These Are The West Coast's 9 Hands-Down Best Boardwalks And Piers For Ocean Views And Seaside Fun

The West Coast features nearly 8,000 miles of shoreline, from the dramatic coast of Olympic National Park to the laid-back beaches around San Diego. However, the boardwalks and piers lining the coast differ greatly from their East Coast counterparts. Many of the West Coast's best oceanfront paths are woven into the character of the surrounding communities and defy the harsh West Coast terrain and seas.

Although the West Coast has glorious beaches filled with resort-style amenities, boardwalks are fewer and farther between than on the East Coast. This is partly due to the geography of the U.S. ocean basins. The West Coast has a narrow continental shelf, meaning the water gets deep relatively quickly, while the region also experiences relatively frequent earthquakes and tsunamis. The East Coast, meanwhile, has a broader continental shelf and barrier islands that help protect portions of the coastline. Even so, the West Coast is still dotted with iconic piers and seaside boardwalks that withstand the elements.

To determine the West Coast's nine best boardwalks, we considered the quality of the waterfront views, the variety of activities, and the surrounding destination. We also looked at the length and layout of each promenade or pier, as well as access to beaches, restaurants, shops, amusement parks, and marine life that fill out each promenade. 

Stretching for roughly 2 miles along the Pacific, the Venice Beach Boardwalk is one of the longest and best boardwalks in the world. Some essential stops along the promenade include Venice Beach Ice for frozen treats or Pink Elephant Espresso Bar for a caffeinated pick-me-up along the way. The area is also home to Muscle Beach, an outdoor gym where weightlifting has been a fixture since the 1930s, along with basketball and handball courts and a skatepark. Just inland, the Venice Canals and Abbot Kinney Boulevard are also worth exploring.

The Long Beach Boardwalk is Washington's most picturesque and sits on a gorgeous beach in a quirky town full of nostalgia. The elevated wooden path stretches for roughly a mile and winds through the world's longest continuous peninsula beach, which extends for 28 miles. Long Beach has a nostalgic character, with colorful shops and seafood restaurants, including joints like the tiny Corral Drive In and Bold Coffee and Art Framing, a quirky cafe with local art lining the walls. The boardwalk also includes sites like the peculiar World's Largest Frying Pan and the 8.5-mile Lewis and Clark Discovery Trail.

The Santa Monica Pier is a pedestrian-friendly path lined with attractions, food stalls, restaurants, shops, and live entertainment overlooking the ocean and stretching about 500 meters (roughly 1,600 feet) into the Pacific. The pier's Pacific Park is the West Coast's only amusement park located on a pier, and it has free admission, with rides including the Pacific Wheel –the world's first to run on solar power – and the West Coaster rollercoaster — which rises 55 feet and reaches speeds of 35 mph. Visitors can also explore the nearby Heal the Bay Aquarium, Playland Arcade, and fishing areas along the pier.

Stretching roughly 1.5 miles along the Pacific, the Seaside Promenade offers a scenic oceanfront path overlooking Oregon's coastline. Known locally as "the Prom", the paved walkway is a popular spot for walking, jogging, and cycling. The promenade dates to 1920 and connects directly to Seaside's historic downtown, where visitors will find restaurants, shops, and boutique accommodations. The promenade begins at 12th Avenue on the north side of town and ends at Avenue U, and provides ample recreation space with a width of 15 feet. Visitors can also spot the famous Turnaround from the boardwalk as well as the Seaside Aquarium.

Located on the San Francisco Bay with sweeping views of Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39 is one of the most famous attractions in San Francisco. The two-level pedestrian-only pier is home to more than 90 specialty stores and restaurants, along with attractions such as the Aquarium of the Bay and the iconic sea lions that gather along the docks. Although most of the restaurants on the pier offer spectacular views and ample window seats, one of the best is Fog Harbor Fish House, which one visitor on Google Reviews noted: "From the moment we arrived, every aspect of our dining experience was exceptional."

The Seattle Waterfront is a collection of dozens of piers and a boardwalk stretching for nearly 1.2 miles along Elliott Bay, featuring the iconic Pike Place Market. The waterfront provides sweeping views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and the Seattle skyline, while attractions include the Seattle Aquarium and the Wings Over Washington amusement park ride. Check out the waterfront restaurant The Pink Door, an iconic red sauce Italian joint with bay views and generous portions. One of the best ways to see Seattle is from above, so take a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel for sprawling views of the skyline and surrounding bay.

Roughly 3.5 miles long, the Mission Beach Boardwalk is a lively oceanfront promenade with sweeping beach views and classic Southern California seaside entertainment. The paved path runs between the sandy beach and the colorful Mission Beach neighborhood. The boardwalk passes Belmont Park, a beachfront amusement park dating back to 1925, centered around the historic Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster. Beyond the coaster, other popular rides include the Liberty Carousel, Beach Blaster, and Tilt-A-Whirl. Mission Beach itself is known for its broad stretch of sand and laid-back surf culture.

Stretching for 6.4 miles along the Columbia River, the Astoria Riverwalk offers a paved path following the river through Oregon's most historic coastal town. The Astoria Riverwalk offers views across the Columbia River toward Washington, with benches, parks, public art, and nearby restaurants and shops. One of the biggest highlights is the seasonal Astoria Riverfront Trolley, which runs along the waterfront on an hour-long journey and offers rides from Basin Street to 39th Street. The route also passes the Columbia River Maritime Museum, while the nearby downtown is filled with hundreds of historically registered buildings and local landmarks.

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is one of California's most iconic seaside promenades, combining sweeping views of Monterey Bay with classic amusement-park entertainment for about a mile along the beachfront. The 119-year-old boardwalk features 40 rides and attractions, including the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster and Looff Carousel, which are both included in the National Registry of Historic Landmarks. Beyond the rides, visitors will find arcades, games, shops, and restaurants along the oceanfront. The boardwalk sits beside Main Beach, while downtown Santa Cruz is just a short distance away.