History of Santa Cruz Wharf in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 30, 2025

The Santa Cruz Wharf is a landmark pier in Santa Cruz, California, constructed in 1914 and managed by the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Office. Situated between Main Beach and Cowell's Beach, it's historically been the longest pier on the West Coast, measuring 2,745 feet before recent storm damage in 2024. The wharf offers a variety of attractions, including fishing, boat tours, sea lion viewing, dining, nightlife, and gift shops.

December 5, 1914: Santa Cruz Wharf opened

The Santa Cruz Wharf opened on December 5, 1914, initially intended for shipping potatoes to San Francisco to support mining camps during the Gold Rush.

1914: Current wharf built

The current Santa Cruz Wharf was built in 1914, being the most recent of six wharves constructed on the site.

1952: Pre-1952 wood-bodied cars

Surf City Classic "Woodies on the Wharf" features stylish, pre-1952 wood-bodied cars.

1973: First run of Wharf to Wharf Race

In 1973, the Wharf to Wharf Race began at the Santa Cruz Wharf, finishing at the Capitola Wharf.

1983: Fish market featured in "Sudden Impact"

In 1983, a fish market on the wharf was featured in scenes from the film "Sudden Impact".

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1987: Restaurant seen in "The Lost Boys"

In 1987, a restaurant on the wharf was seen in the film "The Lost Boys".

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October 4, 2014: 100 years celebration

On October 4, 2014, the community celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Santa Cruz Wharf with a festival including a pop-up museum exhibit, historic photo stand, bocce courts, face painting, Mavericks surfboard display, photo booth, Economic Development's Wharf Master Plan model, the Surfing Preservation Society's surf shack, and fireworks.

October 2014: Improvement plan approved

In late October 2014, the city council approved an improvement plan for the Santa Cruz Wharf, which was subject to environmental review. The plan aimed to secure grant money to offset the estimated $24-29 million needed for repairs and improvements.

November 24, 2020: Council approves updated plan

On November 24, 2020, the council approved the updated wharf plan after a group called "Don't Morph the Wharf", led by Gillian Greensite, demanded changes, including lower building heights and removal of a western walkway and new Landmark Building.

December 2023: Wharf damaged by high surf

In December 2023, high surf damaged the Santa Cruz Wharf, leading to the temporary closure of the entire structure and the demolition of a restaurant at its end.

December 23, 2024: Section of the wharf collapsed

On December 23, 2024, approximately 150 feet of the Santa Cruz Wharf collapsed due to high waves, resulting in the loss of some 300 pilings and washing debris up to 10 miles away. During the collapse, one city project manager and two contractors fell into the ocean with equipment, with two rescued and one swimming to shore. The public restroom building was washed up onto the beach.

2024: Storm damage

In 2024, storm damage impacted the Santa Cruz Wharf, which was previously the longest pier on the West Coast before the storm.

January 4, 2025: Pier reopens after inspection

The Santa Cruz pier reopened on January 4, 2025, after inspection determined the lost equipment from the December 23, 2024 collapse did not pose a danger to the structure.