Long Beach Advances Coastal Pier-to-Pier Ferry Plan

The proposed network would link seven Southern California coastal destinations by water, with an operational partnership now in place.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Travel — General

Vector editorial illustration of a single white passenger ferry moored in calm teal water beside a low pier, depicting a proposed coastal ferry service. — Long Beach moved forward Tuesday with its proposed Pier-to-Pier coastal ferry network, linking seven Southern California destinations from Malibu to Long Beach after a 6-0 council vote. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you ride a coastal ferry between Long Beach and Malibu instead of driving?

Long Beach is moving forward with plans for the Pier-to-Pier coastal ferry network, which would connect seven destinations from Malibu to Long Beach. The City Council voted 6-0 on April 7 to take formal steps toward creating the system, and the city has since announced an operational partnership with Harbor Breeze to help launch and maintain it.

Why it matters

The ferry service would give commuters and visitors an alternative to congested coastal roads. It is also projected to offer a transportation option during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

The projected ferry trip from Malibu to Santa Monica is about 18 minutes, compared with a typical 32-minute drive. The network's launch timeline, fares and vessel specifics have not yet been disclosed.

The players

Harbor Breeze

A Long Beach-based California-licensed maritime operator that holds commercial tenancies in San Pedro and downtown Long Beach at Rainbow Harbor.

The details

The Pier-to-Pier network would connect Long Beach, San Pedro, Redondo Beach Harbor, Venice Pier, Marina del Rey, Santa Monica Pier and Malibu Pier. Harbor Breeze, a Long Beach-based California-licensed maritime operator, would assist with launching and maintaining the system, with Rainbow Harbor expected to be the first Long Beach docking location.

April 7, 2026: City Council voted 6-0 to advance the Pier-to-Pier system.
November 5, 2026: City memo issued on the Harbor Breeze partnership.
2028: Ferry service expected to operate during the Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Travel Outlook

The ferry network is positioned as a transportation option being planned for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games, when coastal road congestion is expected to be a concern. Its seven-stop route ties together several established Southern California beach and pier destinations.

Travelers planning Southern California coastal trips should watch for the ferry's launch schedule and fares, which have not been announced. Until service begins, road travel between the proposed stops remains the only option.

The takeaway

Coastal ferry plans in Long Beach aim to ease road congestion along the Southern California shoreline. Readers planning future trips should track official city announcements for launch dates and pricing.