OB Pier Is Also One of the Most Visited Landmarks in San Diego County
Who’s got the longest pier in Southern California?
OB does.
According to our research, at 1,971 feet, the OB Pier is the longest pier in Southern California. The closest competitor is Oceanside at 1,954. Imperial Beach is only 1,491. (The Santa Cruz Wharf is 2,745 feet but it’s not in SoCal.)
Plus, the OB Pier is host to more than a half million visitors each year. This makes it “one of the most visited landmarks in San Diego County,” according to the Los Angeles Daily News.
And, since the OB Pier was built in 1966 – guess what!? Next year is its 50th anniversary!
Our local pier made it in the Travel Section’s “Day Tripper” guide to 15 of Southern California piers. (Not every SoCal pier made it – Oceanside, for instance, didn’t get a mention – just sayin….)
Here what was said:
Ocean Beach Municipal Pier
This 1,971-foot pier was built in 1966 as a place to fish, but it quickly became a popular destination. It’s visited by more than a half-million people each year, making it one of the most visited landmarks in San Diego County.
Its unique T-shape at the end of the pier adds 360 feet to the south and 193 feet to the north. Visitors can walk the length of the pier, grab some seafood tacos at the privately owned Ocean Beach Pier Cafe — 619-226-3474 — and experience the tidepools, which are easily accessed by stairs.
Fishing is still the most popular pastime, with herring being the most common catch. No fishing permit is required. In 2016, Ocean Beach Pier celebrates its 50th anniversary. For updates, visit oceanbeachsandiego.com.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I think the shape at the end of the pier is supposed to resemble a seagull in flight.
It’s a wonderful pier…..how about if it gets a bit of a facelift? Not to resemble the “upscale” Santa Monica pier but somewhere in between?
The pier just got new lights installed less than a year ago, it looks better from a distance and the lighting is directed down as opposed to old style of lighting.
I think it looks great.
If I see the city do a face lift on the OB Pier before our lifeguards get health insurance or a badly needed new lifeguard station, I WILL SCREAM BLOODY MURDER Jean!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There, I feel better now.
Does anyone know the origin of the colorful jewels imbedded in the pier cement?
I know there was a story about the lady that places the marbles in the pier and kids help her do it within the last year or so on the SD Reader web site, but this was all I could find so far.
http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2012/jun/20/straight-hip-room-swing-cat-marbles-ob-pier/
I stopped and talked to the lady who does that. She just does it on her own and has done it in other places besides the pier. I thanked her and told her people enjoyed it. She wasn’t looking for any attention for it, which I felt was admirable. I think it is a kind of artwork for her.
I knew the OB pier was the longest on the West Coast. But I have heard it was suppose to be twice as longer.
I have to question the measurments of the “T.” I run the pier about three times a week and I find it hard to believe one wing is 360 feet long, even the other at 200 feet seems off. 360 feet is a football field in length plus another fifth of a field for the 60 feet. That wing is not as long as a football field. Where did those figures come from?
Google Earth confirms that the dimensions mentioned in the article are correct.
Yes, you are correct. It just doesn’t seem like it’s that long.