Ventura Pier — Attraction in Ventura

A Classic Coastal Landmark with Stunning Views & Unique Photo Ops

Ventura Pier is one of California’s most charming seaside spots—rich in history, packed with beauty, and full of that laid-back beach-town spirit. Originally built in 1872, it’s among the oldest wooden piers on the West Coast, and it still feels timeless in the best way.

Walking the pier offers sweeping views of the Pacific, the Channel Islands, surfers below, and mountains in the distance. Whether it’s sunrise, sunset, or under moonlight, there are unique photo ops in every direction. You’ll catch golden light filtering through the railings, crashing waves underneath, and maybe even dolphins if you’re lucky.

There’s plenty of paid parking nearby, and it’s easy to access the pier on foot from the beach promenade. Restaurants like Beach House Tacos and MadeWest Brewing make it easy to grab a bite or a drink with a view.

Pro tip: The pier’s surface is rough and weathered (which adds to its charm), but the gaps between boards and uneven planks can be tough for strollers or wheelchairs. Be sure to wear flat shoes, and definitely leave the heels in the car.

Amenities include benches, clean restrooms, and informative signs about the pier’s history and marine life. It connects directly to Surfers Point, San Buenaventura State Beach, and scenic bike paths for even more to explore.

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In summary: Ventura Pier is the kind of place that feels magical no matter how many times you visit. Come for the views, stay for the breeze, and don’t forget your camera—and your...

We visited the Ventura Pier for the first time. It’s a nice old pier and a great place for a walk. There were lots of people fishing from the pier but we did not see anyone catch any fish. Then all of a sudden a fisherman was screaming that he caught a monster. We watched as he reeled in the monster fish but got a surprise when it was actually a huge lobster. You could tell this was a very old lobster. He decided to release it and right at that time, people were offering him money to sell it and the price was up over $150 but the fisherman stuck to his decision and released the lobster instead of selling it.

We were visiting from Michigan and had a good time visiting the pier. Coming from Michigan to California, I figured it would be really warm in June, but it wasn’t. I wore shorts and a T-shirt and the temp was low 60’s, but with the wind it felt so much colder, that was a huge surprise to me. We would go back again if visiting Ventura but I’d dress in...

When visiting Ventura, this pier is a must visit place. This gives you a beautiful view of the beach and a place to eat and drink while enjoying the ocean view and the breeze.

With temperatures over 110F in the inland areas in LA, it’s quite a relief to come out here to feel the ocean breeze brushing over your face.

The pier is long and crowded but very one seemed to observe safety measures by wearing masks. There’s only one restaurant on the pier and the line looked very long.

The walk on the pier was very pleasant with the temperature’s around 70F. From the pier, you can watch people swim in the ocean. The water’s kind of dirty but people don’t mind and seemed to having a good time.

For parking, there is public parking structure next to the pier for $10. If you eat there and stay less than 2 hours, there...