One of the best things about seaside villages is being able to visit their piers. They give you the ability to walk out over the ocean, which is pleasing, but these fascinating structures also evoke feelings of fun, romance and childhood nostalgia. Some of them are even dedicated entirely to entertainment purposes, with their very own amusement parks!
Let's view the world's most beautiful and popular piers in 15 sensational photographs.
Click on the photos to view an enlarged version.
1. Atlantic City Steel Pier - New Jersey, U.S.A
This 1,000-foot-long pier is found across the Boardwalk from the Trump Taj Mahal, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Since its construction in 1898, it has served as one of the most popular entertainment venues in the U.S., with enjoyable amusements and casinos, making it also a gamer's paradise. This historic pier has weathered its fair share of challenges. It's survived fires, storms, and even threats of demolition. Today, it stands as a symbol of Atlantic City's enduring spirit and is home to a new observation wheel offering stunning views of the city and coastline.
2. Southend Pier - Essex, England
This is the longest pier in Europe, and the longest pleasure pier in the world, extending 1.3 miles into the Thames Estuary (where the River Thames meets the North Sea). This means it would take you more than 20 minutes to get to the end of the pier, but just in case you don't feel like taking the walk, there's also a train (note the tracks on the left-hand side of the pier). Beyond its length, Southend Pier has a rich history. It served as a vital military outpost during both World Wars and offers a fascinating museum showcasing its past. Anglers also flock to the pier for excellent fishing opportunities.
This pier is the first ever to be built on Europe's Atlantic coast. It is made of concrete and measures over 1,100 feet long. Its original structure was destroyed by the Germans after World War I broke out in 1914 - just 20 years after it was built. It was rebuilt in 1930, at which time it housed its own amusement park, which later turned into the leisure complex it is today. This pier isn't merely a walk over the sea; it's a destination for arts and culture. It frequently hosts exhibitions, concerts, and other cultural events throughout the year, adding a vibrant dimension to the seaside experience.
4. Santa Monica Pier - California, U.S.A
This is one of the most iconic piers in America. On it, you can find an attractive amusement park that offers fun for the whole family, including a huge Ferris wheel, which can be seen lit up in various bright colors after dusk. With its charm, it's no wonder this pier was featured in various movies and television shows. Did you know this pier marks the official end of the legendary Route 66? A historical marker on the pier commemorates this iconic road trip destination. It's also a prime spot for fishing enthusiasts and those fascinated by marine life.
5. Birnbeck Pier - Bristol, England
This pier connects to an island, called Birnbeck Island, and it's the only pier of its kind in Britain. It stretches out approximately 18 miles southwest of Bristol. From its opening in 1867 until 1994, it was very popular with locals and tourists, but sadly, it is now closed for safety reasons. Though closed to the public, efforts are underway to restore this unique pier. Its island location and Victorian-era design hold historic charm and offer the potential for exciting future development.
6. Progreso Pier - Yucatán, Mexico
With a length of a whopping 4 miles, this pier is the longest one in the world today. It's that long because this isn't possible for ships to dock further inland due to shallow coastal waters. Passengers of the ships take a taxi cab or a free shuttle service to get from one end to the other. This massive pier isn't only about practicality – it attracts wildlife enthusiasts too! Dolphins and seabirds are frequently spotted alongside the structure, and visitors can often observe local fishermen hauling in their catch.
7. Kastrup Sea Bath - Copenhagen, Denmark
Instead of housing an amusement park, this pier offers an outdoor swimming pool that extends over the Baltic Sea. It actually forms part of the Kastrup Strandpark waterfront park and even includes its own little beach and service building, complete with lavatories and changing rooms. The design of this pier is inspired by a snail's shell! Its unique circular shape creates a sheltered swimming area within its "shell", providing protection from the currents of the Baltic Sea.
8. Umhlanga Pier - Durban, South Africa
This pier has an unusual design that resembles an animal's rib cage, making it an interesting walk to take, although it's a short one. There are benches to sit on along its entire length, so the stunning views of the African waters can be enjoyed. This pier embodies South Africa's natural beauty. The whalebone-themed structure reflects the region's marine life, and the pier offers amazing views for spotting whales breaching during their migration season.
9. Busselton Jetty - Busselton, Western Australia
This charming pier is 1.2 miles long, making it the longest wooden pier in the world's southern hemisphere. The reason for its length is to reach into deeper water, where ships can dock and deliver their cargo of cut timber.
10. Clevedon Pier - Somerset, England
This 1,023-foot long pier is considered "the most beautiful pier in England", according to English poet Sir John Betjeman. It was built in the 1860s as a tourist attraction and ferry port for rail passengers to South Wales. Paddle steamer passengers also embarked from the pier. Take a trip back in time with a ride on the pier's heritage train! This charming locomotive transports visitors along the jetty and an underwater observatory at its end promises incredible marine encounters. This pier is a Grade I listed structure, recognizing its importance to British heritage. It offers tea rooms for a traditional English seaside experience and is a testament to Victorian engineering.
11. Rotonda a Mare - Senigallia, Italy
This pier overlooks the sea of Senigallia and was built in 1933. Initially, it was used as a military warehouse during WWII, however it's a popular social spot in the present day. The massive structure at the end of it serves as a venue for exhibitions and conferences during the summer. This pier isn't only beautiful, it's also functional. During winter, the sea can become quite rough, and Rotonda a Mare acts as a breakwater, protecting Senigallia's shoreline from the force of heavy waves.
12. Los Muertos Pier - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
This modern Mexican pier extends over 320 feet out from Los Muertos (The Deadman's) Beach, which is a popular spot for romantic rendezvous. It was inaugurated in 2013, after which it became a tranquil place of interest for visitors. It is most well-known for its tall structure built at the end of it, which lights up in radiant colors after the sun goes down. The colorful light display on this pier isn't just for show! It was designed with navigation in mind – the changing colors help guide boats and watercraft safely after sunset.
13. Sellin Pier - Rügen Island, Germany
This beautiful pier forms part of the Sellin resort located on the German island, Rügen. It supports an awe-inspiring structure above the Baltic Sea, which features a restaurant, as well as a diving gondola. The building was rebuilt twice, the first time after a fire accident that happened in 1920, and the second in 1991, due to weather damage. This pier has a claim to fame – a scene in the beloved German comedy film "Goodbye Lenin!" was filmed on its historic structure. Movie buffs may recognize its distinctive architecture.
14. Galveston Island's Historic Pleasure Pier - Texas, U.S.A
The present version of this 1,140-foot long Texan pier was opened in 2012. The original version of it was built in 1943, but it only stood for 18 years - it was destroyed by Hurricane Carla. It housed rides, concessions, an arcade, an aquarium, a ballroom and a fishing spot. The pier that stands today definitely isn't any less fun - it includes a range of fun rides, a roller coaster, carnival games, and souvenir shops. This pier isn't afraid of a little excitement. Thrill-seekers will love its exhilarating rides. The pier's roller coaster takes riders directly over the Gulf of Mexico for a breathtaking experience.
15. Scheveningen Pier - Scheveningen, The Netherlands
This one has to be one of the most extravagant piers on the list. Spread over two stories, this pier is instantly recognizable due to its striking architectural design. The current pier measures in at 1,253-feet long and opened in 1959, replacing what was destroyed in World War II, The lower level is a closed-in section, whereas the upper level is open to the elements and the views. The pier consists of four terminal sections called 'islands', each having their own separate focus, including a restaurant, a casino, and a Bungee jumping facility, which is almost 200 feet above sea level. The unique design of this pier doesn't end at its islands. It also features an observation deck with a panoramic view and a 'food boulevard' serving up delicious food with a seaside vista.
H/T: lifebuzz
