On a little weekender, on the first day, I told my baby I wanted to walk out to the end of a pier and do some sunset, beach, drinks type stuff at some point over the weekend. We lucked up on Crystal Pier. My sweet baby's selection. More of a locals hangout. Parking is competitive and paid parking is a grip, but we had a beautiful time! The common theme among every person there was the pause to take it all in. Great vibe! Lots of restaurants. Great walking path up and down the beach. All kids of people. Dog walkers, surfers, people in the sand laying, playing volleyball, all kings of things. By the time the sun was ready to slip away, we were in the perfect spot at the end of the pier. We lucked out of the best weather imaginable. The lightest cool breeze, not overly humid and clear. What a special time!! Holding hands. Sweet kisses. I loved it. Romantic. Refreshing. Relaxing. All the things I love and a fantastic way to start our evening. read more

Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach, San Diego reopened last week, after some repairs. Limited street parking can be a challenge. The entry is a gated door to the right and although it is free, no charge to enter, there has been a security guard checking and questioning some visitors, just be aware. No dogs allowed, unless it's a service dog and the guard does harass you with questions and proof. This pier was built in the late 1920's, had multiple names and owners, but currently the west end of the pier is owned and operated by the city of San Diego. As you walk past the entry, there are cottages along each side. These are part of the Crystal Pier Hotel cottages available to rent. Advance reservations required for booking. Consisting of studios to 2 bedrooms, which have an outdoor patio overlooking the beach. So you sleep over the ocean waves. The property cottages are on are privately owned since the 1930's. The most popular activity seems to be fishing from the pier. All people of all ages can be seen with their fishing gear. If you want to fish, there's a gear shop on the pier where you can rent everything by the hour. I'm not interested in fishing, I'm too squeamish. The next most popular activity here is walking on the pier, beware this wooden pier does make sounds and it creeks. My pup wears booties to protect here feet from sprinters and all the birds debris. There are pigeons, seagulls and other sea birds. I've been to several piers, especially in the Los Angeles county area and by comparison to those piers, Crystal Pier offers limited activities, attractions, dining, amusement park, benches to sit, telescopes or city parking closeby. Despite its limited activities this place is still be fun filled. Go see the sights, ocean waves, breathe the salty air and get some sunshine. A worthwhile visit at...Crystal Pier. Recommend! read more

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As a SD native myself this place is very much a part of my upbringing. I'd come here with family and friends alike for so many wonderful and different occasions! There is so much to do around here -- from a plethora of food joints to choose from, sand and waves to play in, hang out by the pier, lots of places to go shopping, & let's not forget to mention all the social mocktail/cocktail happy hour gatherings. And not just on the weekends. Thrifting nearby has always been a staple even way back when I was a child. The only things I didn't succumb to was getting a tattoo! Ha! Noticing that the new boot scootin' fad has come to town as well. Yew haw. Well sort of! Dance on everyone and then go get an ice cream! There are several temporary rentals and living quarters with ocean front views in this area too. It's just a lively place to hang loose. Again, there's a lot to do & much to explore within a few minutes of walking ...biking or skating/skateboarding etc. Fond memories and new ones to be made in the near future! read more

Crystal Pier - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

We had some time to check this spot out after breakfast. Parking is paid parking in the downtown area. We parked a few blocks away and walked over. The entryway to the pier is a gated door, but it is free to enter. The pier walkway was bit scary to walk through, as there were cars parked on it from the guests staying at the cottages / suites along the pier, so it seemed like it could give in under us upon every step. A lot of people here with a good amount of people were set up for fishing along the pier. Good views, but very breezy, so make sure to bring a jacket. A bit difficult to find an empty spot to stand to watch the views or to take photos at. Be careful of your steps and your belongings - some of the cracks on the wooden pier have decent sized cracks / openings. read more

When it was first built in the late 1920s, the Crystal Pier in San Diego's Pacific Beach neighborhood offered a classic amusement park setting above the water. Today's pier offers a much more subdued experience--in all the best ways. The amusement park and ballroom are gone, with only the Crystal Pier Hotel remaining. Guests stay in updated 1930s-era cottages, ranging from studios to two-bedroom suites, each with a seaside sundeck. Reservations are needed months in advanced and the cottages usually range between $250-$600/night The historic wooden pier is a serene spot to enjoy sweeping coastal views or watch surfers at play, plus the adjacent beach is an inviting spot to lounge with your toes in the silky sand. For a livelier scene, the intersecting boardwalk offers a three-and-a-half-mile stretch of eclectic shops and restaurants. Just a beautiful landmark in Pacific Beach. read more

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While there are many different piers on the Pacific coast in California, the Crystal Pier is a little different from the rest of them. Recently I visited San Diego, although I didn't stay overnight, I spent the day at the Pacific Beach. Of course, immediately, I wanted to go to walk around, especially on the Pier. I learned from the locals that recently the Crystal Pier was closed for public use because it was modified into a "hotel" ... so unless you had reservations to stay there, the Pier wasn't open. Anyway, it's a great new way to utilize the Pier! The bungalows are right next to each other on the Pier and you can drive up and park front of your bungalow. Each bungalow has a private balcony which is really cool, overlooking the ocean, of course. I thought it must be a unique experience! I think it would make a great place to stay! I walked around the Pier, on the boardwalk, under the pier, on the beach ... I had a great time! It's such a beautiful place! read more

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Unique landmark with a hotel on the pier. It's a public place that opens during daylight. Just open the gate if it's not open and walk right through. Very clean and not crowded compare to other pier. You can park in nearby business for a short walk. Plenty of restaurants and gift shops and street vendors. They even raised a lighted x-mas tree at the end of the pier too. Sure enough that you can pier fishing there, enjoy the view , the surf, and refreshing cold salty air. Highly recommended. read more

Crystal Pier - Crystal pier - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

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I visit San Diego quite often and love coming to Pacific Beach. I will sometimes go on early morning walks on the Crystal Pier before the crowds show up. Mostly to watch the surfers. The pier itself has been around awhile and was built in the 20's. There used to be an amusement park here, but today it is home to some cottages that you can rent out. Fishing is allowed on the pier as well. The boardwalk next to Crystal Pier is about 3 miles long and full of activity. I love riding my longboard on it and then grabbing some shrimp tacos afterwards. PB can be very crowded at times, but I love the culture here and catching a breeze while walking on the pier. read more

Crystal Pier - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

Nice place to fish. Not as crowded as OB Pier. There's a bait/tackle shop on the pier as well. Just (im)patiently waiting for the repairs to be completed so I can go fish there again since OB pier is out of commission. read more

Having looked at pictures for family photo ideas, I kept on coming across Crystal Pier. I use to spend a lot of time in Pacific Beach (PB) and never recall seeing Crystal Pier, maybe because PB Bar & Grill was the furthest I would venture? JK. All jokes aside, this is great for pictures!! underneath the pier and getting the pier end! There are cottages and you are able to fish off the pier, while we did not venture to the top of the Pier, it is private unless you are fishing or staying there. Parking is PRICEY!!! Man I have not been to PB in a while, we paid about $12 an hour!!! AN HOUR! I am not sure if there is free parking anywhere near here as all the businesses now required parking fees. So that takes away from the beauty of this place. There is a boardwalk with sellers, people walking, jogging and biking riding - not to mention those singing! Unless you live close by or have parking close by - then it makes it an amazing place to come visit and play in the sand! Take a few pictures and make memories!! read more

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Our Most recent visit was 2 days ago. By far our worst experience ever. While sleeping on the Futon bed in unit E I was infected by some bugs, flies, or sider bites - roughly 15 on various parts of my body. We reached out to the manager he-claimed they checked into it and only found a spider nest and that's all.. Never offered any type of consideration to resolve the situation.. Jim is more concerned with a profit, than Customer Service.. BEWARE. BEWARE... read more

It's funny to write a review about a pier. I mean, they're all pretty beautiful and only serve about one purpose: To give you a good ocean/city view. Yep, Crystal Pier does that! 5 stars. This is my favorite thing to run to every time I stay in Mission Beach. I generally run barefoot on the boardwalk or the sand and kind of regret that decision when I get to the actual pier because the wood planks are not the safest and definitely not the cleanest. So make sure your kids, at least, have shoes on when you visit. Bring your cameras too, the views are some of the best you'll find in San Diego. There are surfers and coastline as far as the eye can see in both directions and the water is almost always vibrantly green, blue and white. There are a couple shops in the middle of the pier where you can purchase a few touristy style beach home decor items. There's also many cottages on both side of the pier that are used as vacation rentals. You cannot drive on the pier unless you are staying at one of those cottages, in which you can only pull in to park next to your rental. If you are having to drive to Crystal Pier to visit I suggest parking on the streets somewhere in PB or MB and walking the beautiful scenic boardwalk to the pier. This is forever one of my favorite places to be at any time of year. Oh, and at Christmas time, they decorate the railings with local business themed wreaths and have a lovely Christmas tree at the end of the pier. If you're an ocean lover like me, enjoy watching surfers and taking unreal wave photos, this is a great spot for you! read more

Crystal Pier - Pier - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

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Love visiting Crytal Pier when in San Diego and all the amazing places it has to offer for a good time with family and friends. Shopping, food, drinks or just taking the views and enjoying the sunset. Crystal Pier is so unique with the cottages on the pier that it would make for an amazing weekend stay. Walked on the pir and got some information for our upcoming stay at one of the cottages. How amazing to fall asleep with the soothing sounds of the ocean right under your bed and right outside. Cant wait to come back soon. Defiantly recommend a stay at Crystal Pier at the cottages. It is on the pricier side, however, it will be an experience and add to great memories. read more

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The pier is older and they enforce the mask mandate heavily. It had decorations up for the holidays. It's a nice walk out to the end. Lots of fishing going on. read more

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I wanna be where the surfers are I wanna see, wanna see them paddling Waiting around for those - what do you call 'em? Oh - killer waves! From the beach, you won't see too far Piers are required for watching, enjoying Feeling like you too will catch a - what's that word again? Bomb wave. Up where we walk, up where we run Up where I could stay all day in the sun Wanderin' free - wish I could be On Crystal Pier. Princess Ariel had it right. This serene and historic pier checked all my boxes. I totally recommend it-- you get a very different perspective of the ocean with beautiful views of the coast. Check it out! read more

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Stunning pier to enjoy the outdoors and also catch beautiful sunsets. Crystal Pier is an oldie, but a goodie, within short walking distance from the PB Boardwalk which shoots off deeper into the ocean to take it all in- sky, ocean, beach waves, surfers, swimmers, beach goers; views on views. I definitely recommend coming here and going for a stroll. I have also visited friends staying at the cottages which is super sweet and in the first part of the pier. How awesome is it that those vacationing can be right on the pier, have private views, and take it all in on the eastern part of the pier. Cheers! read more

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One thing I learned while visiting Crystal Pier, and it certainly was not the first time, was that the that the cottages on top have been family owned since 1961. I also learned that you can fish from the pier with a proper license of course. The wooded pier was built in the 1920's. You can visit the pier from 7 am till 7 pm, but if you are a guest of the Crystal Pier Cottages, you have access 24 hours a day. The pier is approximately 872 feet long according to "California Pier Statistic," which is certainly not the longest but it's long enough for me. Near the end, there is a little shop offering souvenirs and nick knacks and such. The pier is great for sight seeing and especially watching the sunset during the fall and winter. read more

Crystal Pier - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

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Please come with me to Crystal Pier. I enjoy the solitary sojourns, to the desert hot springs or far away lands, but this place, this magical romantical fantasy must not be experienced alone. The pier is near Tower 23 (see below), separated from the hundred Kelly Bundys maybe by two triple jumps. I walked the length after breakfast at said establishment wondering about tsunamis and the stoutness of the driven piles. I thought of the people on the other side of the world. The pier is a classic long ocean fishing pier with people fishing at the end. Nearer the shore were the cabins of the hotel, perhaps a dozen on either side of a wider part in the boardwalk. Walking between them feels a little like Cape Cod. The sign says the pier closes in the early evening, letting the cabin-dwellers have the run of the place, in robes and slippers maybe with a tawny port in one hand and a lover in the other. I didn't stay. Not this time. I didn't know of it and further was not prepared. I was alone. Next time though, this is where we'll go. read more

If you like people watching, this is a good place for it. This pier is nice to walk on. Great views. Not too long of a walk. Clean. My only complaint is there are no benches to sit on to enjoy the surroundings. It's a hot spot for surfers, seagulls, fishermen, dolphins and colorful people. I love walking on here after breakfast at Kono's. Don't let the gate that goes across the driveway scare you off. It is open to the public for walking but you do need to be a guest at the hotel/cottages to drive on it. Enjoy read more

Crystal Pier - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

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Awesome views of PB. Lots of people fish here as well. Good place to just roam and let your thoughts clear out. read more

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While Crystal Pier itself is pretty basic, I'm boosting my rating up to four stars because the views from the pier are spectacular. The best views of Pacific Beach, of the surfers ripping tides, and of the hilly and picturesque surroundings that is San Diego can be achieved from the far end of the pier. The entrance to the pier is gated with only a tiny opening available for passerby. The rules state that no bicycles, skateboards, etc. are allowed on the pier. However, fishing is allowed. I spotted around 3 people fishing on the pier. The pier is lined with parked cars and small buildings that are apparently available to rent out. There is only one gift shop on this pier. If you find yourself in Pacific Beach, definitely hit up Crystal Pier for the views! YELP 100 CHALLENGE 2016: #29 read more

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There isn't much to do at this pier besides look at the ocean views and go fishing, but it was a nice little walk off the coast with views in every direction. There are little cottages in the front that look very cozy. The breeze is a little strong and cold, so bring a sweater if you get chilly easily! I would come here often if I lived in the area, because it was so relaxing feeling the breeze and looking out into the beautiful ocean! read more

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How does one grade a fishing pier? 1 star = you can fish from it, fish not guaranteed. 1 star = there are cottages there, adds to the look of it, but they are expensive, no way I would stay. 1 star = If you get early enough, you can find parking, I prefer to fish in the morning, then get out by noon for lunch. 1 star = You are in PB. When you are done fishing, you can find plenty of places to eat. 1 star = This is a cool place to walk around especially on the beach. Plenty of bars and people selling shirts, sweater, small wooden signs and surfboards or ponchos (or backpacks made out of the same material as ponchos). If you Like PB and you like fishing, this this is a good pier. I think it is a bit cleaner than say Ocean Beach, the pier is longer than the one at Shelter Island. I am sure you could go fishing on Coronado, but Coronado island is there so the 96% of San Diegans who cannot afford to live there can walk around and feel like a character in the movie Pretty Woman (see modern day Cinderalla). Come on, if you do not see atleast one drunk homeless person then its not a normal beach town. Do you even fishing pier bro? read more

Cottages on the pier to rent. Seems like a good idea. Walking on the pier wasn't a romantic stroll. It was like a game of which plank not to step on. A majority of the wooden planks are in need of replacement. They bend and creek by the weight of each step past the comfort zone. Though we intended to walk the entire length of the pier to catch the sunset we opted not to. Other people walked by and I guess are too drunk to care, are use to the wood bending beneath them or just didn't mind it. A good amount of people stopped where we did. Watched the sunset, took a few pics and hurried back to more secure and stable ground. I don't remember the pier being that weird. I remember it being more romantic and pleasant. Even the sign above the entrance has fallen off or disappeared. What happened to the big sign?! Safety concerns of the Pier need some city consideration for upgrading its structure. Mel M Yelp 17:35 read more

Crystal Pier - Sunset - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

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Sleep over the ocean! Very unique experience and we love it there. The cottages aren't fancy, but they are very sweet and have everything you need to enjoy a great time in PB. Plan on booking 6-11 months out! read more

Rode our bikes down to Crystal Pier today and visited the Hotel. There are several cottages to choose from and you can even fish off of the pier. You can not ride or even carry your bike much less skate board down this pier. The Studio rooms here A or B is $300.00 per night Sunday-Thursday and $330.00 on the weekends. I had a great time on the pier today and one day I hope to be able to actually stay here for the weekend! read more

Crystal Pier - The View here is just beautiful. I figured I would take a distant picture since everyone elses pictures are up close. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

Good central landmark in Pacific Beach. Good meet up spot, good place to snag post cards or a bottle of water. read more

Crystal Pier - Crystal pier - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

We have stayed at Crystal Pier twice every year for more years than I can remember. My wife is disabled and the staff is very accommodating. The area has some of our favorite restaurants and shops and the cottages are perfect for our annual escapes. I am into photography and have captured many fantastic sunsets from our deck. What can I say. Needs to be on your bucket list. read more

Crystal Pier - View from deck - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

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Cool place to come to walk around, hope I can stay at those cottages some time. Also came here to fish. Water was pretty shallow, small space with many fishers, not the best pier to do that I think. I like OB pier better for sure. There's​ tackle rentals here though. read more

This has to be my favorite pier with Santa Monica maybe a close second. All wood this structure is cool on top walking on old wooden planks or under, walking in the sand and sea. Going out to the end of the pier offers a fabulous view of the surf, the surfers, and the the coastline with all of it's beautiful architecture. There are wonderful little cottages to rent that are built on top of the pier that look pretty fun to chill in. read more

Crystal Pier - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

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Seriously stop by here early morning with your cup of coffee. So relaxing to just walk along this beautiful pier while listening to the ocean. Amazing views of Pacific beach and you get to pass by the cottages that are actually on the pier ! So cool, cute and quaint. A spot to clear your mind & take in all the beauty. Great spot for photos as well ! You can stop at Pacific Bean before or after your stroll, very delicious ! You can also see surfers getting ready to board the wave as you are making your way to the end of the pier. Cute fluffy pigeons were around us Sunday on our coffee stroll on the pier. Lovely beautiful place! read more

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Living in Pacific Beach has some amazing advantages, earlier today I thought about moving to Clairemont since school is on the horizon again. However there is no way I want to leave this, the peace at night, the simple beauty of the Pacific Ocean. Watching and hearing the waves roll in, over and over again. Seeing couples play on the beach, laughing, enjoying life together , isn't that what beach life is a about. It's worth every hard day of work, it's worth, everything to come out and just zen out under a full moon. Now to go jump in the water like a mermaid banking in the beauty of it all. Life is truly a blessing to enjoy, the simple pleasures like this make everything worth it all. I'm so grateful to be alive, living here, so excited for life and to see what the next chapter brings forth. I love to life and I sure love to be in with everything I can be. read more

Crystal Pier - Full moon, overcast, what a beautiful night to watch the waves and be at peace - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

I like to take out of town guests here since it's located right in PB, next to restaurants, shopping areas, and along the beach boardwalk. Not only do you get a great view of the oceanfront, but you can always catch surfers floating in the water. You can also fish off this pier. If you don't have your own fishing equipment there is a bait shop you can rent everything you need for ~$7/hour. This pier also has little vacation rental cottages, which is neat for tourists (cuz you hardly see little "homes" on the pier) There are pretty flower-shaped plants/cacti on the outside of these cottages. Being a midwest girl, I rarely saw plants like that so that part fascinated me. You know I had to take pictures of that! Be careful if you're wearing heels while walking on this pier. There are holes/cracks in the boards! read more

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Absolutely love this place and just completed a stay at the end of May. It is one of the most relaxing places in my opinion. Cottages on the pier over the water, parking space at your door......doesn't get better than that. The staff in the office are always welcoming, friendly and helpful. One area of improvement is that our cottage #12 can definitely used some fixing and/or maintenance. And this is my reason for the 3 star review. The bathroom specifically need some attention. Shower door and vanity area are showing lots of wear and need some TLC. In addition the kitchen could use the same TLC for cabinets, stove and refrigerator areas. read more

Crystal Pier, you feel like an untimely death waiting to happen. Yes, you've been around for ages and the hotel on top of you is a cool feature, but every one of the boards I walked on felt like it was about to give way at absolutely any given second. Cars parking on this thing blows my mind. I tripped and stubbed my toes on nearly every board walking down this thing making it hard to admire the beauty of the Pacific below. Definitely not trying to go on this thing again. read more

I haven't stayed at the hotel, but I have walked along this pier to see the nice ocean view and beaches. The pier itself is a wooden pier. There are gaps in between the wood large enough for your belonging to fall through, so be extra careful! They have about a dozen or so hotels located on each side of the pier. There is also a small bait and tackle shop where you can rent fishing equipment for a real low price. No fishing license is required. You can fish right along towards the end of the pier. Apparantly the hotels are booked as far as six months in advance, so act fast and plan very far ahead if you want a cabin at this exclusive hotel on the pier. I'm not sure if I will ever stay at these hotels, but I will return to fish someday. It's been about eight years since the last time I fished. I hope I still got it! read more

It's hard not to be BIAS but the north side of the pier is one of my favorite spots to go surfing. The pier itself is beautiful...a great way to relax and soak up the view. There's also a couple of shops by the pier (in case you feel the urge to be a tourist and buy something that says 'Pacific Beach') and they also have Kono's. In my opinion, this is the nicest looking pier in ALL of San Diego. read more

We have stayed here for the last 5 - 6 years always in May. May 22 is our Anniversary. When we 1st. Booked we were lucky to get a cottage at that time at all. So we took what we could get. Wasn't over the water but we were happy. You have to book the next year before you leave or you won't get a cottage at the same time. We booked.. Asked if they get one over the water please let us know. Lucky for us they got one. Cottage 6. Stayed in that cottage for 3 years. At the time we wanted! The last year they asked would we mind changing? Because people were coming in and wanted cottages together. We said sure. Thinking we'll be nice people! Well we were never told You give up that cottage!!! You lose it!!!! No good dead goes unpunished! So this year we had Cottage E and had to move up a week. Fine... But when I went to book for 2021... Oh you have to keep E now. And no you can't have the 22nd... Tristian (Mr. helpful and kind--Not) said... Well that's our policy... You could have said NO. So after these years.. We decided I guess this place has run its course. We did our time, now it's time to move on... Sad ending... Leaving with unpleasant feelings. I did speak to the Head guy.. Jim who's been there over 50 years. But somehow was unaware of any of the happenings around there! Tough luck. Move on. We have more people wanting this place. We are no loss to them... Loyalty??? Unknown word. read more

The location here is awesome. Amazing how this private pier has stayed in business all these years. Open to the public during the day, you can sip a coffee and watch surfers shred it up or fisherman reel in the big ones ;- ) Check out Crystal Pier for Christmas. There is a Christmas tree and Santa! read more

Relaxing place for family fun!! Good fishing! We passed on the fishing rental place in the corner before entering the pier because we brought our own gear but otherwise very relaxing and beautiful views all around! read more

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