- Summary
- Things to do
- Gallery
- Videos
- Podcasts
A diverse collection of piers and boardwalks dot the California coastline and each provides easy access to the majesty and power of the Pacific Ocean. The Santa Monica Pier is a serious overachiever—it’s an amusement park, an aquarium, an oceanfront food court, the end of Route 66—but others, like the Trinidad Pier in northern California and the San Simeon pier along Central Coast, feature an understated charm. Similarly, boardwalks in Santa Cruz, Venice Beach, San Diego and elsewhere reflect the unique charms of each destination.
Featured Piers & Boardwalks
Removed from Likes
Top Places for Whale Watching in California
See a few amazing wonders of the sea first-hand
Removed from Likes
13 Smaller Theme Parks & Attractions
These classic California attractions make for a great afternoon or evening of family fun
Removed from Likes
12 Luxury Oceanfront Hotels
Stay at one of these hotels on the beach and wake up to waves crashing on the California coast
Removed from Likes
10 Great Beaches for Kids
Make memories at some of California's family-favorite beaches
Removed from Likes
Free Kid-Friendly Things to Do in California
Plan your trip around these classic sights that are also free
Removed from Likes
Aquarium of the Bay
Explore the marine life of San Francisco Bay at this Pier 39 aquarium
Removed from Likes
Fisherman’s Wharf
Get your fill of San Francisco seafood, sourdough, sea lions, and souvenirs
Removed from Likes
5 Awesome Family Attractions in and Around the Bay Area
Monet Hambrick shares some of her favorite experiences in San Jose, Monterey, and San Francisco

Subscribe to our Newsletter
Sign up and get weekly travel inspiration and ideas
Thank you for signing up
Get ready to Dream Big!