Ocean Crest Pier
Ocean Crest Pier: A resilient landmark offering stunning ocean views, vibrant surfing action, and a place for fishing and community.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Ocean Crest Pier
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ocean Crest Pier: A resilient landmark offering stunning ocean views, vibrant surfing action, and a place for fishing and community.
"It did cost $2 per person, which was OK. Definitely enjoyed it."
🎟️ Pay for Pier Access
A small fee ($2) grants you access and allows re-entry the same day. Worth it for the views!
🎸 Catch Live Music
Check the schedule for live performances, often held at The Seahorse Eats & Drinks.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ocean Views
Ocean Crest Pier
Stroll along the pier for breathtaking ocean vistas and a refreshing sea breeze.
Surfer Spectacle
Ocean Crest Pier
Watch skilled surfers ride the waves, a popular activity especially after stormy weather.
Live Music & Dining
The Seahorse Eats & Drinks at Ocean Crest Pier
Enjoy live music and casual dining with ocean views at the pier's on-site establishment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Pier Access & Fees
Weather & Surfing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Pay for Pier Access
A small fee ($2) grants you access and allows re-entry the same day. Worth it for the views!
🎸 Catch Live Music
Check the schedule for live performances, often held at The Seahorse Eats & Drinks.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture stunning ocean scenery and surfers. Great for memorable vacation photos.
🎣 Fishing Fun
Bring your gear for a chance to catch some local fish. Ask about rigs for pier fishing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Pay for Pier Access
A small fee ($2) grants you access and allows re-entry the same day. Worth it for the views!
🎸 Catch Live Music
Check the schedule for live performances, often held at The Seahorse Eats & Drinks.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture stunning ocean scenery and surfers. Great for memorable vacation photos.
🎣 Fishing Fun
Bring your gear for a chance to catch some local fish. Ask about rigs for pier fishing.
🍔 Enjoy On-Site Dining
Grab a bite or a drink at The Seahorse Eats & Drinks for convenient refreshments.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ocean Crest Pier offers beautiful ocean views and a lively atmosphere, with many visitors enjoying the chance to watch surfers and enjoy on-site dining. While most find the experience positive and family-friendly, some have encountered rude staff, impacting their visit. The pier's resilience and generational appeal are frequently highlighted.
"Very nice walking on the pier today! The storm brought out lots of surfers to watch. A bonus was watching and talking with workers inspecting the pilings today. One was a frogman in the service, now doing pier repairs. Wonderful time on the pier today. Don't forget to get a ticket so you can come back later the same day!"
Mark Brandau
"Very cool place to visit. There was a bar inside. People were friendly. The pier was a nice view. My wife was kind of nervous on the pier. But it was safe. Great picture opportunity. Great for fishing. It did cost $2 per person, which was OK.
It will probably be a cool place to have a drink or 2. Definitely enjoyed it."
John
"Okay…first off great week at Better Beach rentals! But the Ocean Pier Staff (specifically the older gentleman dirty tie dye t-shirt) was extremely rude to our group, just trying to be patrons…also talked to a handful of folks who had the same experience. Our friends 40th party was quickly ruined, felt so so Awkward, and unwelcome by the locals! Also had a member of our party with a FREEDOM shirt and felt targeted due to politics."
Myles Connor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ocean Crest Pier is located on Oak Island, NC. It's easily accessible by car and is situated further west than the main Oak Island Pier. Parking is typically available nearby.
Yes, parking is generally available in the vicinity of the pier, though it can get busy during peak times.
Depending on your accommodation, it might be walkable. It's also a short drive from other Oak Island points of interest like the lighthouse and public beach access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a small fee of $2 per person to walk on the pier. This fee allows you to re-enter the same day.
Yes, the same $2 fee applies for fishing from the pier. It's recommended to check if any additional fishing permits are required by local regulations.
Operating hours can vary, especially seasonally. It's best to check their official channels or call ahead, particularly if you plan to visit early morning or late evening.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to consume outside food and drinks in designated areas or at the on-site restaurant to respect the pier's policies.
🎫 🎣 Fishing & Activities
Anglers often catch species like Spanish mackerel, bluefish, flounder, and red drum. It's recommended to inquire locally about current fishing reports and effective rigs.
Information on fishing guides or rental services is not widely publicized. It's best to inquire directly at the pier or nearby bait and tackle shops.
Commonly recommended rigs include pompano rigs, kingfish rigs, and surf fishing setups. Gotcha plugs are also mentioned by some anglers.
Absolutely! The pier offers excellent vantage points to watch surfers, especially during good wave conditions or after storms.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, The Seahorse Eats & Drinks is located at the pier, offering beverages and food options with ocean views.
The Seahorse Eats & Drinks offers a casual dining experience with refreshing beverages and a menu that complements a day at the beach.
Yes, The Seahorse Eats & Drinks provides a bar area where you can enjoy drinks with a view of the ocean.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise offers beautiful golden hour light, while sunsets can also be stunning. After storms, the dramatic skies and waves provide unique photo opportunities.
The pier itself, the expansive ocean views, crashing waves, surfers, and the general coastal atmosphere make it a picturesque location.
The end of the pier offers the most expansive ocean views. The pilings and the structure of the pier itself also make for interesting photographic elements.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring snacks and drinks, or enjoy a casual meal at The Seahorse Eats & Drinks. The pier is generally considered safe, offering a secure environment for children to explore and enjoy the coastal views. It's a place where multi-generational memories are made, with families returning for decades.
🎣 Anglers
Be sure to research the best fishing rigs and bait for the current season. Inquiring at local shops or fellow anglers on the pier can offer valuable insights. The modest fee for access makes it an affordable and enjoyable fishing excursion.
📸 Photographers
+1Aim for sunrise or sunset for the best light. After storms, the dynamic weather and surfing action create unique and exciting photographic moments. Don't forget to capture the details of the pier and the surrounding coastal landscape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Resilience of Ocean Crest Pier
Visitors often remark on the pier's safety, even for those who might be a bit nervous about heights or the ocean. The sturdy construction and the presence of staff contribute to a secure environment for enjoying the coastal scenery.
The pier is more than just a wooden walkway; it's a place where memories are made, from family traditions spanning generations to spontaneous visits for a dose of peace and quiet.
+2Community and Local Vibe
Despite occasional issues, the pier is a beloved spot for many, with families returning for generations. The opportunity to interact with locals, like the frogman inspecting pilings, adds a unique charm to the experience.
The pier also serves as a venue for local talent, with live music performances adding to the vibrant atmosphere. This blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and community engagement makes Ocean Crest Pier a special place.
+1Fishing at Ocean Crest Pier
When planning your fishing trip, it's wise to research the best rigs and bait for the season. Common catches include Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and flounder. Some visitors have inquired about specific techniques like using Gotcha Plugs, indicating a desire for local fishing knowledge.
While the pier itself is a great place to cast a line, connecting with local bait and tackle shops or experienced anglers can provide invaluable tips for maximizing your catch. The $2 access fee is a small price to pay for a day of potential fishing success and ocean enjoyment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit