Credit: Matthew Aanderson via Getty Images.
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Staff Writer
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March 27, 2026
One of the county’s most emblematic beach landmarks could soon change forever. City officials in Hermosa Beach are weighing the future of the city’s iconic pier after a new engineering report found it’s in “poor to serious condition”, as reported by the Daily Breeze.
Built in 1965, the structure is nearing the end of its useful life, leaving leaders to choose between a $200+ million long-term repair cycle, a total replacement, or the controversial ‘no pier’ option of demolition.
Demolishing the Hermosa Beach pier
Credit: Everything Cloud Images via Shutterstock.
One option officially listed in the engineering report is removing the pier entirely. The idea came up during public comments and quickly became a “third rail” topic. While it would likely be the most cost-effective route, it would also mean losing one of Hermosa Beach’s most recognizable and culturally significant landmarks.
The pier is part of the city’s identity, with locals and visitors using it daily for fishing, walking, and sightseeing, playing a central role in the community’s coastal lifestyle. It’s also home to the Surfers Walk of Fame, which includes about 60 bronze plaques honoring local surf legends.
Restoring and maintaining the pier
Image via Wiki Commons.
Another option, which at first glance sounds the most reasonable, is keeping the current pier and starting a repair plan. The only issue is that it would mean committing to decades of repairs with a hefty price tag.
According to a JMC² Engineering analysis cited by both media outlets, maintaining the pier over the next 45 years could cost about $210 million, Easy Reader & Peninsula reports. SanClemente warned these costs will only rise over time due to inflation and ongoing wear from waves and weather.
Rebuilding a new pier
Credit: Ze Roberto Muniz via Shutterstock.
At the moment, this seems to be the most reasonable option, as it would be straightforward and likely more affordable than constant repairs, with costs estimated between $45 million and $58.6 million.
While seeking public input, the pier’s long-term future is still very much up in the air. For now, the City Council has only moved forward with immediate repairs planned for 2026, with a budget of about $3.5 million.
Rather than committing to a $58M replacement immediately, the Council referred the project to the Public Works Commission for a deep-dive review. Whether through a massive restoration or a complete rebuild, the Hermosa Beach Pier as we know it is set for a historic transformation.