Is the Oceanside Pier open?

Mostly. About 90 percent of the pier has been open since May 10, 2024, daily from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m., according to the City's April 15, 2026 update. Only the fire-damaged hammerhead at the far west end is closed.

When will the end of the Oceanside Pier reopen?

The City awarded a design contract in April 2026 and expects design documents by September 2026, followed by bidding. Construction could start as early as April 2027. The hammerhead will reopen once the deck and rails are repaired, before any restaurant is rebuilt.

Do you need a fishing license on the Oceanside Pier?

No. California doesn't require a license on a public pier in ocean or bay waters, and CDFW lists the Oceanside Pier as license-free. Size limits, bag limits and seasons still apply.

Are dogs allowed on Oceanside beaches?

Leashed dogs are allowed on The Strand, but not on the sand or the pier.

How much is parking at the Oceanside Pier?

The City lots on The Strand charge $3/hour or $10 a day from September 16 to May 14, and $4/hour or $15 a day from May 15 to September 15. Free parking is available at the Civic Center garage and the Transit Center.

Oceanside Pier & Harbor Beach: Status, Fishing, Parking & Dogs

Overview

The Oceanside Pier runs about 1,954 feet into the Pacific from The Strand, making it one of the longest wooden piers on the West Coast. Oceanside has had a public pier since 1888, and the current structure, the sixth, was finished in 1987. Surfers ride the breaks on both sides, and the Junior Seau Pier Amphitheater sits at its foot.

Current status

A fire on April 25, 2024, destroyed a vacant restaurant and a small food shop at the far west end. About 90 percent of the pier reopened on May 10, 2024. According to the City's update posted April 15, 2026, it's open daily 4 a.m. to 10 p.m., out past the bait shop, restrooms and fish-cleaning station. The far west end, called the hammerhead, stays closed until it's rebuilt. The City expects design documents by September 2026, and work could start as early as April 2027.

Harbor Beach

North of the pier, Harbor Beach lines the ocean side of Oceanside Harbor up to the North Jetty. It has its own lots on North Pacific Street and Harbor Drive, plus fire pits, and the Junior Lifeguard headquarters is at 1304 N. Pacific Street. Each year, harbor dredging puts sand on the City's beaches, so you may see pipe and temporary fencing.

Safety

In summer, lifeguards are on duty 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The City advises swimming near a lifeguard and never next to a jetty or the pier.

Getting there & access

Parking at the pier

City lots 28 (351 N. The Strand), 29 (350 N. The Strand, at the base of the pier) and 30 (101 N. The Strand) charge $3/hour or $10 all day from September 16 to May 14, and $4/hour or $15 all day from May 15 to September 15. They're closed 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Lot 29 was restriped and reopened after fire debris was cleared.

Free parking and shuttle

Summer parking is tight. Free parking is available at the Civic Center garage and the Oceanside Transit Center. The City's gO'side electric shuttle runs mainly west of I-5, from the harbor to Buena Vista Lagoon.

Harbor Beach parking

Lots 7 (1202 N. Pacific St) and 10 (1201 N. Pacific St) use the same seasonal rates as the pier lots. Lot 11 (1302 N. Pacific St) charges a $10 day rate ($15 in summer) and is closed 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Lot 13 at 1200 Harbor Dr. N. has 40 free spaces. Lot 11A is for boat trailers only.

Beach wheelchairs

Free beach wheelchairs are lent first-come, first-served at Lifeguard Headquarters on The Strand and at the Junior Lifeguard Headquarters, 1304 N. Pacific Street.

Amenities

Pier fishing — Open daily 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.; no fishing license needed
Bait shop — On the pier, inside the open section
Restrooms — On the pier, plus beach facilities
Fish-cleaning station — At the last offset of the open section
Junior Seau Pier Amphitheater — At the foot of the pier
Beach wheelchairs — Free loans from lifeguard headquarters
Fire pits — At Harbor Beach, mostly near the North Jetty
Parking lots — City lots along The Strand, North Pacific Street and Harbor Drive

Rules & official resources

Common boat service needs here

Boats in Oceanside Harbor

Oceanside Harbor sits right behind Harbor Beach. Boats kept there in salt water year-round need regular diver hull cleaning.

Find Bottom Cleaning, Hull Cleaning & Dive Services providers →

Engine service for harbor boats

Salt water is hard on cooling systems and outboards, so annual engine service and impeller changes are routine for boats based at the harbor.

Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →

Guides & FAQs

Nearby providers

No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.

Sources

Last verified October 8, 2026

Oceanside Pier and Harbor Beach