Kure Beach Pier
Historic Kure Beach Pier, a beloved East Coast landmark offering fishing, arcade fun, souvenirs, and stunning ocean views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Breathtaking views
Kure Beach Pier
Best Time
Breathtaking views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Kure Beach Pier, a beloved East Coast landmark offering fishing, arcade fun, souvenirs, and stunning ocean views.
"Love everything about the pier. Who doesn't come out to walk the pier and not have a great time."
🎣 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kure Beach Fishing Pier
Oceanfront
Historic pier offering fishing, arcade games, souvenirs, and stunning ocean views. A true Kure Beach icon.
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
Short drive from pier
Explore maritime forests, enjoy ocean sunrises, and discover local history at this scenic coastal area.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Pier Access & Hours
Fishing & Bait Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎣 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.
🌅 Sunrise Spectacle
Catch a magical sunrise from the pier for unforgettable views.
🍦 Sweet Treats
The pier has a souvenir shop with gourmet ice cream bins, reasonably priced.
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.
🍳 Breakfast by the Pier
Ocean View Restaurant offers amazing breakfast and brunch right across from the pier.
🌅 Sunrise Spectacle
Catch a magical sunrise from the pier for unforgettable views.
🍦 Sweet Treats
The pier has a souvenir shop with gourmet ice cream bins, reasonably priced.
🚗 Parking Convenience
Park near the pier for easy access to the beach, restrooms, and a shaded park.
☕ Coffee Stop
Grab a coffee at Kei Cafe, located in the Beach House Burgers parking lot near the pier.
What Travellers Say
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 Beach is a great place to visit. We were here in April and the water color is emerald blue and there was plenty of parking on the road. We enjoyed some shell collecting and walking around the pier."
Olivia C
"Love everything about the pier. Who doesn't come out to walk the pier and not have a great time. Everything you need inside at the pier from ice cream, bait, drinks, ice, clothing, game room if you need a break. Super nice people inside to help you. Hats off to them!"
Michael Foley
"Free admission for walking on to it. Many ocean piers charge an entry. Limits of 1 rod per fisherman. Other piers have 4 rod limit. Nice souvenir shop with gourmet ice cream bins. Priced reasonably for everything they have, especially the ice cream."
Skip Goins
What People Like
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, Kure Beach is a short drive from Wilmington, NC, making it a convenient coastal escape.
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.
Public transport options directly to Kure Beach are limited. Most visitors arrive by car. Consider ride-sharing services if you're coming from Wilmington.
Kure Beach is approximately a 2-hour drive from Raleigh, North Carolina, making it a popular day trip or weekend getaway.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
A fishing pass allows you to fish from the pier. The pier also has a store selling bait, tackle, and other necessities.
Typically, there are no age restrictions for fishing on the pier, but children should be supervised by an adult.
🎫 🎣 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.
Common catches from the pier include spot, croaker, flounder, and bluefish, depending on the season.
Yes, the pier has an area designated for cleaning and washing fish, which is convenient for anglers.
The pier features seating areas, a store selling essentials, an arcade, and a small covered sitting area for breaks.
Absolutely! The pier offers activities for all ages, from the arcade to ice cream, and the nearby Ocean Front Park is great for kids.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Ocean View Restaurant is directly across from the pier and highly recommended for breakfast and brunch. Beach House Burgers is also nearby. 
Travelers rave about the chicken and waffles, strawberry-smothered biscuits, and maple pecan blueberry pancakes.
Yes, Beach House Burgers offers great burgers and chicken sandwiches with direct beach access.
Kei Cafe, located in the Beach House Burgers parking lot, offers coffee and a 10% discount if you mention 'Realtor Danielle'.
Jack Mackerel's is mentioned for seafood, with their seafood dip being a popular beach snack.
📸 📸 Photography
The pier itself offers fantastic angles, especially during sunrise or sunset. The surrounding beach and Ocean Front Park also provide scenic backdrops.
Sunrise offers a magical, less crowded experience with beautiful light. Evenings can also provide lovely sunset hues.
Consider capturing the historic nature of the pier, the vibrant colors of the ocean, or the playful moments at the nearby arcade.
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.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check local ordinances and FAA guidelines before flying a drone near the pier or beach areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
This makes it easy to enjoy a beach day with convenient facilities right at hand. Consider visiting the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, a short drive away, for an educational and engaging experience with marine life.
The Fort Fisher State Recreation Area also offers gentle trails and beautiful scenery that kids can explore. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, and take advantage of the relaxed atmosphere to create lasting family memories.🎣 Anglers on a Budget
Bring your own bait and tackle if possible to save on costs, though the pier store does offer these items at reasonable prices.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The interplay of light on the water and the pier's architecture creates endless photographic possibilities. Explore the nearby Fort Fisher State Recreation Area for natural landscapes and historical elements that add depth to your portfolio.
The coastal town's charm, from quaint cafes to the vibrant ocean, offers plenty of subjects for street and landscape photography. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for fewer crowds and softer light, ideal for capturing the serene beauty of the North Carolina coast. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Fishing at Kure Beach Pier
Beyond the fishing itself, the pier provides amenities like a fish cleaning station and a store selling bait and tackle, enhancing the overall fishing experience.
Family Fun and Activities
Nearby attractions like the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher offer engaging experiences for children, with exhibits featuring otters and even a white alligator.
Exploring Fort Fisher State Recreation Area provides opportunities for gentle hikes and enjoying the natural beauty. The combination of the pier's amusements and the educational and recreational options nearby ensures a memorable family vacation in Kure Beach. Capturing the Coastal Charm
+1 The pier's historic structure provides a unique foreground element against the vast ocean backdrop. Beyond the pier itself, the surrounding beaches and the nearby Fort Fisher State Historic Site offer diverse photographic opportunities.
For those looking for a more relaxed vibe, capturing the coastal town's charm, from coffee shops to beach scenes, can also result in beautiful imagery. 
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