Marking the coast of San Diego County are a series of piers stretching out into the ocean past the surf line. Some of these were built in the late 1800s to support coastal trade. More were added in the early 1900’s as pleasure piers. Today, they stand silently in the depths, willing couples to stroll, fishermen to cast and surfer’s to shoot.

Oceanside’s first pier was built in 1888. After being destroyed by storms, the pier was rebuilt 5 more times over the years in a constant battle against the rage of nature. For those of my generation, it is remembered as the location of Ruby’s Diner which saw its last sunset several years ago.

On the other end of San Diego, the Imperial Beach Pier is the last before the border and the southernmost pier in the United States. The first pier in IB was erected in 1909 along a boardwalk that is no longer there. This tourist attraction lasted until 1948 when it finally succumbed to the surge of the waves. The current pier was originally built in 1963, and also has been rebuilt several times after Poseidon continued to assert his dominance over man-made structures in his domain.

Between Oceanside and IB, our coastline is graced by Scripps Pier, Crystal Pier and the OB Pier. All of these piers have their own underwater eco systems and all provide great paddle out currents for the locals. They mark our spot in the waves, give us an avenue over the water, and provide great backdrops for our photography while constantly fighting against the power of the ocean. These momentary permanent structures are the gems of our coast!