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Oak Island Pier

4.8
·2k reviews·Oak Island, United States

A picturesque pier extending into the Atlantic, offering stunning ocean views, fishing opportunities, and breathtaking sunset vistas.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoons/Evenings

Golden hour for photos

CrowdMedium
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Oak Island Pier - Image 1

Oak Island Pier

Best Time

Late afternoons/Evenings

Golden hour for photos

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A picturesque pier extending into the Atlantic, offering stunning ocean views, fishing opportunities, and breathtaking sunset vistas.

4.8
(2k reviews)

"It made for Beautiful sunset pictures and wasn't as crowded as I expected it to be."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎣 Fishing Fees

Be aware that fishing from the pier usually requires a fee. Check rates before you go!

🚗 Parking Perks

Arrive after 6 PM for a chance at free parking and a less crowded experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Oak Island Pier Walk

Oak Island Pier Walk

Oak Island Pier

Stroll along the wide, long pier for breathtaking ocean views and the soothing sounds of waves.

Sunset Photography

Sunset Photography

Oak Island Pier

Capture magical moments with vibrant sunset hues painting the sky over the ocean.

Family Beach Portraits

Family Beach Portraits

Oak Island Beach

The picturesque beach and pier provide a beautiful backdrop for memorable family photos.

Fishing Adventures

Fishing Adventures

Oak Island Fishing Pier

Cast a line from the pier and try your luck catching local marine life.

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Planning Your Visit

Pier Access & Parking

While walking the Oak Island Pier is often free, fishing from it typically incurs a fee. Parking near the pier can be busy, but availability often opens up later in the day. Consider arriving after 6 PM to potentially avoid parking costs.

Best Times for Views & Fewer Crowds

For stunning sunset photos and a more relaxed experience, aim for late afternoons or evenings. The pier and beach remain open until 11 PM, offering a peaceful atmosphere for enjoying the ocean sounds and sights.

Best Times

When
Late afternoons/Evenings
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
After 6 PM
Why
Potentially free parking
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The pier fades behind, the waterway glows ahead — where the ocean and the sky whispers its goodnight. 🌅 #holdenbeachdiaries #holdenbeach #holdenbeachnc #northcarolina #southeasternnc #oakisland #eastcoast #dji #intracoastalwaterway #brunswickbeaches #sunset
holdenbeachdiaries
88 likes • 1.5K views

🎣 Fishing Fees

Be aware that fishing from the pier usually requires a fee. Check rates before you go! Reddit

🚗 Parking Perks

Arrive after 6 PM for a chance at free parking and a less crowded experience. Reddit

Island Way 📍Oak Island, NC Family vacay at Oak Island! Island Way is one of our favorite restaurants on Oak Island! It’s located right on the water next to the Ocean Crest Pier! They offer nice indoor seating as well as an outdoor patio. They have lots of refreshing beverages, which we highly recommend on a hot summer day! The menu is full of steaks and fresh seafood. Nothing is marked gluten-fr...
glutenfree_clt_and_beyond
120 likes • 1.2K views
⛱️ Oak Island,NC is another wonderful beach town perfect for a summer getaway! Beaches, a pier, a lighthouse, shops, and dining! 👉🏽 @NCBrunswickIslands #oakislandnc #beachvacation #ncbrunswickislands #brunswickislands #northcarolina #visitnc #beachtime
itswanderworthy
50 likes • 2.3K views

📸 Sunset Magic

The pier is a prime spot for stunning sunset photos. Don't miss the golden hour! Reddit

🦀 Little Critters

Watch out for small crabs scurrying across the sand as you walk the beach. Reddit

Summer crowds gone! Escape to Oak Island, NC, for lunch at The Lazy Turtle; walk on Oak Island Fishing Pier; top it off with an ice cream cone of Mocha Fudge! Temp 99 degrees feel but ocean breeze made it quite bearable! #dayoff #playinghooky #afternoonescape #workfromhome #oakisland #oakislandnc #beach #ocean #ncbeaches
sandrakaychambers
8 likes • 429 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎣 Fishing Fees

Be aware that fishing from the pier usually requires a fee. Check rates before you go! Reddit

🚗 Parking Perks

Arrive after 6 PM for a chance at free parking and a less crowded experience. Reddit

📸 Sunset Magic

The pier is a prime spot for stunning sunset photos. Don't miss the golden hour! Reddit

🦀 Little Critters

Watch out for small crabs scurrying across the sand as you walk the beach. Reddit

🌊 Ocean Sounds

Enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the ocean waves and sea breeze. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Oak Island Pier's beautiful views, easy access, and pleasant atmosphere, making it ideal for sunset watching and family photos. While fishing incurs a fee, walking the pier is free and offers a relaxing experience. Some find parking can be challenging during peak times.

"Beautiful beach. There is generally a cost to park here but since we arrived after 6pm it wasn't in effect. We ate at a restaurant on the beach and then watched the sun go down, the beach and pier was open untill 11pm. Pier was free to walk on but I think there was a fee if you were planning on fishing from it. It made for Beautiful sunset pictures and wasn't as crowded as I expected it to be. We had a fantastic time walking along the beach and pier at and after sunset watching the waves and the little crabs running out of our way. It was a fantastic experience and I will 100% be visiting there again on our next trip."

Amber Persing

"The Oak Island pier was a beautiful location for recent family pictures. We enjoyed taking photos and it wasn't too busy on the beach. (photos by Keepsake Memories Photography)"

Keepsake Memories

"We had a beautiful time here with the family so much shore to explore! Parking was not to hard to get...seems busy looking at it but lots of availability to enjoy for the day! Water was very warm!"

Heather Burgess

What People Like

Beautiful ocean views
Easy pier access
Great for sunset photos

What People Dislike

Fishing fee
Busy parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Oak Island Pier is located in Oak Island, North Carolina. You can reach it by car via NC-133 S and then following signs for the pier. Parking is available nearby, though it can get busy. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available near the Oak Island Pier. It can be busy, but arriving later in the day, especially after 6 PM, might offer more availability and potentially avoid parking fees. Reddit

If you are staying locally, walking or biking to the pier is an option. For those coming from further afield, driving is the most common method. Public transportation options are limited in this area. Reddit

From Wilmington, take US-17 S to NC-133 S, then follow signs for Oak Island. The pier is a prominent landmark once you are on the island. Reddit

Yes, there are hotels and motels near Oak Island Pier, including options like the Ocean Crest Pier Motel. Searching for 'hotels near Oak Island Pier' will provide several choices. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Walking on the Oak Island Pier is generally free. However, there is a fee if you plan to fish from the pier. Reddit

The cost to fish from Oak Island Pier can vary. It's best to check the current rates upon arrival, as there is typically a fee for fishing access. Reddit

The Oak Island Pier and beach are typically open until 11 PM, allowing for evening strolls and sunset viewing. Reddit

Information regarding fishing license sales at the pier is not readily available, but it's common for fishing piers to offer them or have information on where to obtain one. Reddit

No, reservations are not typically required to walk on the Oak Island Pier. It's a public access point for enjoying the ocean views. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can walk the pier, enjoy scenic ocean views, take photos, fish (with a fee), and relax by the water. Restaurants are also located nearby. Reddit

Yes, Oak Island Pier is a popular spot for fishing. Anglers can try to catch various species from the pier. Reddit

The pier is designed for enjoyment, and there are usually places to sit and take in the ocean views and sounds. Reddit

Common catches from Oak Island Pier can include flounder, red drum, and other inshore species, depending on the season. Reddit

The pier is described as wide and long, suggesting it is likely accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, making it family-friendly. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the pier itself may have food and beverage options, there are also great restaurants located near the pier on the beach. Reddit

You can find a variety of dining options near the pier, ranging from casual beachside eateries to restaurants offering seafood and other American cuisine. Reddit

Generally, bringing your own food and drinks to public piers is allowed, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific regulations posted at the pier. Reddit

Yes, reviews mention food and beverages being available on the pier, suggesting a snack bar or similar service. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned, beach access areas often have picnic tables or open spaces suitable for picnics. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Sunset is highly recommended for beautiful, vibrant photos. Early mornings can also offer soft light and fewer crowds. Reddit

The pier's length, the ocean backdrop, and the potential for stunning sunsets create a picturesque setting for photography. Reddit

Yes, the pier is a popular spot for family portraits and other professional photography sessions due to its scenic beauty. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is welcomed. For professional shoots, it's always wise to inquire about any specific permits or guidelines. Reddit

Experiment with shots looking down the length of the pier towards the ocean, or framing the pier against the sunset. Capturing the waves crashing below is also effective. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Oak Island Pier is a fantastic spot for families. The pier is wide and easy to navigate, making it suitable for strollers. Kids will love watching the waves, looking for small crabs on the beach, and the general excitement of being by the ocean. While fishing from the pier has a fee, simply walking and enjoying the views is free, making it an affordable outing. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as there are food options available on or near the pier. Reddit

The nearby beach also offers plenty of space for sandcastle building and playing in the shallow waters. The pier's accessibility and the general family-friendly atmosphere of Oak Island make it a great destination for a day trip or a longer stay with children. The extended hours until 11 PM also allow for a magical evening experience, perhaps after an early dinner.

🎣 Anglers on a Budget

For budget-conscious anglers, Oak Island Pier offers a cost-effective way to enjoy fishing. While there's a fee to fish, it's often less expensive than chartering a boat or accessing more exclusive fishing spots. The pier provides a stable platform and good access to inshore species. Remember to bring your own fishing gear and bait, or check if they are available for rent or purchase at the pier. Reddit

If you're looking for alternative fishing spots, Redditors suggest exploring the marsh areas on the other side of the island, which can be a free or low-cost option for catching flounder. Surf fishing along the beaches is also a possibility. Combining a pier fishing session with exploring these other areas can maximize your fishing experience without breaking the bank.

📸 Couples and Photographers

Oak Island Pier is an idyllic setting for couples and photographers seeking beautiful coastal scenery. The pier itself offers romantic sunset views, perfect for capturing memorable moments together. The long, unobstructed views of the ocean provide a stunning backdrop for engagement photos, anniversary shoots, or simply a picturesque stroll hand-in-hand. Reddit

Photographers will appreciate the diverse shooting opportunities, from wide ocean vistas to detailed shots of the pier's structure. The soft light during sunrise and sunset creates a magical ambiance. The pier's accessibility and the surrounding beach ensure a variety of compositions can be achieved, making it a rewarding location for capturing the beauty of the North Carolina coast.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Fishing at Oak Island Pier

Oak Island Pier is a prime location for anglers looking to cast a line into the Atlantic Ocean. While walking the pier is free, a fee is typically required for fishing. This fee grants access to prime spots where you can try your luck catching a variety of local species. Common catches include flounder, red drum, and other inshore favorites, depending on the season and conditions. It's a great spot for both experienced fishermen and those looking to try their hand at pier fishing for the first time. Remember to check local regulations and consider purchasing a fishing license if required. Reddit

For those interested in surf fishing, the beaches surrounding the pier also offer opportunities. Redditors have mentioned success in catching flounder and even crabs from the marsh areas on the other side of the island, suggesting a diverse range of fishing possibilities beyond just the pier itself. This makes Oak Island a well-rounded destination for fishing enthusiasts. Reddit

Photography Opportunities

The Oak Island Pier is a photographer's dream, especially during the golden hours. Sunsets here are particularly spectacular, with vibrant colors painting the sky and reflecting off the ocean. The pier itself, with its long, straight structure extending into the water, provides a compelling leading line for dramatic shots. Capturing the waves crashing against the pilings or the silhouettes of people strolling along the pier can create truly memorable images. Reddit

Beyond sunsets, the pier offers excellent opportunities for capturing the essence of a coastal town. Wide-angle shots showcasing the expanse of the beach and ocean, or close-ups of the pier's weathered wood and railings, can add texture and character to your portfolio. The pier is also a popular backdrop for family portraits, as noted in reviews, highlighting its appeal for both scenic and personal photography. Reddit

Pier Amenities and Access

The Oak Island Pier is known for being wide and long, offering ample space for visitors to enjoy the ocean views. Reviews consistently mention its easy accessibility, making it a pleasant experience for most. While walking the pier is free, there's a charge for fishing, which is a common practice for such attractions. Food and beverages are available on the pier, adding to the convenience for visitors who wish to spend an extended period enjoying the seaside atmosphere. Reddit

Parking is available near the pier, though it can become crowded during peak times. A helpful tip from visitors is to consider arriving after 6 PM, as parking may be less congested and potentially free. The pier and beach remain open until 11 PM, allowing for a peaceful evening experience, perfect for watching the stars or simply listening to the waves. Reddit

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