Long Beach, California--
Belmont Pier is a popular fishing pier in Long Beach, Calif. As a public pier,
the fishing is free entertainment--no license required. Belmont Shore,
a community in Long Beach south of the downtown high-rise buildings overlooks
much activity in the bay. Huge cargo ships come into port from around the world,
unloading their freight, and loading products and materials in the Port of Long
Beach and Port of Los Angeles.
The history of how the Belmont Memorial Veteran's Pier came about is quite
interesting. Local citizens wanted a pier and they couldn't afford to build one.
So some creative bartering ensued and eventually the pier was completed--but not
without a major compromise. By agreeing to have the pier built, residents of
Belmont Shore were required to relinquish their rights as citizens of the
community, and be annexed by Long Beach!
Today, Belmont Shore & nearby Naples run along 2nd Street and Ocean Avenue on the southern most end of the city.
Tourists recognize the area because of its shopping district, business
association, pier and recreation center with the landmark Belmont Pool where an
Olympic gold medalist has taught swim lessons for years. Several thousand
residents share a passion for their community of Belmont Shore.
Residents
of Belmont Heights voted to become the City of Belmont in 1908. They were tired
of high taxes imposed by the City of Long Beach. Only one year later they
rejoined Long Beach, however, and eventually got their pier in 1915.
The current pier was built in 1966, replacing a wooden
pier that stood for over 50 years. The 1,620 foot-long concrete pier has
experienced structural damage but is receiving a renovation.
The pier is located at Ocean and 39th Place. It offers
free public fishing with no license required as long as you stay
on the pier to fish. Pay parking is available in a public lot near the
base of the pier.
