Huntington Beach Pier in
Huntington Beach, California, is the 5th longest
pier spanning the Pacific Ocean in California. The concrete pier
measures 1,856 feet in length, was built in 1992 through the help of
citizens, and is considered the anchor to the city's tourist assets--nearly
1o miles of beaches, resort hotels and outdoor sports such as surfing.
When first built during early 1900's, the Huntington Beach Pier instantly became a
hit. The pier provided a great place to fish, stroll and connection to new
attractions such as a salt water plunge. Some things never change! The
Huntington Beach Pier continues to provide a great place to stroll, fish,
dine, and watch the sea below. While only one special event is held
specifically on the pier each year (Huck Finn Fishing Derby for kids in
August,) the 4th of July Fireworks displays are launched there, and
thousands of people pack onto the pier to watch events such as the U.S. Open
of Surfing in July -August, and Duck-a-thon in May.
There are three buildings on the pier containing stores. One is Surf City
Store, selling souvenir t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, and gifts. Kite
Connection sells all things kites. And Let's Go Fishing is a bait & tackle
shop for all your pier fishing needs. In addition, Ruby's Diner at the end
of the pier is a two story, ocean-view restaurant with a casual, beach
themed atmosphere that includes red vinyl booths and great hamburgers,
salads, milk shakes and dinner plates.
On the Huntington Beach Pier are benches to sit and watch the waves,
periscopes to get views of distant piers elsewhere (Seal Beach Pier and
Newport Pier sometimes can be seen a few miles away,) dolphins, migrating
whales, boats, freighters, and oil platforms offshore, plus the close-ups of
Catalina Island 26 miles away.
Huntington Beach Pier is open daily from around 5 a.m. to midnight.
Fishing on the pier is free and there are basins to wash your fish after you
catch them.
Public restrooms are located on the pier, as well. The pier is wheelchair
accessible, and lit at night.