Piers of California

These romantic shoreline structures scattered up and down the state, some dating well into the 19th century, have sights and sounds all their own.

Top spots at water’s edge from San Diego County to Humboldt County.

Here are some pier eateries that I found especially atmospheric.

Belmont Veterans Memorial PierOverview: This 1,620-foot-long T-shaped concrete pier, built in 1968, is ideal for walking night and day.

San Clemente Pier Overview: This 1,296-foot wood-plank pier, built in 1928 and refurbished several times, is springy.

Imperial Beach PierOverview: California’s southernmost recreational pier is within walking distance of the Mexican border.

Stearns Wharf, Goleta Pier and Gaviota Pier are among the sun-and-sea-splashed sites.

Candlestick Point Park PierOverview: This plank pier is only 150 feet long.

Ventura County piers (south to north) Port Hueneme Pier Overview: A pier that feels away from it all.

Humboldt County piers: Del Norte Street Fishing Pier is rough and tumble, Trinidad Pier is undergoing extensive renovations.

Pismo Beach PierOverview: Fishermen and walkers predominate on this 1,370-foot pier, which has a distinctive diamond-shaped end.

San Mateo County piers Johnson Pier at Pillar Point Harbor, Half Moon Bay Overview: The L-shaped concrete pier is more utilitarian than recreational.

The piers of Alameda County: Watch the birds at Dumbarton; check out the Port View/7th Street Pier’s interesting shape; and go for a long walk at Berkeley.

Citizen’s DockOverview: Commercial fishing and angling off the pier are the predominant occupations of this 900-foot, I-shaped span, built in 1950.

Spud Point Marina Pier in Sonoma County is said to be the narrowest pier in California.

Marin County piers Fort Baker Pier Overview: This 358-foot-long, l-shaped asphalt structure is homely, but nobody notices because of the staggering visuals.