Historic Ventura Pier reopens after 18 months of repair work

After 18 months of repair work and $3.3 million in funds, the 1,620-foot landmark Ventura Pier is reopening to the public as of today.

The pier, known for its views of the Channel Islands and historic status as the former longest wooden pier in California, was one of many parts of the state’s infrastructure that was damaged during winter 2023’s heavy rainfall.

Ventura County Emergency Services, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Ventura city officials assessed the pier after the initial damage last year to determine what repairs were needed. All told, 37 missing or broken timber piles supporting the pier were replaced, along with over 100 damaged or missing braces, according to a city press release.

While the pier was closed, crews also worked on restoring the 20 rows of piles farthest from the shore, which had started to corrode.

"That was a planned maintenance restoration that we had for the pier to preserve and maintain our pier — but then we also did these other repairs due to all the storm damage," said Mary Joyce Ivers, deputy public works director for the City of Ventura.

The pier was originally slated to reopen in late 2023, but further weather events, including a rogue wave and other high surf events in Ventura this past winter, delayed the pier’s safe reopening.

“I am thankful for the swift, coordinated efforts of city staff, the County of Ventura, various state agencies, and our community partners like the Ventura Port District — Harbor Patrol, the Coastal Commission, State Parks, and Pier into the Future,” Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder said in a statement. “We eagerly anticipate welcoming the community back to this cherished landmark.”

In a statement, the city of Ventura said that it expects that FEMA and the state will repay a “significant portion” of the $3.3 million repair costs.

The Ventura Pier dates back to 1872, when it was originally used for agricultural and oil shipments, according to the nonprofit Pier Into The Future. It’s far from the first time the pier has needed repairs: It’s been damaged several times over its 150 years of operation, including in 1877, 1914, 1926 and 1986.

To mark the occasion, Ventura is holding a reopening ceremony today, June 29, at 8:30 a.m. — though once the event wraps up, you can visit the pier any day between 6:30 a.m. and 10 p.m.