Fishing, Dining and More on North Carolina Ocean Piers

North Carolina’s 300 miles of coastline is dotted by more than a dozen piers offering a range of water-based activities. Proximity to the Gulf Stream means great pier fishing, and additional attractions range from an aquarium to tons of dining options.

From north to south, here’s a roundup of North Carolina’s ocean piers:

1 Avalon Fishing Pier

1 Avalon Fishing Pier

Kill Devil HillsSee on mapSee on map

Avalon Pier is 696 feet long and, like most North Carolina piers, features a full tackle shop, bait, rentals and snacks. Its irreverent website is packed with information about fishing and more at the popular pier.

2 Nags Head Fishing Pier

2 Nags Head Fishing Pier

Nags HeadSee on mapSee on map

At 750 feet, Nags Head Fishing Pier is one of our state’s longest and oldest piers. With pretty ocean views, Pier House Restaurant – “You Hook ‘Em, We Cook ‘Em” – is definitely a highlight.

3 Jennette’s Pier

3 Jennette’s Pier

Nags HeadSee on mapSee on map

Originally built way back in 1939, Jennette’s Pier was rebuilt after Hurricane Isabel. The groundbreaking concrete structure is 1,000 feet long and includes an outpost of the North Carolina Aquariums network, with aquariums, displays, programs, fishing classes and more.

4 Outer Banks Fishing Pier

4 Outer Banks Fishing Pier

Nags HeadSee on mapSee on map

Fishing Unlimited’s 600-foot pier is the closest pier to fabled Oregon Inlet. Along with a full tackle shop, there’s a popular and tasty oceanfront grill.

5 Rodanthe Pier

5 Rodanthe Pier

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With repairs and additions making it better than ever, 700-foot Rodanthe Pier on Hatteras Island remains a classic Outer Banks fishing pier.

6 Avon Fishing Pier

6 Avon Fishing Pier

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Also situated on Hatteras Island, Avon Fishing Pier is about 600 feet long. Anglers aren't required to buy a license to cast a line for red drum and other fish here. Visit the Pier House store for supplies, snacks and souvenirs.

7 Seaview Fishing Pier

Family walking on beach in front of pier jutting out into ocean

7 Seaview Fishing Pier

North Topsail BeachSee on mapSee on map

Once known as Salty’s Pier, 1,000-foot, family-owned and -operated Seaview Fishing Pier features a full-service pier store and a popular restaurant where they’ll cook your caught and cleaned catch.

8 Surf City Pier

8 Surf City Pier

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Originally built in 1948 and owned by the Lore family since 1973, 937-foot Surf City Pier features two large fish-cleaning stations, a grill and ice cream shop, outdoor dining and a Pier Kids program that teaches children about fishing and more.

9 Jolly Roger Fishing Pier

9 Jolly Roger Fishing Pier

Topsail BeachSee on mapSee on map

The Jolly Roger includes the 850-foot pier, an oceanfront inn and the waterfront Jolly Roger Grill. Bonus: The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is just 8 miles away.

10 Johnnie Mercers Pier

10 Johnnie Mercers Pier

Wrightsville BeachSee on mapSee on map

This iconic 1,200-foot pier offers a full tackle shop, snack bar and game area. It's the only concrete fishing pier in North Carolina and features beautiful views right in the heart of Wrightsville Beach.

11 Carolina Beach Fishing Pier

11 Carolina Beach Fishing Pier

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Located at the northern end of Carolina Beach, this 700-foot pier features a small restaurant and a tackle shop with a variety of tackle and baits.

12 Kure Beach Fishing Pier

12 Kure Beach Fishing Pier

Kure BeachSee on mapSee on map

Built in 1923 and known as the Atlantic Ocean’s oldest pier, Kure Beach Fishing Pier is 711 feet long and features a tackle shop, grill and an arcade with pool table. A license isn't required to fish at this family-friendly pier, but please note alcohol is prohibited.

13 Oak Island Fishing Pier

13 Oak Island Fishing Pier

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Oak Island Fishing Pier has a full-service pier, and at 27 feet high, it’s currently the tallest ocean fishing pier in North Carolina.

14 Ocean Crest Pier

14 Ocean Crest Pier

Oak IslandSee on mapSee on map

Family-owned 893-foot Ocean Crest Pier features a full-service tackle shop and is conveniently flanked by Ocean Crest Motel to the east and Island Way Restaurant & Bar to the west.

15 Holden Beach Fishing Pier

15 Holden Beach Fishing Pier

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Situated in the heart of quiet Holden Beach, the 700-foot pier features live bait, a tackle and gift shop, and grill and snack bar. Alcohol is neither sold nor permitted on this pier.

16 Ocean Isle Beach Pier

photo: Brunswick County TDA

16 Ocean Isle Beach Pier

Ocean Isle BeachSee on mapSee on map

This 968-foot pier has a tackle shop, a grill, and a game room for kids and kids at heart.

17 Sunset Beach Fishing Pier

photo: Brunswick County TDA

17 Sunset Beach Fishing Pier

Sunset BeachSee on mapSee on map

The island’s 900-foot pier includes a fully stocked tackle shop and convenience store, billiards, and a bar and grill. It’s North Carolina's southernmost ocean fishing pier.

Visit Outdoor NC for additional tips on how to connect with nature and help preserve the natural beauty of our state, plus fishing information for keeping NC's waters pristine and wildlife safe.

Updated May 5, 2020
About the Author
Cele and Lynn Seldon

Cele and Lynn Seldon

Cele and Lynn Seldon miss the sunsets and walks on the beach in Oak Island, where they basked in the North Carolina sunshine for 15 years.

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