Manhattan Beach Pier

The Manhattan Beach Pier is a pier on Manhattan Beach, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The pier is just over 900-feet long and is a popular destination for tourists, fishing, photographers, artists and locals wanting to catch a seaside sunset. Nearby is a Roundhouse Marin Studies Lab and Aquarium, set in an octagonal shaped Mediterranean style building. The pier is not the first built in the area and the current day pier was actually a replacement for a variety of other piers in the area. The current pier was built in 1920, amidst a variety of controversy and confusion. An extension was added in 1928, but it was destroyed mid-century by a storm. The pier was restored to its original 1920's look in 1991. The goal was to create an old-fashioned appearance. Since 1946, the pier has been owned by the state of California, allowing it to receive extra funding for its care and repair. It was declared an historic landmark in 1995 and is managed by the County of Los Angeles. Fishing at the pier is one of the most popular activities that takes place and anglers catch croakers, surfperch, small rays and shovelnose shark, as well as walleye and occasionally halibut, mackerel, sea bass and scorpion fish. Other activities enjoyed near the pier include surfing, biking, swimming, and volleyball. There is sometimes a lifeguard on duty and there are restrooms and showers on the premises.