much marine activity Spent 1-2 hours Piers & Boardwalks
My boyfriend and I happened to be by the pier so we stopped and walked down to take a look- we were absolutely astonished by the amount of marine activity that is visible. We saw multiple large whales surfacing, dozens of dolphins and sand sharks being caught on the pier. We did not watch the ocean for more than 3 minutes at a time without substantial activity less than 100 yards away. It was absolutely incredible and is officially my favorite new spot to watch marine life. Don’t rent a boat when you can go to the pier. (Full disclosure- I do not know if this is typical for this time of year specifically or if this activity is present year round, but California Parks Rep is very present and available at pier for questions pertaining to marine life.)See more..
4.5Green Pleasure Pier(44 reviews) - The one and only Green Pleasure Pier! Piers & Boardwalks
The Green Pleasure Pier has been welcoming visitors to the shores of Catalina for a very long time, and the pier has retained the authentic charm for every visitor stepping foot on this historic pier. See more..
4.5Benicia Public Pier & Beach(43 reviews) - Terrific Space Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks • Scenic Walking Areas
9th St Park and Beach is a terrific palace for a multitude of things to do. Kite surfing, boating with boat launch, hang gliders practice area, playground, dog walking, cookouts, volleyball, a game of touch, whatever floats the boat. The beach is on shallows, so it’s perfect for the kids. All with a fantastic view of the Carquinez Bridge where the sun goes down.See more..
