Walk south along the Boardwalk from Atlantic City and the casino towers gradually fade into the distance. The pace becomes a little slower, the surroundings more residential and, at Cambridge Avenue, the Boardwalk opens onto one of Ventnor’s most recognizable landmarks.
The Ventnor City Fishing Pier stretches 1,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, giving anglers, photographers and sightseers a chance to leave the shoreline behind without ever stepping onto a boat.
From its wooden deck, visitors can look back toward the Atlantic City skyline, watch surfers near the beach or simply stand above the waves and take in the salt air.
That contrast is part of the pier’s appeal. Atlantic City’s casinos and entertainment venues are visible in the distance, but the atmosphere here feels distinctly Ventnor — relaxed, welcoming and closely connected to the ocean.
Fishing remains the main attraction. Depending on the season and conditions, anglers may encounter striped bass, bluefish, summer flounder and other species found along the South Jersey coast. Fish-cleaning tables make it easier to prepare the day’s catch, while lighting allows fishing to continue after sunset.
But no fishing rod is required to appreciate the experience.
Benches offer places to sit, watch the water and enjoy an unobstructed view of the horizon. Early risers come for the sunrise, while others stop during a walk or bike ride along the Boardwalk.
The landmark also carries more than a century of local history.
According to Ventnor City, the first pier at the site was built around 1914 and was later replaced by a larger pavilion. Historic images show an elaborate Spanish-style municipal auditorium centered along the Boardwalk between Cambridge and Cornwall avenues, with smaller buildings nearby. One served as a sunroom, while another housed the Ventnor branch of the public library.
The waterfront structures did not have an easy history.
A fire destroyed the second pier in August 1940. Another pier was constructed in its place, only to be lost during a powerful storm in March 1963. Each time, the city rebuilt, preserving a gathering place that had become part of Ventnor’s identity.
The current pier underwent a nine-month, $3.2 million renovation beginning in 2007. It reopened July 4, 2008, extending the life of a landmark that generations of residents and visitors have known.
Today, the pier continues to connect Ventnor’s past with its present. Its long wooden walkway is still a destination for serious anglers, but it is equally suited to families, casual visitors and anyone looking for a different view of the Jersey Shore.
Admission is required for both fishing and sightseeing. For the 2026 season, daily admission is $15 for adults; $10 for seniors, youths ages 10 to 18 and spectators; and $5 for members of the military. Annual keys are also available. A 24-hour access key costs $75, giving keyholders access for fishing or sightseeing.
The pier is staffed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the regular season. From July 1, staffing hours extend until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Credit and debit cards are accepted at the pier; cash payments must be made at the Ventnor City Municipal Clerk’s Office during weekday business hours.
Hours, rates and access policies may change, so visitors should confirm details before making the trip.
For more than 100 years, Ventnor’s oceanfront piers have endured fires, storms and changing times. Their survival reflects the city’s determination to preserve its connection to the sea.
Whether visitors arrive to cast a line, photograph the sunrise, watch the surfers or simply feel the ocean breeze, the Ventnor Fishing Pier offers something increasingly rare: a chance to walk 1,000 feet into the Atlantic and pause for a while.
For current information, visit VentnorCity.org or call the pier master at 609-823-7944.
