Coast Guard Pier, Salinas Valley Travel Guide

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Observe marine life and harbor history at Monterey's Coast Guard Pier, a scenic and active breakwater between Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row.

The Coast Guard Pier in Monterey is a working pier and popular destination for wildlife viewing. Built in the 1930s, it offers a unique vantage point to observe sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, and diverse birdlife, with the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Long Island stationed there.

A brief summary to Coast Guard Pier

100 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey, California, 93940, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Coast Guard Pier.

Arrive early for the best chance to see sea otters, as they are most active in the morning.
Bring binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing, especially for spotting seabirds and seals.
Check the weather forecast before your visit; the pier can be windy and cold, even on sunny days.
Consider visiting during low tide to see more marine life exposed along the rocks.
If you plan to fish, be aware of regulations and any potential closures designed to protect divers.

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Explore Coast Guard Pier on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Coast Guard Pier, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Fisherman's Wharf, walk east along the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail towards Cannery Row. The Coast Guard Pier is located adjacent to San Carlos Beach Park, approximately a 10-15 minute walk. Look for the pier extending out into the bay, marked by the U.S. Coast Guard signage. No costs are associated with walking.
Driving

From Lighthouse Avenue, turn onto Dickman Avenue towards Cannery Row. Turn right onto Cannery Row. The Coast Guard Pier is located at the end of Cannery Row. Limited metered parking is available in the adjacent Breakwater Lot (32 Cannery Row). Parking costs approximately $1.75 per hour, with a daily maximum of $12. Double spaces for RVs cost $2.25/hour with a $19 daily max. Alternative parking is available at the Cannery Row Public Parking Garage (601 Foam Street) for similar rates.
Public Transport

Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) offers several routes that stop near Cannery Row. From the Monterey Transit Plaza, transfer to the free MST Trolley to get to Cannery Row, a short walk to the pier. Check the MST website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. Fares vary based on distance.

Discover more about Coast Guard Pier

Monterey's Coast Guard Pier, a 1700-foot breakwater and wharf, stands as a testament to the city's rich maritime history and vibrant marine ecosystem. Constructed in the 1930s by the Army Corps of Engineers, the pier initially served as a crucial component of Monterey's harbor infrastructure, providing protection for the city's bustling fishing fleet. Today, it continues to serve an important function as the home port for the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter LONG ISLAND and other Coast Guard vessels, while also offering a unique and accessible vantage point for visitors to experience the wonders of Monterey Bay.Located between the iconic Fisherman's Wharf and the historic Cannery Row, the Coast Guard Pier is more than just a functional structure; it's a thriving hub of activity and a prime location for wildlife viewing. As you stroll along the pier, the sounds of barking sea lions fill the air, drawing your attention to the large colony that has made the breakwater their home. These playful creatures can be seen lounging on the rocks, basking in the sun, and engaging in boisterous displays of dominance, providing endless entertainment for onlookers. Harbor seals, with their sleek bodies and curious eyes, are also frequent visitors to the pier, often seen swimming in the calm waters of the harbor or resting on nearby buoys.Beyond the charismatic marine mammals, the Coast Guard Pier offers a glimpse into the diverse avian life of Monterey Bay. Seabirds such as gulls, pelicans, and cormorants soar overhead, while shorebirds like sandpipers and plovers scurry along the rocky shoreline. Keen observers may even spot the elusive black oystercatcher, a striking bird with bright red legs and a long, orange bill, probing the rocks for invertebrates. Perhaps the most enchanting of the pier's marine inhabitants are the sea otters, those adorable and playful creatures that have become synonymous with Monterey Bay.Public access to the pier is permitted from sunrise to sunset, and fishing is allowed on the north side of the breakwater. The adjacent San Carlos Beach Park is a popular destination for scuba diving. Divers can discover kelp forests, a sunken barge, and vibrant metridium fields, creating an unforgettable underwater experience.