Chris G.
Yelp
The pier itself is nothing amazing, no major frills like Santa Monica or Redondo Beach. That said, the surrounding area is dynamic, with shops and great sandy beaches surrounding it.
The pier is clean and safe for families and kids, plus it has a large cube of bathroom options, which are not super clean, but they serve the purpose. I frequently jog to the end of the pier as part of my route, the paving is even which is good for strollers, and a good spot to take in the gorgeous sunsets, or sit and watch the surfers.
The city plans a lot of great events for the pier. I've attended and or participated in most, like the pier to pier swim race, the outdoor concert series, the Fiesta Hermosa street fair, and much more, so they do a lot to promote in the immediate vicinity.
The stores/restaurants around the pier tend to be geared towards 20-something's (Hennesseys, Sharkeys, Patrick Malloys, etc). The immediate area is now less geared toward family friendly options, but my family does like Scotty's on the strand which is good for breakfast and lunch. The most disappointing/sad aspect is the homeless population which seems to have grown, seems odd because there is now a much greater influx of cash in the area.