Steer wrestling, a practice credited to legendary cowboy and rodeo star Bill Pickett, usually involves leaping onto a steer from the back of a specially trained horse. At the Madison
Put ramekins on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-35 minutes, until puffed and golden. Remove from oven, and let stand for 5 minutes. With a flexible spatula, remove strata to
For a downloadable checklist of this guide that you can print, save, or screenshot to take with you, click here. North Carolina’s 18 piers are stalwart landmarks for families and
For a downloadable checklist of this guide that you can print, save, or screenshot to take with you, click here. North Carolina’s 18 piers are stalwart landmarks for families and
For a downloadable checklist of this guide that you can print, save, or screenshot to take with you, click here. North Carolina’s 18 piers are stalwart landmarks for families and
For a downloadable checklist of this guide that you can print, save, or screenshot to take with you, click here.
North Carolina’s 18 piers are stalwart landmarks for families and fishermen who’ve gone to their beach for generations. Cast a line, take a stroll, breathe in the salty air — and order that ice cream cone. This is your official NC pier bucket list.
Built in 1959
Inspired by the sunset-watching parties on Mallory Square in Key West, Florida, the Barnacle Bar at the end of the nearly 1,000-foot-long pier lures more than just fishermen. Order a frozen Painkiller and settle in for live music.
Oceanana Pier 700 East Fort Macon Road Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 (252) 726-0863 oceanana.com
Fish for Spanish or king mackerel, or grab an ice cream cone from the on-site convenience store and post up on top of the observation deck to watch the action.
It’s no longer the only pier on the Outer Banks, but it stands alone as an eco-friendly educational center where children and adults alike can explore aquarium exhibits, learn about renewable energy, and, of course, learn how to fish.
Jennette’s Pier 7223 South Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 255-1501 jennettespier.net
Catch a fish and the Pier House Restaurant will cook it — fried, grilled, or blackened — and then serve it to you on a plate piled with French fries, slaw, and hush puppies. The stunning ocean view is a bonus.
Nags Head Fishing Pier 3335 South Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959 (252) 441-5141 nagsheadpier.com
SeaView Fishing Pier, North Topsail Beach
Built in 1982; rebuilt in 1999
At more than 1,000 feet, this pier is one of the longest in North Carolina. At one end, it offers king mackerel fishing; at the other, a memorable cheeseburger.
At 27 feet above the sea, this is the tallest pier in the state. Take a stroll to the end and wonder at the views of Oak Island.
Oak Island Pier 705 Ocean Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 (910) 933-6161 oakislandpier.com
Ocean Crest Fishing Pier, Oak Island
Bring your own beach chair to get comfy while you drop a line or relax beneath the shady gazebo at the end of this pier, which often hosts fishing tournaments.
Ocean Crest Fishing Pier 1409 East Beach Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 (910) 278-6674 ocpier.com
Ocean Isle Beach Pier, Ocean Isle Beach
Built in 1957
Be sure to order a cheeseburger at The Pier Grill, then grab an ice cream or a beer from the small shop to enjoy in “the backyard.” The grassy area is filled with wooden tables overlooking the ocean and often features live music.
Ocean Isle Beach Pier 1 West First Street Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469 (910) 579-3095 oibpier.com
Rodanthe Pier, Rodanthe
Built in 1960
Go fishing, look for sea life, hang out in the game room with a cold drink, or simply take in the view of the coast dotted with colorful houses.
In 1864, Vesta, a Confederate blockade runner, ran out of fuel and then ran aground on what was then known as Bald Beach. It was unloaded and abandoned, set on fire, and, eventually, buried by sand. This pier was built over the sunken ship hull.
Sunset Beach Fishing Pier 101 West Main Street Sunset Beach, NC 28468 (910) 579-6630 sunsetbeachpier.com
Surf City Ocean Pier, Surf City
Built in 1951; rebuilt in 1974, 1996
The original Surf City Ocean Pier was mostly steel. Now, the wooden structure offers ocean views above and a different kind of beauty below — almost like a cathedral.
Surf City Ocean Pier 112 South Shore Drive Surf City, NC 28445 (910) 328-3521 surfcityoceanpier.com
Jolly Roger Inn & Pier, Topsail Beach
Built in 1954
This pier opens up early so that fishermen can get a weather update and a bag of breakfast sandwiches to go — but even if you aren’t heading out on the boat, you can still enjoy a tasty breakfast.
Jolly Roger Inn & Pier 803 Ocean Boulevard Topsail Beach, NC 28445 (910) 328-4616 thejollyroger.com
Spectators on Wrightsville Beach’s only wooden pier have the best seats in town to watch surfers catching waves. But those in the know stay for a meal at the adjoining Oceanic restaurant. Diners fill the window-facing seats, and more sit outside on the pier itself, where tables overlook the sand and sunbathers below.
Crystal Pier 703 South Lumina Avenue
Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 (910) 256-5551 oceanicrestaurant.com
This solid-concrete pier — unusual on the Carolina coast — is a favorite fishing spot year-round. When you want to get out of the sun, duck into the pier house, which features a tackle shop, grill, gift shop, and small arcade.
Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier 23 East Salisbury Street Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 (910) 256-2743 johnniemercersfishingpier.com
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