The current pier was designed to mimic the architectural style of the original 1920s pier, replacing a structure that suffered significant storm damage.
It is one of the only piers in Southern California that allows for fishing without a state-issued sport fishing license.
The Roundhouse Aquarium at the end of the pier is dedicated to local marine life and public education about the Santa Monica Bay ecosystem.
The pier's design is heavily influenced by the 'California pier' aesthetic, utilizing a T-shape at the end rather than a simple straight line.
Surfing at the north side of the pier is internationally recognized and was a significant site in the early development of modern longboard and shortboard culture.
The pier was featured prominently in the 1991 film Point Break and has appeared in numerous other television and film productions.
Manhattan Beach Pier is a historic concrete pier extending 928 feet into the Pacific Ocean in Southern California. The structure features an octagonal building at its terminus that houses the Roundhouse Aquarium, which is managed by the Oceanographic Teaching Stations. The pier serves as the starting point for the Strand, a paved bicycle and walking path that stretches along the coastline. It is a popular location for sport fishing, requiring no license for pier-based activity under California state regulations. The site is a registered California Historical Landmark and remains a focal point for the local community and surfing culture. The pier's distinctive octagonal terminal building dates back to 1920, though the current pier construction was completed in 1992. It is a central hub for annual events, including the International Surf Festival and the Manhattan Beach Open volleyball tournament.
From the sand just north of the pier looking back toward the structure during golden hour.
Visit during low tide to explore the tide pools located directly beneath and around the pier supports.
Check the local wind conditions, as the end of the pier can be significantly colder and windier than the beach level.
Use the outdoor public showers near the pier entrance to rinse off sand before heading into the downtown shops.
Attempting to find public parking near the pier entrance during summer weekends, as street and lot parking reaches capacity early.
The aquarium portion has specific days of operation that may vary seasonally, though the pier itself is public property with no gates.
No jumping or diving from the pier; keep fishing lines clear of pedestrian paths.
