Newport Beach Pier

You go to the Newport Beach Pier for the light. At sunset the whole coastline folds into color and the gulls stage a noisy, theatrical takeover. Wooden planks creak underfoot, anglers rig lines a few hundred yards out, and surfers carve close to the breakers like they own the horizon. There is a small cluster of classic pier businesses, Ruby's Diner sitting like a neon-era postcard at the end. Early mornings are for quiet photographs and a chilly ocean breeze that smells of kelp and gasoline from the lifeguard trucks. The pier runs about 1,032 feet into the water, long enough to feel removed from the street but short enough to turn back for a coffee. Bring a jacket. The fog rolls in fast and the gulls will photobomb your sunset frame.