The southern-most pier on our list, Imperial Beach Pier is yet again another fishing pier and is also great for many other things. Imperial Beach is 13 miles south of San Diego but only about 7 miles from the border. If you walk on the pier and look south on a clear day you will see downtown San Diego and some Mexico islands. At the end of the pier is a seafood restaurant called The Tin Fish, and it is said to have some of the best seafood around. With the ocean breeze to accompany, you can sit inside or outside and enjoy the casual laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals.
At the beginning of the pier is Portwood Pier Plaza. The sign has “Imperial Beach” written across the top and four tall colored surfboard-shaped arches that are meant to emulate surfboards standing in the sand.
Imperial Beach hosts many unique activities including a Dog Surfing Contest and a Triathlon. There are trails to walk and places to eat and shop, and you can see wildlife here and at the Chula Vista Nature Center not too far away. If you’re feeling ambitious you can ride a bike up the scenic Bayshore Bikeway from the Ferry Landing Marketplace, through Silver Strand to Coronado and end at the Coronado Ferry Landing.
