Oceanside, Calif.--The third longest Pacific Ocean (versus an inland bay) pier
in California, Oceanside Pier, rekindles the era of California history when
things were built in a grand way. Today's piers are fairly functional looking
and generally lack architectural grace. Often taking on the look of huge
concrete slabs, or stilts with planks, Oceanside Pier is artful and feels good
to visit, even underneath it.
How many piers can you actually sit UNDER and enjoy? Not too many. Oceanside
Pier is like a city of walkways with ramps and stairs leading to the actual
pier. Large enough to support a McDonalds (or whatever the current restaurant
under the pier may be), lush lawns with picnic tables under the pier provide
shade, paved beach paths, and a stream of bicycle riders, joggers, people
strolling, and a place with its very own comfortable space, all underneath the
pier.
Some parking spaces next to the pier offer limited opportunities for easy
access when spots are available.
