Kure Beach Pier
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Kure Beach Pier

4.7
·6k reviews·Kure Beach, United States

Historic Kure Beach Pier, a beloved East Coast landmark offering fishing, arcade fun, souvenirs, and stunning ocean views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunrise

Breathtaking views

CrowdLow
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Kure Beach Pier

Kure Beach Pier

Best Time

Sunrise

Breathtaking views

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic Kure Beach Pier, a beloved East Coast landmark offering fishing, arcade fun, souvenirs, and stunning ocean views.

4.7
(6k reviews)

"Love everything about the pier. Who doesn't come out to walk the pier and not have a great time."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎣 Pier Fishing Pass

Purchase a half or full-day pass for fishing. One rod per fisherman is the limit here.

🍳 Breakfast by the Pier

Ocean View Restaurant offers amazing breakfast and brunch right across from the pier.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 6,107 reviews

Type

Fishing Pier

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kure Beach Fishing Pier

Kure Beach Fishing Pier

Oceanfront

Historic pier offering fishing, arcade games, souvenirs, and stunning ocean views. A true Kure Beach icon.

Ocean View Restaurant

Ocean View Restaurant

Across from the pier

Popular spot for breakfast and brunch with delicious options like chicken and waffles and loaded pancakes.

Fort Fisher State Historic Site

Fort Fisher State Historic Site

Short drive from pier

Explore maritime forests, enjoy ocean sunrises, and discover local history at this scenic coastal area.

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Planning Your Visit

Pier Access & Hours

The Kure Beach Pier is one of the oldest on the East Coast and offers free walking access. Fishing requires a pass, with options for half or full days. Check operating hours, especially during off-season, as they can vary.

Fishing & Bait Tips

For pier fishing, a two-hook rig with shrimp or squid is common. Local bait shops are great resources for current biting conditions and bait recommendations. Remember, there's a one-rod limit per fisherman on this pier.

Best Times

When
Sunrise
Why
Breathtaking views
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

SUCH A FUN EXPERIENCE!!!🩵🧘🏼‍♀️🐠🫧🦈 @NC Aquarium Fort Fisher #wrightsvillebeach #uncw #uncwseahawks #fyp #foryoupage #foryou #wilmingtonnc #fortfisheraquarium #kurebeach #fortfisher #aquarium #yoga #wilmington #beachtown #beachvibes
@sofibardaxis
23.4K likes • 201.3K views

🎣 Pier Fishing Pass

Purchase a half or full-day pass for fishing. One rod per fisherman is the limit here. Reddit

🍳 Breakfast by the Pier

Ocean View Restaurant offers amazing breakfast and brunch right across from the pier. TikTokInstagram

5 things to do in Kure Beach, NC (@VisitWilmingtonCoast) #ad #wilmingtonandbeaches #kurebeachnc
@wyneesworld
1.6K likes • 52.2K views
The Kure Beach Pier has finished renovations and is open for the season! ✨🤍🌊 📸remax.essential
kurebeachnc
27.9K likes • 424K views

🌅 Sunrise Spectacle

Catch a magical sunrise from the pier for unforgettable views. TikTokInstagram

🍦 Sweet Treats

The pier has a souvenir shop with gourmet ice cream bins, reasonably priced. Reddit

Best breakfast/brunch in Kure Beach, NC! 🌟🏆 Right across from the Kure Beach Pier you'll find Ocean View Restaurant! Whether you're coming to Kure Beach for the day, or staying for a few days at near by accommodations, a visit to Ocean View Restaurant is a MUST in Kure Beach for an excellent breakfast or brunch! 🍳🥞 Their menu offers a variety of sweet and savory breakfast dishes, as well as sand...
travelwithmekatelyn
18 likes • 255 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎣 Pier Fishing Pass

Purchase a half or full-day pass for fishing. One rod per fisherman is the limit here. Reddit

🍳 Breakfast by the Pier

Ocean View Restaurant offers amazing breakfast and brunch right across from the pier. TikTokInstagram

🌅 Sunrise Spectacle

Catch a magical sunrise from the pier for unforgettable views. TikTokInstagram

🍦 Sweet Treats

The pier has a souvenir shop with gourmet ice cream bins, reasonably priced. Reddit

🚗 Parking Convenience

Park near the pier for easy access to the beach, restrooms, and a shaded park. Instagram

☕ Coffee Stop

Grab a coffee at Kei Cafe, located in the Beach House Burgers parking lot near the pier. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Kure Beach Pier for its historic charm, free walking access, and family-friendly amenities like an arcade and ice cream shop. The pier's convenient location near restaurants and the beach, along with helpful staff, enhances the experience. Some note the one-rod fishing limit as a specific regulation to be aware of.

"Kure Pier is absolutely beautiful. The water has this stunning blue color that almost reminds me of Maine. It's clear they're actively working to improve the beach area, which is great to see.
The main thing to be aware of is that the beach here is quite steep and the currents can be very strong, so be cautious in the water. It looks like they're working on remediation efforts to address this.
Overall, it's a gorgeous place to visit and enjoy the scenery. Just respect the ocean conditions."

Roy Costner

"We really enjoyed our visit to Carolina and Kure beaches. The pier was nice and the staff were very friendly and helpful. We visited twice, the first day was cool but gorgeous out with big waves due to the approaching storm. We visited the next day during the storm and went to the end of the pier to feel it away and the 35 to 40 mph winds. It was fun and we made the best of the weather."

Jeff Reinhardt

"I am a resident here. After all of the tourists go away , or even when they are here, the pier is great for kids as well as families and strollers , and it's beautiful and you get to see the sting rays and sharks and fish that the guys are reeling in.
I think you can rent the pole for a day for like $10. There's all kinds of bait in anything you may need to throw a/your pole in the water!
There's even a place to cut up your catches and fillet them!"

LIall50NC

What People Like

Free walking access
Historic atmosphere
Family-friendly amenities

What People Dislike

One-rod fishing limit

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Kure Beach Pier is located directly on the oceanfront in Kure Beach, North Carolina. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby, especially near Ocean Front Park. Instagram

Yes, Kure Beach is a short drive from Wilmington, NC, making it a convenient coastal escape. TikTok

Kure Beach is a walkable beach town. For exploring further afield, a car is recommended, but many attractions like the pier and nearby aquarium are easily accessible. TikTok

Public transport options directly to Kure Beach are limited. Most visitors arrive by car. Consider ride-sharing services if you're coming from Wilmington. TikTok

Kure Beach is approximately a 2-hour drive from Raleigh, North Carolina, making it a popular day trip or weekend getaway. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Walking onto the Kure Beach Pier is free! However, if you plan to fish, you'll need to purchase a fishing pass, with options for half or full days. Reddit

The pier is generally open year-round, but hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official hours before your visit, especially during the off-season. Instagram

While you can purchase fishing passes at the pier, it's advisable to check if they sell fishing licenses directly or if you need to obtain one beforehand. Local bait shops are also a good resource. Reddit

A fishing pass allows you to fish from the pier. The pier also has a store selling bait, tackle, and other necessities. Reddit

Typically, there are no age restrictions for fishing on the pier, but children should be supervised by an adult. TikTok

🎫 🎣 Onsite Experience

Besides fishing, the pier offers an arcade, a souvenir shop with ice cream, and beautiful ocean views. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll. TikTokReddit

Common catches from the pier include spot, croaker, flounder, and bluefish, depending on the season. Reddit

Yes, the pier has an area designated for cleaning and washing fish, which is convenient for anglers. Reddit

The pier features seating areas, a store selling essentials, an arcade, and a small covered sitting area for breaks. Reddit

Absolutely! The pier offers activities for all ages, from the arcade to ice cream, and the nearby Ocean Front Park is great for kids. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Ocean View Restaurant is directly across from the pier and highly recommended for breakfast and brunch. Beach House Burgers is also nearby. TikTokInstagram+1

Travelers rave about the chicken and waffles, strawberry-smothered biscuits, and maple pecan blueberry pancakes. TikTokInstagram

Yes, Beach House Burgers offers great burgers and chicken sandwiches with direct beach access. TikTok

Kei Cafe, located in the Beach House Burgers parking lot, offers coffee and a 10% discount if you mention 'Realtor Danielle'. Instagram

Jack Mackerel's is mentioned for seafood, with their seafood dip being a popular beach snack. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The pier itself offers fantastic angles, especially during sunrise or sunset. The surrounding beach and Ocean Front Park also provide scenic backdrops. Instagram+1

Sunrise offers a magical, less crowded experience with beautiful light. Evenings can also provide lovely sunset hues. TikTokInstagram

Consider capturing the historic nature of the pier, the vibrant colors of the ocean, or the playful moments at the nearby arcade. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the pier and ocean. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant shots. TikTok

Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check local ordinances and FAA guidelines before flying a drone near the pier or beach areas. TikTok

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