When travelers or locals ask about the longest piers in the United States, the answer depends on the pier’s purpose—fishing, recreation, or transportation. Across the country, many piers extend hundreds or even thousands of feet into the sea, offering venues for anglers, families, and tourists alike.
Photo credit: Sandra Foyt / Shutterstock
Below is a curated list of the longest non‑industrial piers in the U.S., ranked by length and noted for their unique features and history.
Florida’s Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier State Park claims the title of the world’s longest fishing pier. Following a 1980 maritime disaster that tore part of the original Sunshine Skyway Bridge, the remaining span was repurposed into a fishing pier that extends roughly 1.6 miles (2.6 km) into Tampa Bay. Visitors can drive their cars onto the pier, park, and fish along its entire length—an uncommon experience in North America.
Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier projects about 0.63 miles (1.01 km) into Lake Michigan. Built in 1916, it served civic and wartime roles—including a World War II training center—before evolving into a major entertainment hub. Today, the pier hosts rides, restaurants, and cultural events, making it one of the United States’ longest recreational piers.
Located north of San Diego, Oceanside Pier is one of the longest wooden piers on the West Coast, extending 1,954 feet (596 m) into the Pacific. The pier is a popular spot for fishing, leisurely strolls, and panoramic ocean views. Restaurants and boutiques at its base enhance the visitor experience.
Huntington Beach Pier stretches roughly 0.35 miles (0.56 km) into the Pacific Ocean. Situated in the surf‑capital south of Los Angeles, the pier attracts anglers, surfers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Its array of shops and eateries makes it a staple of the West Coast beach scene.
In Norfolk, Virginia, Ocean View Fishing Pier extends 1,690 feet (515 m) into Chesapeake Bay. Rebuilt after Hurricane Isabel destroyed its predecessor, the pier now hosts a full‑service restaurant and a bait shop. Anglers pay $11 per person and frequently catch trout, flounder, and striped bass.
Santa Monica Pier, extending 0.30 miles (0.49 km) into the Pacific, is perhaps the most famous pier in the country. The pier blends entertainment—amusement rides, restaurants, historic attractions—with traditional fishing. Millions of visitors walk its length each year, enjoying sweeping coastal views.
Navarre Beach Pier in Florida projects 1,545 feet (471 m) into the Gulf of Mexico. This concrete pier offers expansive views of the beach and dunes, making it a favored spot for fishing, sightseeing, and leisurely walks.
Across the United States, piers serve as communal hubs where people can fish, dine, and observe the rhythms of the tide. Whether constructed of wood or concrete, these long extensions into the water provide a unique window into the maritime culture of coastal America.
This article was created using AI technology and subsequently fact‑checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.
