OB Pier 50th Anniversary

Thanks to all the OB Pier fans who have submitted stories, photos, and memories for your enjoyment below. If you have a memory, photo, or story to share, please do so using the "Pierbook" form.

Living on the Pier Block

"We lived on the pier block of Niagara in 1976..."

Pier Sunrise Walks

"My 'story' is quite simple: I love starting my day with sunrise walks on the pier..."

Joshua Adam Parsons and Corie Ann Parsons were married on the OB Pier in October 2015 following a dancing flash mob performed by local fun-loving folks. When asked why they selected the OB Pier as the spot for their nuptials...

On a Foggy Day, We Couldn't See Land

"My first husband and I left South Bend, IN and came to OB in Feb., '71. We must have walked the pier almost weekly for many of those first years, and it was a 'must do' with any visitors. One time it was a foggy day, and after a certain point on the pier, we couldn't see land..."

My Most Treasured Photo

"I attached a photo. That picture is about 35 years old and is the most treasured one I have. My brother found that picture about 5 years ago and scanned it into a digital copy. That is me on the left with my dad and my brother around 1979. I am 10 at the time of the pic. I am 46 now and my dad passed away 15 years ago. When I saw that, I knew immediately.... Holy S#!^ We are on the freakin OB pier!! I grew up and lived in the IE at the time..."

Every Sunset, Every Sunrise

"The first time my best friend Dianne brought me to OB, I fell in love, and every since, every Sunset, every Sunrise that I'm able to see reminds me how truly blessed I am to have made OB my home..."

Photo of Rhyan Cowa and his wife on OB Pier

Cowan Engagement

"On September 19th, 2013 my husband proposed to me at the end of the pier. It was about 9:30pm and we strolled along the pier, under the full moon, until we reached the bench at the very end, where we had sat years earlier and decided to move to San Diego. We sat there laughing and talking, watching the moon dance on the waves. We could hear the bagpiper, who often plays on the streets in OB, play sweet songs to the night. Once my then-boyfriend finally got enough courage to ask the big question, I already knew what it was. Of course, I said yes and ..."

Still my favorite fishing & dreaming spot

"My daddy used to take me there fishing. He taught us kids how to hook blood worms & fish. Although Dad will be gone 3 yrs come Jan 8th, it is still my favorite fishing & dreaming spot..."

Save the Ocean Beach Pier

The Ocean Beach Municipal Pier, one of the most visited landmarks in San Diego County, was officially christened and introduced to eager San Diegans on July 2, 1966. Currently as of May 6th the OB pier is currently closed for repairs. Click here to watch a video by Trevor Watson. Click here for more information about the OB Pier and it's re-opening.

OB Pier History, Construction, & Opening Weekend Video

Learn about the history, construction, and opening weekend celebration for the Ocean Beach Pier. This video, filmed and produced by local OB resident Matthew O'Connor, features Leonard Teyssier, contractor for the OB Pier, and Chuck Bahde, who headed up the committee that commissioned the pier, and historical footage of the opening weekend in 1966...

OB Pier Opening Weekend

Local photographer Stephen Rowell has generously shared this image of the OB Pier's opening celebration on July 2-4, 1966. The festivities included a parade, a talent contest, a variety show, and a sand castle competition, among other activites...

Pier Opening Celebration Program

Page through the original program for the OB Pier's Opening Celebration from July 2 through 4, 1966!

Mission Bay Bridge - photo courtesy of Ocean Beach Historical Society

Predecessors to the OB Pier

The OB Pier at the end of Niagara Avenue was not the first attempt at creating a fishing spot in Ocean Beach. Prior to the pier's opening in 1966, OB boasted two other structures that stretched into the water and provided a location for fishing: the Mission Bay Bridge and the Del Monte Ave Pier.

OB Pier Construction Photos from Teyssier & Teyssier

Leonard Teyssier, contractor for the OB Pier, has generously shared these images of the pier being built in 1965 and 1966, courtesy of his company Teyssier & Teyssier.

San Diego Union Coverage of 1966 Pier Opening

The San Diego Union (now the San Diego Union-Tribune) reported that 7000 people attended the official opening of the Ocean Beach Pier the first weekend of July 1966. This press clipping shows photos and captions about some of the weekend's events.

Aerial Pier Photos from Teyssier & Teyssier

Leonard Teyssier, the contractor whose company Teyssier & Teyssier built the OB Pier, has generously shared these images of the pier from the air.

Mike Sturak, Resident Engineer for Pier Construction

"My father-in-law Mike Sturak was the Resident Engineer from San Diego Engineering Department for the pier construction and while he held other major responsibilities such as for the Sewage Treatment Plant on the end of Point Loma, the pier was the work he was most proud of. He spent week ends and evenings during construction walking the pier and making sure that all was done just right..."