Del Norte County piers

1/9

Don’t tell San Francisco, but Coronado Ferry Landing in San Diego may have the most jaw-dropping city views in the state, including a snazzy skyline, Navy craft, the Coronado Bay Bridge and the traffic (sailboats to freighters) in the channel. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

2/9

All aboard for spectacular views of the bay. Board a craft at Coronado Ferry Landing for the 15-minute cruise across the bay to downtown San Diego. Prepare to be dazzled. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

3/9

Just after sunset, surfers return to shore on the southern side of the Oceanside Pier. At 1,954 feet, it’s the longest wooden pier along the West Coast. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

4/9

The Oceanside Pier provides a perfect vantage point for watching waves -- in this case, huge ones -- crash into the beach. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

5/9

Trim cottages line both sides of Crystal Pier in San Diego County. Each of the 21 lodgings comes with a small, private deck that looks out on the water and provides some privacy. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

6/9

From the San Clemente Pier, the view of land trumps the view out to sea. Cliffs showcase buildings and homes that riff on classic Spanish Colonial design. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

7/9

A surfer rides a wave near the wooden San Clemente Pier at sunset. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

8/9

Sunset at the Manhattan Beach Pier -- early morning or late afternoon, it’s a photo op waiting just for you. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

9/9

Pier 39 is the biggest outdoor, multistory shopping mall sitting on/masquerading as a pier in California. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)

June 29, 2012 2:01 PM PT

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

Background: In 2011, a Humboldt State professor estimated that Crescent City and its harbor had experienced as many as 35 tsunamis in the last 75 years. In March 2011, an earthquake in Japan sent a tsunami across the Pacific; a surge up to 8 feet swamped the harbor and its boats and tore apart smaller docks. Citizen’s Dock took a few dings from unmoored boats but continues to be the focal point of the harbor.

Parking: Free in a lot at the foot of the pier.

Directions: From Highway 101, turn west on Citizens Dock Road and follow it to the end.

B Street Pier

Overview: The northernmost pier in the state is a modest one. Views of the charming Battery Coast lighthouse as well as gray sand beaches and big rocks sticking out of the water make this 900-foot wood plank structure worth seeking it.

Background: Its predecessor, a ramshackle structure known as Sutton Dock, burned down in 1987 and became the source of much controversy — and talk — in the ensuing years. As far as I can tell, 25 years ago some local officials were indicted for torching the pier before they had the necessary permits. Ancient small-town stuff not sure it adds much.

Parking: Free at the foot of the pier.

Directions: In Crescent City, turn off Highway 101 onto Front Street, taking it toward the coast. Turn left on B Street and follow it all the way out to the pier.

-- Christopher Smith

Del Norte County piers

More to Read

More From the Los Angeles Times