Imperial Beach Pier IB, California Pier and Beach Vacations

Imperial Beach, Calif.--Imperial Beach Pier is the southernmost West Coast pier in the United States and one of around 100+ California Piers. Formally called Imperial Beach Landmark Pier, it is a wooden-planked pier that stretches into the ocean 1,491 feet. Popular for strolls, free pier fishing, and dining at the Tin Fish on the end of the pier where it forms a unique arrow shape, don't overlook this pier for the more popular Ocean Beach Pier or Crystal Pier in the nearby city of San Diego, several of only a handful of public piers in San Diego County.

Imperial Beach is the most southwesterly city on the U.S. mainland. South of Imperial Beach are the Tijuana Estuary, Borderfield Park and the Mexican Border. Imperial Beach lacks the hotels and popular appeal of nearby Coronado Island to the north, but even when you stay in Coronado, do take a drive south to see this beach gem. It attracts many visitors to its beaches, pier, shopping district, and natural reserves, and though it is lesser known and trafficked, itt's laid back Southern California beach vibe makes it one cool place to chill.

Imperial Beach City Beach, Imperial Beach Landmark Pier, Pier Plaza, Dunes Park. Events: U. S. Open Sandcastle Competition, Imperial Beach Triathlon & Duathlon, and access to Coronado Island and Tijuana.

Imperial Beach beaches are wide and sandy, with the perfect sand for the annual U.S. Sandcastle Competition which attracts well over 100,000 people to the two-day event at Imperial Beach Pier and Plaza.

Dunes Park is colorful park and busy playground with unique and whimsical landscape design.

Grunion Run is  a popular seasonal sport requiring a fishing license. There's a short season, but the fishing is unique as you must catch the fish with your bare hands. Tourists love this style of fishing for its tactile experience.

Tijuana Estuary and Borderfield Park nearby with hiking, horse trails, surf fishing and birding connect to the largest portion of the Tijuana Estuary which is a small intertidal coastal estuary on the U.S./Mexico border that includes a whopping four miles of walking trails.

Imperial Beach Pier Plaza offers some boutique and touristy shops, an outdoor eating and sitting area, and the formal entrance to the pier and beach with some cool sculptures in neon colors.


U. S. Open Sandcastle Competition is the largest sandcastle building competition in the USA, located on beach near Imperial Beach Pier.

Imperial Beach Triathlon & Duathlon at Imperial Beach Pier consists of a 1/2K ocean swim (wetsuits optional), 15K bike ride and 5K run; the duathlon features a 2K run, 15K bike ride and another 5K run.

Imperial Beach Annual ArtWalk invites artists to register for an exhibition and sales at Pier Plaza to create art pieces which are auctioned on the second day of the Art Walk.

Imperial Beach International Film Festival is an annual Imperial Beach International Film Festival will show screenings over 3 days at Pier Plaza and other locations.

Imperial Beach - Tin Fish, Fishing Pier
Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Phone: 619.628.8414
Fax: 619.628.8415

A pier in the shape of an arrow stretches over and points out into the Pacific Ocean. At the point of the arrow sets the best little piece of seafood heaven in Imperial Beach—some say, in the world.  If you’re one of those people who doesn’t eat seafood unless you can see the ocean,  visit this eatery. Ocean views, friendly people and best of all, the perfect meal await!