A Pier Built for Science
Unlike many California piers, Scripps Pier was never intended for amusement rides, restaurants, or fishing. Officially known as the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier, it serves as a working research facility for the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego.
The original wooden pier opened in 1916 thanks to a generous gift from philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps. After decades of serving scientists, it was replaced in 1988 with the modern reinforced concrete structure that stands today. At 1,084 feet long, it remains one of the world’s longest active research piers.
High Tide vs. Low Tide
Both tides offer unique perspectives.
- Low tide reveals more of the pilings and creates excellent reflections.
- High tide allows waves to crash dramatically around the supports for dynamic images.
Exploring San Diego 