In just about every Southern California beach community, you find at least one pier. Long Beach is no different. One of the most popular is the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier, which is located at 35 39th Place in Long Beach. The concrete pier is 1,620 feet long and offers great views of not only the ocean, but of the surrounding communities.
On this pier, you won’t find fancy restaurants, a Ferris wheel, or shops, like you might on other Southern California piers. Rather, you’ll find a simple pier that was designed for strolling, fishing, or grabbing a casual bite to eat.
If visiting the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier is on your to-do list, here are four things to do on or near the pier:
Go Fishing
Those who love to fish should definitely try their hand at fishing from the pier. You’ll be in good company, as this is one of the most popular fishing spots in the area. The best part about fishing on the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier: you don’t need a fishing license. You read that right: you can fish for free on the pier!
There is a bait shop right on the pier to supply you with any items you may have forgotten. It also sells snacks and has a small restaurant that sells items like fish and chips and fish tacos.
Take a Bike Ride Down Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path
One of the most popular things to do near the pier is to take a leisurely bike ride down the Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path. The 4-mile-long, 17-foot-wide concrete trail runs from the Long Beach Shoreline Marina to the Belmont Shore neighborhood. On one side of the path, you’ll have an almost endless view of the white sand beach and the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean, and on the other you’ll see and beautiful, beach-front real estate. There are separate lanes for bikers and pedestrians on the trail, which means you won’t have to weave in and out of walkers and joggers as you bike along.
If you don’t have your own bike, you can rent one from Wheel Fun Rentals in Shoreline Village, or use one of the many bikes available through Long Beach Bike Share.
Visit Rosie’s Dog Beach
If you have a well-behaved furry friend with you, be sure to visit Rosie’s Dog Beach, which is right next to the pier. “Well-behaved” is key, because this dog beach isn’t fenced and owners are expected to have good voice control over their dogs if they allow them to be off leash. At this dog beach, there is plenty of room to allow your dogs to play in the sand and water, while you enjoy a beautiful ocean view.
It should be noted that only one dog is allowed per adult on Rosie’s Dog Beach, and it should also go without saying that owners are expected to clean up after their dogs.
Grab a Beer and Food at Belmont Brewing Company
Once you’re done with your activities near the pier, stop for a drink and a bite to eat at Belmont Brewing Company. They offer a diverse menu that has a little something for everyone—delicious food and their own amazing craft beers. The views aren’t bad either. It’s a great place to watch the sunset, or simply to enjoy an ocean view as you dine. It’s a great place to end a great day of exploring the area surrounding the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier.