Belmont Pier
sunset shown in the picture above features rich hues of orange and
deep purple. Striking sunsets are a trademark of this region of Long
Beach, Calif., and indirectly a reason that the residents of Belmont
Shore once gave up their right to call themselves a city.
Belmont Shore
Veterans Memorial Pier in Long Beach's oceanfront
neighborhood south of downtown wasn't always around. But
people who loved to look out and see the rich-hued sunsets
over the Pacific knew they wanted and needed a pier
desperately. The location begged for such a structure to
allow folks to walk out and fish, stroll and do things that
people do on piers. And thus, the citizens of Belmont Shore
gave up their land and right to be their own city in
exchange for annexation to Long Beach, and addition of a
pier.
As you look at the
picture above, the sunset is representative of many Long
Beach nights filled with colorful skies that quickly fade to
black after the sun goes down. But until the sky turns dark,
fishermen,
romantic couples, moms with their kids, a dad with his
child, and the guy who runs the concession on the pier, all
relish in the colors nature serves up, reflecting on the
water and providing great photos at the Belmont Shore Pier.
Daylight pictures are quite blue often, and show a
strikingly different scene you may not recognize from the
photo above.
When you visit this
location off Ocean Ave., look for the big lit up sign near
Livingston & Ocean that points to the pier. It will easily
guide you there. Bring your camera, a fishing pole, or even
some running shoes or a bicycle. There's a great
paved beach path
that goes for several miles, allowing for great sunset
exercise.
Where to eat: At
the base of the pier is Belmont
Brewing Company and Chronic Tacos. Across the street is
Chuck's Coffee Shop, which isn't open at night (closes
at 2:30 p.m. daily), but is fantastic if you come early for
breakfast or lunch.
Got gas? No, not
from the food! There's a Union 76 station near the pier on
Ocean Blvd. Stop and filler' up!
Need a bathroom?
The public pier does have a trailer (with a ramp) and men &
women's restrooms.
Need a hotel?
Long Beach Hotels
are mostly in the affordable range, but the city is beginning to amp up its
offerings with some new management teams at beach hotels,
and even a new property or two in the boutique category.
With such a vibrant city having so much going for it, this
is a great place to stay overnight. Our favorite hotels
continues to be the Hyatt Regency, walking distance from the
Belmont pier, though the walk is quite a distance.
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