South Bay
Imperial Beach Pier
Imperial Beach Pier offers a South Bay ocean-pier experience with open views, beach energy, and a history shaped by storms, rebuilds, and generations of anglers.
Location
Find Imperial Beach Pier
Built, battered, rebuilt
Imperial Beach has had more than one pier life.
The modern pier is part of a longer sequence. The 1909 structure was a different, earlier pier; the 1963 project created the long ocean pier whose storm-damaged form was later rebuilt and enlarged.
- 1909 — First Imperial Beach pier built. The original 500-foot pier stood at the foot of Date Street.
- 1948 — Original pier washed away. Winter storms ended the first pier’s run after years of recreational use.
- November 23, 1963 — New pier opens. The 1,200-foot pier opened the Saturday after President Kennedy’s assassination.
- 1969–1986 — Storm damage accumulates. Repeated storms damaged or closed sections of the pier, prompting a larger restoration project.
- March 1989 — Rebuilt pier rededicated. The restored and enlarged structure reopened at about 1,491 feet.
Sources: Pier Fishing in California and the Port of San Diego’s Imperial Beach Pier page.
Photos
Pier photos coming soon.
Wide view
Rail view
Access point
What this page will cover
Helpful details before you cast.
Getting oriented
Photos of the pier approach, rail sections, beach views, and practical meetup areas.
Gear & bait
Ocean pier basics, bait options, sinker weight ranges, and compact packing.
Techniques
Casting awareness, handling wind, keeping bait positioned, and recognizing bites in moving water.
Local notes
Posted rules, respectful cleanup, current regulation checks, and public-space etiquette.
Friendly local help
Book guided help
Want someone to show you this pier?
A local guide can help Imperial Beach Pier feel friendly by picking a comfortable rail spot, setting your weight properly, and coaching safe casts.