Sunset Beach Pier
Iconic pier offering stunning ocean views, fishing, and a relaxed atmosphere in Sunset Beach, NC. A beloved coastal destination.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Sunset Beach Pier
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic pier offering stunning ocean views, fishing, and a relaxed atmosphere in Sunset Beach, NC. A beloved coastal destination.
"Great place to spend the day! Fishing for those who want and a great beach for everyone else."
🚗 Affordable Parking
Parking is typically $10 per car for the day, with re-entry allowed. Keep your ticket!
🎣 Bait & Tackle Available
No need to bring your own bait; it's available for purchase on the pier.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Beach Pier
Sunset Beach, North Carolina
Iconic wooden pier offering stunning ocean views, fishing, and a vibrant atmosphere. Perfect for sunset strolls.
The Wind Phone
Near Sunset Beach Pier
A poignant memorial phone booth allowing visitors to connect with lost loved ones. A unique and moving experience.
Beachfront Relaxation
Sunset Beach
Miles of clean, sandy shores perfect for swimming, sunbathing, kite flying, and enjoying the gentle waves.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Pier Access and Fishing Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Affordable Parking
Parking is typically $10 per car for the day, with re-entry allowed. Keep your ticket!
🎣 Bait & Tackle Available
No need to bring your own bait; it's available for purchase on the pier.
📱 Wind Phone Visit
Don't miss the unique Wind Phone for a reflective experience.
🌊 Kite Flying Fun
The windy conditions make it ideal for flying kites.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Affordable Parking
Parking is typically $10 per car for the day, with re-entry allowed. Keep your ticket!
🎣 Bait & Tackle Available
No need to bring your own bait; it's available for purchase on the pier.
📱 Wind Phone Visit
Don't miss the unique Wind Phone for a reflective experience.
🌊 Kite Flying Fun
The windy conditions make it ideal for flying kites.
🚿 Rinse Off Sand
Convenient showers are available by the parking lot to wash off sand.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Sunset Beach Pier for its cleanliness, beautiful scenery, and family-friendly atmosphere. The affordable parking and accessible amenities like showers are frequently highlighted. While some note it can be windy, most find it adds to the beach experience, making it great for kite flying. The pier itself is a popular spot for fishing and enjoying ocean views.
"Sunset Beach has perfect waves and lots of space to roam around on the mostly smooth flat beach area. Let's go back to parking at the beach. Beware, parking ticket writing is active and they were writing them up as we arrived and departed. The dry sand is super fine, there's not to much distance between the end of the walking overpass to the beginning of the high tide markings and more compact sand area. I prefer this as the sand doesn't blow around or get in every nook and cranny during a day at the beach."
RobbyD RidesEmtb
"It was great! Very clean, and beautiful. My kids loved the big waves, and I loved that they were in the shallow, and the water felt pretty nice. It was very windy, more than other beaches, but not too bad. Definitely good for flying kites. They have showers by the parking, so you can remove the sand off of yourself. 👍👍"
Peter Taíno
"The staff is very helpful, price is affordable $10 for 1 rod and $15 for 2 with the car. The community are very friendly and always give advice to new people, were even offering fish here and there. Loved area in general, pretty quiet and friendly area, the city goes on its own rhythm. Pretty place, and very affordable"
Rachid A
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sunset Beach Pier is located in Sunset Beach, North Carolina. It's accessible by car, and parking is available nearby for a fee. Many visitors arrive by car for their beach getaway.
Yes, there is parking available near the pier, typically costing around $10 per car for the day. You can usually leave and return with your ticket.
While possible, it's less common. Public transportation options might be limited, making a car the most convenient way to reach Sunset Beach Pier and explore the surrounding Brunswick Islands.
From major highways, follow signs towards Sunset Beach, NC. The pier is a central landmark. GPS navigation is recommended for precise directions.
The beach and pier are generally accessible, though the sandy terrain can be challenging for some. Check for specific accessibility information if needed.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The pier typically has operating hours, especially for fishing and bait shops. It's advisable to check the specific hours for the day you plan to visit, as they can vary.
There's usually a small per-person fee to access the pier for walking or fishing, in addition to parking fees. Prices are generally affordable.
Regulations for fishing licenses can vary. It's best to check with the pier's bait shop or local authorities regarding license requirements for recreational fishing.
Information on online ticket purchases for the pier is not widely available. It's common to purchase tickets upon arrival at the pier.
During summer evenings, you might find live music or DJs on the pier. Check local listings for any special events or specific entry requirements.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photographing the pier and the ocean. +1
Absolutely! The pier provides excellent vantage points for capturing panoramic ocean views, beach scenes, and the iconic structure of the pier itself.
You can capture stunning beach landscapes, waves, wildlife, people enjoying the beach, and the unique Wind Phone memorial.
Drone usage regulations can vary by location. It's essential to check local ordinances and any restrictions posted at the pier or beach before flying a drone.
The end of the pier offers expansive ocean views, while the shoreline provides opportunities for capturing waves and beach activities. The Wind Phone is also a unique subject.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is typically a bait shop and convenience store on the pier that offers snacks and essentials.
The surrounding town of Sunset Beach offers various dining options, from casual seafood shacks to restaurants with ocean views.
Generally, you can bring your own food and drinks to the beach. Picnics are a popular way to enjoy a day by the ocean.
Yes, Sunset Beach has several restaurants that offer scenic ocean views, perfect for a meal with a backdrop of the sea.
Most restaurants in Sunset Beach are casual, especially those near the beach. Beachwear is usually acceptable.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎣 Anglers & Fishing Enthusiasts
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
The overall tranquil vibe makes it an ideal escape for quality time together. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Fishing at Sunset Beach Pier
Beyond the fishing itself, the experience of being on the pier is a significant draw. The rhythmic sound of the waves, the salty air, and the panoramic ocean views create a serene environment. It's a place where people come to relax, connect with nature, and enjoy a classic beach activity. Whether you're an experienced angler or a curious beginner, fishing from Sunset Beach Pier offers a memorable coastal experience.
The Unique Wind Phone Memorial
This disconnected rotary phone in a small booth serves as a place for visitors to speak their thoughts, feelings, and memories to loved ones who have passed away. The idea is that the wind carries these messages to the other side, offering a sense of connection and solace.The Wind Phone has become a significant point of reflection for many visitors. It's a quiet space amidst the lively beach atmosphere, offering a moment of introspection and emotional release. Travelers often share that visiting the Wind Phone is a profound and healing experience, providing comfort and a unique way to process grief or simply remember someone special.
Sunset Beach NC: More Than Just a Pier
The town is known for its miles of beautiful, clean beaches perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and kite flying due to its consistently breezy conditions. The area boasts a variety of vacation rentals, shops, and restaurants, catering to different tastes and budgets.
The overall vibe of Sunset Beach is relaxed and family-friendly, with a focus on enjoying the natural beauty of the coast. It's a destination that appeals to those seeking both active beach days and peaceful moments of connection with nature and loved ones. 
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