Top Things to do in California
The 10 Best Piers & Boardwalks in California, United States
California is a fertile, peaceful place where you’ll find a near-equal balance of vineyards and deserts, beaches and mountains, hippies and traditionalists. Catch an epic wave in Big Sur or swirl a glass in Napa Valley. Be dazzled by the Joshua Tree night sky or just star-gaze in Hollywood. Swish down the slopes of a Tahoe ski resort, or cruise across the Golden Gate Bridge with the top down and the music blasting. Above all, don’t forget to soak up some Golden State sunshine.
Restaurants in California
1. Manhattan Beach Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 881 reviews
Reviewed By theadventurebuddies - Manhattan Beach, United States
We are HUGE fans of Manhattan beach pier! We go just about every week, either with the kids to visit the free small aquarium at the end of the pier, a donation is recommended, or watching sea lions, dolphins and the surfers! Or we go just the two of us for a romantic sunset stroll. Great place to visit whether local or visitors with great photo ops!
2. Oceanside Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,007 reviews
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 week
Reviewed By ReviewBuzz123
This wonderful pier and surrounding areas afford you a beautiful and very long pier offering breathtaking views of Oceanside in San Diego! What a place for a stroll with the kids watching folks surf, fish from off the pier, and romantically hold hands as they walk along marveling at the great Pacific... At the end of the pier is the understated Ruby's Diner, for some good 'ol American comfort food. Palm trees sway, waves crash, and snacks beckon from the pieside shops! Enjoy!
3. Channel Islands Harbor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 230 reviews
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.
Reviewed By kym72 - Los Angeles, United States
There is a very nice Farmers Market at the harbor every Sunday from 10a-2p. Many local fruit and vegetable vendors that are quite inexpensive plus flowers and plants. You can get local honey and there are a few craft vendors, too. A trip to the market on a Sunday morning makes for a great day and a week full of fresh produce.
4. Main Beach
5. San Clemente Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,172 reviews
Reviewed By emarquez2018 - San Clemente, United States
The bar menu and happy hour specials offer plenty of options and are really good. Best clam chowder around and the shrimp and crab cocktails are scrumptious. The restaurant offers the freshest seafood flown in from Seattle and other places. (Iv'e seen them unloading huge halibut and other fish off the back of an ice truck!)
6. Dana Point Harbor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,069 reviews
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.
Reviewed By JerseyDi - Huntington Beach, United States
This area is beautiful. There are shops with clothes, moccasins, souvenirs, jewelry and a variety of items. There are a few good restaurants, coffee shops and cafes. There is a walking trail along the harbor. You can walk past baby beach, rent kayaks and paddle boards, visit the Ocean Institute and museum, learn about the area from the friendly volunteers, take a tour on the ship docked there or just relax. You can walk to the end of the trail that follows the harbor and sit and watch the ocean waves crash over the rocks. It is beautiful to just relax and eat a picnic lunch. I recommend taking plenty of photos. Later go up the hill and there is an overview of the harbor. Again, take plenty of photos.
7. Coast Guard Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 265 reviews
Reviewed By yandinazetland - Stonehaven, United Kingdom
A great spot to see the sealions and if you are really lucky some sea otters. The views back over to Fisherman's Wharf are worth a photograph as the sun sets.
8. Hermosa Beach Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 951 reviews
Reviewed By royalcollection1 - Manhattan Beach, United States
Hermosa Beach pier is very unique to me from the crowds that they attract to the sites that you see. there's a lot to offer here at Hermosa Beach pier lots of food places lots of bars lots of activity lots of fun. whether you want to go for a stroll down the pier and people watch days at the surfers or the volleyball players oh, I just go for a bike ride down the boardwalk or skateboard you're able to do it comfortably at this pier. the one thing that I really love about Hermosa Beach pier is people don't bother you it doesn't smell there's no trash laying around and the best part it's a smoke-free environment.stopping to one of the local bike shops and do bike rentals for a day for excitement at the pier, or rent a boogie board or surfboard and enjoy your time out on the water. the beauty of the spear always amazes me with captivating sunset views on a great clear day to being able to see Manhattan Beach Pier c Redondo Beach pier on other great days take a stroll down the strand and look at the beautiful homes. have a bite to eat at hennessy's or grab a drink at sharky's. this beach has everything for anyone
9. Balboa Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 191 reviews
Reviewed By waynefromcali - Yucaipa, United States
Scenic...thats what came to mind when I visited Balboa Village located in the beautiful City of Newport Beach,California!The whole area is jumping with locals and visitors that come for sun,fun,food,drinks,shopping,walking and people watching on the streets and historical pavillion built by billionaire Henry Huntington! Theres a beautiful beach side marina and beach with plenty of beach recreation activities.Lots to do for everyone that visits Balboa Village! . . . . #marinaparkcommunitycenter #newportbeach #balboapenninsula #waynesalvatti #godisgood #beachlife #balboablvd #socal #californiadreaming #californiadreamin #lighthousecafe #beachcafe #ilovenewport #ilovesocal #surfing #bodysurfing #thewedge #surfinusa #newportbeachcalifornia #lidoisle #lighthouses #iloveligthouses #serene #peaceful #kids #family #fun #beachfun #redline #balboapavillion #henryhuntington #carferry
10. Huntington Beach Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,330 reviews
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.
Reviewed By Hilberaldi
Discover the best of Southern California culture, the most authentic surfing lifestyle and 16 miles of coastline in Huntington Beach, a welcoming town. A worthwhile trip are the beaches located in this region (Southern California), especially Huntington Beach. After two full days at the Disneyland and California Adventure Park parks in Anaheim, we decided to have a free day at the beaches to rest a little from the hustle and bustle of the amusement parks. We left early and drove to Huntington Beach (38 km from Anaheim), one of the most beautiful beaches in California, named Surf City, where you can visit a super cool surf museum, the International Surfing Museum, the Pier which is very beautiful, you will also find hotels near the sea, shops and restaurants that are great for enjoying the best coastal weather in California. Several rock bands were born in Huntington Beach, such as The Offspring and Avenged Sevenfold. It has a beautiful mural made by artists and the Huntington Beach plaque carved in concrete. The Pier is simple but very cozy, we stop at a cafe to enjoy a delicious cupcake and a coffee drink, feeling the sea breeze on the face and the energy of this beautiful region of California. With fabulous options scattered all over Huntington Beach, the dining scene can only be described as eclectic, with never-changing little taquerias and cafes, as well as new restaurants that use fresh local ingredients in creative ways. There is certainly something to please even the most demanding palates. On the day we visited the site there was a peaceful protest of war veterans on the beach sand, there were people playing volleyball and many surfers enjoying that sunny morning. We walked around the city, very well organized, safe and clean. From here we head further south to Newport Beach.
