Ocean Beach Pier

The basics

While access to Ocean Beach Pier is currently restricted due to storm damage, it’s well worth visiting the surrounding area. The pier is part of Ocean Beach, San Diego’s most bohemian seaside community, where visitors flock to get tattooed, shop for antiques, and walk into restaurants barefoot. Ocean Front Walk bristles with joggers and in-line skaters (prime for people-watching), while the beach remains a hub for surfing and wading in tide pools. Guided coastal tours and beach-focused itineraries often include Ocean Beach as a stop (or at least a pass-by), pairing it with nearby attractions like Sunset Cliffs or Cabrillo National Monument.

Things to know before you go

• The pier is currently closed, but the surrounding beach and boardwalk remain open and active.

• Street parking can be tricky on weekends—consider arriving early or using a rideshare.

• The beach is stroller- and wheelchair-friendly in several areas, though sandy sections may require beach-specific mobility aids.

• At the north end of the beach, you’ll find the appropriately named Dog Beach, where dogs can run around unleashed 24/7.

• There are public restrooms nearby, but facilities may be limited during busy times.

• Bring layers—even in summer, it can get breezy in the late afternoon.

How to get there

Ocean Beach Pier is located at the western end of Newport Avenue in the Ocean Beach neighborhood of San Diego. The area is accessible by car via I-8 West, with street parking and a few public lots nearby. Public transit riders can take the San Diego Trolley to the Old Town station and transfer to a bus heading toward Ocean Beach.

When to get there

For the best experience, visit in the early morning or just before sunset when the beach is less crowded and the light is ideal for photos. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends. Summer draws larger crowds, while winter offers dramatic waves that add ambiance to any daytime stroll. If you’re here on a Wednesday afternoon, stop by the Ocean Beach farmers market.

Where to catch the best Ocean Beach sunsets

The western edge of Ocean Beach offers wide-open sunset views, but some of the best spots are just south of the pier at the rocky outcrops leading to Sunset Cliffs. Bring a blanket and sit on the grassy bluff at the foot of Niagara Avenue, or walk along the cliffs to catch the golden hour glow reflected off the water.