The 7 Longest Piers in America You Can Walk

There’s something inherently nostalgic about a pier. Whether it’s the scent of salt in the air, the rhythmic sound of waves lapping against the pilings, or the sight of fishermen casting lines at sunset, piers hold a magnetic allure for travelers and locals. And for those who love long walks with a sea breeze (or river breeze) in their face, America’s longest piers offer the perfect blend of leisure, landscape, and history.

But not all piers are created equal. Some are built purely for fishing, others for entertainment, and a few do it all. Explore seven of the longest public piers in the United States that are open to pedestrians. Industrial docks, breakwaters, and private structures are excluded—these piers are all about recreation, whether you're walking, fishing, or enjoying an ice cream cone.

Navy Pier – Chicago, Illinois

Length: 3,300 feet

Built: 1916

Type: Entertainment Pier

Few piers in America are as iconic—or as expansive—as Chicago’s Navy Pier. Stretching out an impressive 3,300 feet into Lake Michigan, this century-old landmark is more than just a pier; it’s a mini-city jutting into the water. Originally built for cargo and passenger ships, Navy Pier has evolved into a cultural and entertainment powerhouse, drawing nearly 9 million visitors annually.

Today, it hosts a dizzying array of attractions: theaters, restaurants, public art, a massive Ferris wheel, and seasonal fireworks that light up the lakefront. But you don’t need to spend a dime to enjoy it. Just walking the full length of the pier—surrounded by panoramic skyline views and the ever-changing moods of Lake Michigan—is a quintessential Chicago experience.

New St. Pete Pier – St. Petersburg, Florida

Length: 3,065 feet

Opened: 2020 (Reconstruction began in 2018)

Type: Mixed-Use Entertainment Pier

The new St. Pete Pier, reopened in 2020 after a major $92 million redesign, stretches over 3,000 feet into Tampa Bay and reimagines what a pier can be. It blends striking modern architecture with lush green spaces, wide walkways, and public art—most notably the massive floating sculpture “Bending Arc.” Along its length, visitors can explore restaurants, rooftop bars, a beach area, splash pads, and a hands-on Discovery Center focused on marine education.

Designed with sustainability in mind, the pier features sea-life friendly lighting, elevated walkways, and native landscaping. Fishing decks and quiet spots offer classic pier experiences, while family-friendly zones and panoramic water views make it a vibrant, all-day destination. More than just a place to walk, the St. Pete Pier is a waterfront park built for the 21st century.

James River Fishing Pier – Newport News, Virginia

Length: Approx. 3,000 feet

Rebuilt: 2015

Type: Fishing Pier

Quietly impressive, the James River Fishing Pier is a hidden gem for those who love fishing and river views. Located in Newport News, Virginia, this nearly 3,000-foot-long pier stretches into the historic James River and offers a tranquil alternative to coastal oceanfront piers.

Rebuilt in 2015 after damage to the original structure (which once followed the path of an old highway bridge), the pier today provides ample space for anglers and walkers. It’s one of the longest river piers in the country and a peaceful place to soak up a Chesapeake Bay sunset.

This one’s especially rewarding for locals and visitors looking for an off-the-beaten-path walking destination that still gives you that open-sky, over-water feel.

Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf – Santa Cruz, California

Length: 2,745 feet

Built: 1914

Type: Wooden Pier

There’s no mistaking the charm of Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. Constructed in 1914, it remains the longest wooden pier on the West Coast and stretches a whopping 2,745 feet into the Pacific Ocean.

Lined with surf shops, seafood shacks, and lookout points, this pier is a magnet for visitors and pelicans. Sea lions often lounge below the planks, barking at tourists and each other. In the distance, surfers carve waves near the legendary Steamer Lane.

You can grab a cup of clam chowder in a bread bowl, rent a pair of binoculars to spot whales, or simply walk to the end and bask in the unfiltered horizon of the Pacific. It’s the kind of place where time slows down and the sea breeze whispers stories of boardwalk days gone by.

Riverside Park Fishing Pier – Palmetto, Florida

Length: 2,000 feet

Type: Fishing Pier

At 2,000 feet, the Riverside Park Fishing Pier in Palmetto, Florida, might be lesser-known, but it holds its own in terms of scenic appeal and length. Located along the Manatee River, this pier is a favorite for locals, offering riverfront views, peaceful fishing, and birdwatching opportunities.

Unlike oceanfront piers, the calm waters of the river add a serene element. It’s great for casual strolls, evening photography, and spotting the occasional manatee or stingray in the shallows.

This pier doesn’t have the flashy attractions of Navy Pier or the bustling energy of Santa Cruz, but that’s part of its charm. It’s a place to slow down, unplug, and take in Florida’s softer, quieter side.

Ocean Beach Pier – San Diego, California

Length: 1,971 feet

Built: 1966

Type: Concrete Pier

At nearly 2,000 feet, the famed Ocean Beach Pier in San Diego is one of the longest concrete piers on the West Coast. It offers jaw-dropping views of crashing surf, sandcastles, and the quintessential laid-back SoCal lifestyle.

The pier features T-shaped extensions at the end, giving it more surface area and unique angles to explore. It’s a favorite for sunset watchers, pelican watchers, and longboard lovers. Though age and storm damage have led to temporary closures over the years, the city remains committed to preserving and maintaining this beloved community space.

Plus, if you're lucky, you might catch a local busker strumming a guitar as you walk past surfers riding the swells below.

Oceanside Pier – Oceanside, California

• Length: 1,942 feet

• Type: Wooden pier (current structure completed in 1987; original built in 1888)

Oceanside Pier is one of the longest wooden piers on the West Coast and a beloved landmark of Southern California’s surf culture. First built in 1888 and rebuilt several times due to storm damage, the current version—completed in 1987—extends nearly 2,000 feet into the Pacific, offering panoramic ocean views, unbeatable sunsets, and a front-row seat to local surfers riding the waves below.

This classic wooden pier is a favorite for fishing, strolling, and spotting pelicans and dolphins. It features benches, vintage-style lighting, and access to the beach at both ends. While the former end-of-pier restaurant was removed in 2021, plans for new amenities continue to evolve. Framed by palm trees and backed by the laid-back Oceanside vibe, the pier remains a timeless place to unwind along the California coast.

Walking the Line Between Land and Sea

What unites all these piers isn’t just their impressive length, but the unique way they connect us to the water, to our surroundings, and to each other. From Midwestern megastructures to tranquil Southern river piers and Pacific coastal classics, each one offers its own flavor of the American waterfront experience.

So the next time you find yourself near one of these magnificent walkways, lace up your sneakers or slip on your sandals. There’s a long road ahead—straight into the water.