Manhattan Beach Pier, pier located in Manhattan Beach, California
Manhattan Beach Pier is a wooden pier in Manhattan Beach, California, that stretches from the shore directly into the Pacific Ocean. It ends in a circular platform that houses the Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium, making it wider at the far end than along the main walkway.
The pier was first built in 1920 and rebuilt several times during the 20th century after storms and saltwater wear caused damage to the wooden structure. The most recent major renovation was completed in the 1990s, restoring it to much of its current form.
At the end of the pier stands the Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium, a small marine research center open to the public. Visitors can observe live sea creatures and learn about the ocean ecosystem right above the water.
The pier sits directly on Manhattan Beach and can be reached on foot from the surrounding streets with no major obstacles. There is little shade along the walkway, so sun protection and water are worth bringing, especially on warm afternoons.
The pier is one of the few in Southern California with an active marine research lab built directly over the ocean, not just next to it. The lab is run largely by volunteers and welcomes visitors without an appointment.
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