How to Hike Belmont Pier Trail

The Belmont Pier Trail is more than just a coastal walk—it’s a seamless fusion of natural beauty, urban history, and tranquil solitude. Located in the heart of Long Beach, California, this scenic pathway offers hikers an accessible, rewarding experience that blends ocean views, tidal ecosystems, and panoramic sunsets. Unlike rugged mountain treks or remote backcountry trails, the Belmont Pier Trail is designed for casual walkers, photography enthusiasts, and nature observers seeking an immersive yet low-effort outdoor escape. Its significance lies not only in its physical accessibility but in its role as a living cultural landmark, connecting locals and visitors to the Pacific’s rhythm through a curated, well-maintained corridor. Whether you're a first-time hiker or a seasoned trail enthusiast looking for a peaceful coastal interlude, understanding how to hike the Belmont Pier Trail properly ensures a safe, enriching, and memorable journey.

Step-by-Step Guide

Hiking the Belmont Pier Trail requires minimal preparation, but attention to detail enhances both safety and enjoyment. Follow this comprehensive step-by-step guide to navigate the trail with confidence and clarity.

1. Plan Your Visit Timing

The ideal time to hike the Belmont Pier Trail is during early morning or late afternoon. Sunrise offers soft, golden light perfect for photography and fewer crowds, while sunset casts a warm glow over the water, illuminating the pier’s iconic wooden beams and silhouetting seabirds in flight. Avoid midday in summer months (June–September) when temperatures can exceed 85°F (29°C) and UV exposure intensifies. Check local tide charts before you go—low tide reveals fascinating intertidal zones teeming with marine life along the shoreline near the pier’s base.

2. Choose Your Starting Point

The trail officially begins at the intersection of Ocean Boulevard and Belmont Shore, near the Belmont Pier parking lot. This is the most common access point, with ample street parking and public restrooms nearby. Alternatively, you can begin at the Long Beach Shoreline Pedestrian Path, which connects seamlessly to the pier trail via a paved, ADA-compliant pathway. If you're coming from downtown Long Beach, follow the Shoreline Bike Path southbound—this multi-use route runs parallel to the coast and merges directly into the Belmont Pier Trail entrance.

3. Prepare Your Gear

Though the trail is flat and under one mile round-trip, proper gear ensures comfort and safety:

• Footwear: Wear closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles. The pier surface can be slick from salt spray, especially after morning dew or rain.
• Layered Clothing: Coastal fog and wind are common even on warm days. Bring a light windbreaker or fleece. Avoid cotton—it retains moisture.
• Hydration: Carry at least 16 oz (500 ml) of water. There are no water fountains directly on the pier.
• Accessories: Sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat are essential. Bring a small backpack to carry essentials without hindering movement.
• Camera or Smartphone: The trail offers exceptional photo opportunities—capture the pier’s architecture, marine wildlife, and distant Catalina Island on clear days.

4. Enter the Trail

Upon reaching the parking area, follow the clearly marked pedestrian pathway lined with native coastal plants and interpretive signs detailing local ecology. The trail is paved and gently sloping, with benches every 200 feet for rest. As you approach the pier, you’ll notice a wooden staircase leading to the pier deck. Take your time ascending—this section has handrails and is designed for safety, but can be crowded during peak hours.

5. Walk the Pier

The Belmont Pier stretches 1,350 feet (411 meters) into the Pacific Ocean. Once on the pier, walk slowly and stay to the right to allow others to pass. The structure is made of treated wood and metal supports—watch your step around loose planks, especially near the end. The pier is divided into three zones:

• Shore End (0–300 ft): Busy with anglers, street performers, and food vendors. This area is lively but safe for casual strolling.
• Mid-Pier (300–900 ft): Quieter, with sweeping views of the coastline. Look down into the water—spotting garibaldi, kelp bass, and occasional sea lions is common.
• End of Pier (900–1,350 ft): The most scenic spot. Here, you’ll find a small observation platform with binoculars mounted on poles. This is the ideal place to watch dolphins, migrating whales (December–April), and seabirds like cormorants and pelicans.

6. Observe and Engage with the Environment

Take time to pause and observe. The pier is part of a marine protected area. Look for tide pools at the base during low tide—these harbor anemones, hermit crabs, and sea stars. Avoid touching or disturbing wildlife. Use binoculars to observe birds without intrusion. Listen to the rhythm of the waves and the calls of gulls—it’s part of the trail’s meditative appeal.

7. Return and Exit

When ready to leave, retrace your steps. Consider exiting at the opposite end of the parking lot to explore the adjacent Belmont Shore neighborhood. This route leads to local cafés, art galleries, and boutique shops. If you’re hiking with children or elderly companions, plan a rest stop at one of the shaded benches near the pier entrance before departing.

8. Leave No Trace

Always carry out what you bring in. Use trash receptacles located at the pier entrance and near the restrooms. Never feed wildlife—this disrupts natural behavior and can be dangerous. Pick up any litter you see, even if it’s not yours. The trail’s beauty depends on collective responsibility.

Best Practices

Following best practices transforms a simple walk into a sustainable, respectful, and deeply rewarding experience. These guidelines are rooted in environmental stewardship, personal safety, and community etiquette.

Respect Wildlife and Ecosystems

The waters beneath the Belmont Pier are part of a designated marine protected area. Species like the California sea lion, harbor seal, and endangered leopard shark rely on this habitat. Never attempt to touch, feed, or chase animals. Keep dogs leashed at all times—even well-behaved pets can startle marine life. If you see an injured or stranded animal, note its location and contact the Long Beach Marine Mammal Rescue Center immediately.

Stay on Designated Paths

While the pier itself is the main attraction, the surrounding shoreline is fragile. Dune grasses and salt marshes protect against erosion and provide nesting grounds for shorebirds. Avoid walking on the beach near the pier’s base unless you’re on the official boardwalk. Venturing off-path can damage sensitive habitats and trigger protective closures.

Manage Crowds and Noise

Weekends and holidays draw large crowds, especially during summer and holiday weekends. To preserve the trail’s tranquility, avoid loud music, amplified devices, or disruptive behavior. If you’re with a group, keep conversations at a moderate volume. Be courteous to anglers—they often fish quietly and expect space. Yield to those walking in the opposite direction and step aside at narrow points.

Weather Awareness

Coastal weather changes rapidly. Even on sunny days, a cold offshore wind can drop temperatures by 15°F within minutes. Check the National Weather Service forecast for Long Beach before leaving. High winds (over 20 mph) may cause loose planks to shift—proceed with caution. In rare cases, the pier may close temporarily due to high surf or structural maintenance. Monitor official city alerts via the City of Long Beach Parks & Recreation website.

Accessibility Considerations

The Belmont Pier Trail is fully ADA-compliant, with ramps, handrails, and wide pathways. However, accessibility varies slightly at the pier’s end, where the surface transitions to older wooden planks. If you use a mobility aid, the first 900 feet are most reliably smooth. Rest areas include accessible seating and nearby restrooms. Families with strollers will find the path manageable, though the staircase to the pier deck requires assistance.

Photography Etiquette

The pier is a popular spot for photographers. To avoid conflicts, avoid blocking walkways while setting up tripods. Use a monopod if space is tight. If photographing people, ask permission before including them in your shot. Sunset photographers often gather at the end of the pier—arrive early to secure a good spot. Avoid using flash near wildlife or other visitors.

Timing for Peak Experiences

For the most serene experience, hike on weekdays between 7–9 a.m. or 4–6 p.m. These windows offer the best lighting, cooler temperatures, and minimal foot traffic. For wildlife enthusiasts, winter months (December–March) are prime for gray whale migration. Spring (April–May) brings the return of seabird nesting colonies. Summer offers the clearest water visibility for spotting fish and kelp forests.

Tools and Resources

Equipping yourself with the right tools and knowing where to find reliable information elevates your hike from ordinary to exceptional. Below are essential digital and physical resources to support your journey.

Mobile Applications

• AllTrails: Offers a detailed map of the Belmont Pier Trail with user-submitted photos, trail conditions, and recent reviews. The app also tracks your route and estimates time based on pace.
• Windy.com: Provides hyperlocal wind, tide, and wave forecasts for Long Beach. Use this to plan your visit around optimal weather and low tide windows.
• Merlin Bird ID (by Cornell Lab): Helps identify seabirds you spot along the pier. Point your phone’s camera at a bird, and the app uses sound and visual cues to suggest species.
• SeaWatch (by California Department of Fish and Wildlife): Tracks marine mammal sightings in real time. Useful if you’re hoping to spot dolphins or whales.

Official Websites

• City of Long Beach Parks & Recreation: www.longbeach.gov/parks – Provides updates on pier maintenance, closures, events, and safety advisories.
• California Department of Fish and Wildlife – Marine Protected Areas: www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/MPAs – Learn about the ecological protections in place and why certain behaviors are restricted.
• Long Beach Marine Mammal Rescue Center: www.lbmmc.org – Contact this organization if you observe stranded or injured marine animals.

Physical Resources

• Trail Guide Brochures: Available at the Long Beach Visitor Center (300 E. Ocean Boulevard) and at kiosks near the pier entrance. These include maps, wildlife guides, and historical facts about the pier’s construction in 1921.
• Field Guide to Pacific Coast Marine Life: A compact paperback by John C. H. Lee—ideal for identifying fish, crabs, and birds. Available at local bookstores like Book Soup or online.
• Coastal Weather Radio: Tune into NOAA Weather Radio Channel 162.400 MHz for real-time marine forecasts. A battery-powered receiver is useful if your phone battery runs low.

Community and Volunteer Groups

Joining local conservation efforts enhances your connection to the trail. The Belmont Shore Coastal Cleanup Crew organizes monthly cleanups—volunteers receive a free trail map and water bottle. The Long Beach Audubon Society offers guided birdwatching walks on the first Saturday of each month. These events are free and open to all. Participation fosters deeper appreciation and helps preserve the trail for future generations.

Recommended Gear Retailers

For high-quality, coastal-appropriate gear, visit:

• REI Long Beach: Offers waterproof layers, sun protection gear, and durable footwear.
• Local Surf Shops (e.g., Shoreline Surf & Skate): Carry lightweight, quick-dry apparel ideal for ocean breezes.
• Amazon or REI.com: Search for “coastal hiking essentials kit” for curated bundles including sunscreen, insect repellent, and a compact first-aid pack.

Real Examples

Real-life experiences illustrate how the Belmont Pier Trail transforms ordinary days into meaningful moments. Below are three detailed accounts from hikers who followed best practices and reaped unexpected rewards.

Example 1: Maria, 68, Retired Teacher – A Morning of Quiet Reflection

Maria, who moved to Long Beach after retiring from teaching, began hiking the Belmont Pier Trail three times a week. “I used to feel lost after leaving the classroom,” she says. “Now, I come here with my thermos of tea and just watch the tide. Last week, I saw a sea otter floating on its back, eating a crab. I didn’t move for 20 minutes. I didn’t take a photo. I just remembered.” Maria always brings a small notebook and sketches the birds she sees. Her collection now includes 47 species, all identified using the Merlin Bird ID app. “It’s not about distance,” she says. “It’s about presence.”

Example 2: Jamal and Sofia, 10 and 8 – First-Time Nature Explorers

Parents Jamal and Sofia wanted to get their kids away from screens. They chose the Belmont Pier Trail for its accessibility and educational value. “We brought a checklist from the City Parks website,” Sofia explains. “We looked for crabs, seashells, and birds. Sofia found a hermit crab in a shell—she named him Reggie. Jamal caught a glimpse of a dolphin. We didn’t buy anything from the vendors. We just walked and talked.” They returned the next weekend with a magnifying glass and a field guide. “Now they ask to go every Sunday,” Jamal says. “It’s become our family ritual.”

Example 3: David, 32, Photographer – Capturing the Unseen

David, a freelance photographer, spent six months documenting the Belmont Pier at different times of day and under varying conditions. “Most people see the pier as a backdrop,” he says. “I wanted to show its heartbeat.” His series, “The Pier at Dawn,” features images of fishermen at 5 a.m., fog rolling over the water, and the first light hitting the pier’s rusted railings. One photo—a lone surfer paddling past the pier’s end during a winter storm—went viral on Instagram. David credits his success to patience and preparation: “I came 47 times before I got that shot. I learned the rhythm of the place. That’s what hiking is—showing up, again and again.”

Example 4: The Community Cleanup – A Collective Effort

In April 2023, over 200 volunteers joined the Belmont Shore Coastal Cleanup. What began as a two-hour effort turned into a day-long celebration. Participants collected 1,200 pounds of plastic, fishing line, and cigarette butts. Local artists turned the debris into a sculpture displayed near the pier entrance. “We didn’t just clean the beach,” says organizer Lena Torres. “We reminded people this isn’t trash. It’s our home.” The cleanup became an annual event, and the city now provides free gloves and bags to all visitors during peak seasons.

FAQs

Is the Belmont Pier Trail free to access?

Yes, the trail and pier are completely free to access. There are no entrance fees, parking fees, or permits required. However, parking on Ocean Boulevard may be metered during peak hours (10 a.m.–6 p.m.). Free street parking is available on side streets like 2nd Street and 4th Street, a 5-minute walk from the pier.

Can I bring my dog on the trail?

Dogs are allowed on the pedestrian pathway leading to the pier and on the pier itself, but they must be leashed at all times. Dogs are not permitted on the beach adjacent to the pier or in the adjacent park areas where nesting birds may be present. Always carry waste bags and clean up after your pet.

Is the trail suitable for children and seniors?

Absolutely. The trail is flat, paved, and fully accessible. Benches are spaced every 200 feet, and the pier has handrails along both sides. Many families and seniors visit daily. The pier’s end offers a gentle, safe viewing platform ideal for all ages.

Are there restrooms on the trail?

Yes. Public restrooms are located in the parking lot near the trail entrance and at the Belmont Shore Community Center (150 E. 1st Street), a 3-minute walk away. There are no restrooms on the pier itself.

Can I fish from the Belmont Pier?

Yes, fishing is permitted on the pier. No license is required for pier fishing in California. Common catches include croaker, perch, and mackerel. Follow all state regulations—no netting, no live bait from outside sources, and always release undersized or protected species.

What should I do if I see a stranded seal or sea lion?

Do not approach or touch the animal. Keep at least 50 feet away. Note the location and time, then contact the Long Beach Marine Mammal Rescue Center at (562) 436-4111 or visit www.lbmmc.org. They respond 24/7 to reports of stranded marine mammals.

Is the pier open during high winds or storms?

The pier may close temporarily during high surf, strong winds, or structural inspections. Check the City of Long Beach Parks & Recreation website or call (562) 570-3200 before your visit. Closure notices are posted at the entrance and on social media.

Are there food vendors on the pier?

Yes, food vendors operate near the shore end of the pier, typically from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Daily offerings include fish tacos, ice cream, coffee, and bottled drinks. Vendors accept cash and major credit cards. For healthier options, bring your own snacks.

Can I bike on the trail?

Bicycles are allowed on the pedestrian path leading to the pier but must be walked on the pier itself. The pier deck is narrow and crowded—biking poses a safety hazard. Use the Shoreline Bike Path for cycling along the coast.

When is the best time to see whales?

Gray whales migrate along the California coast between December and April, with peak sightings occurring in January and February. Use the SeaWatch app or join a free whale-watching talk hosted by the Long Beach Aquarium on weekends during migration season.

Conclusion

Hiking the Belmont Pier Trail is not about conquering distance or elevation—it’s about connection. Connection to the sea, to the rhythm of tides, to the quiet persistence of nature amid urban life. It’s a trail that welcomes everyone: the solitary walker seeking peace, the family chasing a glimpse of a dolphin, the photographer waiting for the perfect light. By following the steps outlined here—planning your visit, respecting the environment, using the right tools, and learning from those who’ve walked before you—you don’t just complete a walk. You become part of a living, breathing legacy.

The Belmont Pier has stood for over a century, weathering storms, wars, and waves. It endures not because of its structure, but because of the people who walk it with care. As you leave the pier and return to the world beyond, carry this truth with you: the most profound journeys aren’t measured in miles, but in moments of stillness, wonder, and respect. Walk gently. Look closely. Listen deeply. And return—not just to the trail, but to yourself.