Welcome to the Oak Island Pier, a favorite destination for residents and visitors! Originally built more than 65 years ago, the Pier was rebuilt and reopened in 2019, and is currently named as North Carolina's highest pier.

The Pier is part of the OKI Pier Complex, joined by the Pier House (tackle & bait store), a restaurant, a coffee shop, and the 801 Ocean Event Center.

Acquired by the Town of Oak Island in 2009, the Pier bears the distinction of being the first municipally owned pier in the state of North Carolina.

While operation was privately leased for nearly a decade, it reopened under direct management of the Town, following the completion of the Hurricane Matthew rebuild in 2019.

A marvel of modern marine engineering, the Pier stands at 27 feet high and 880 feet long. It provides 30 King fishing stations, handicap accessible portions, and a unique "grated" center section, which allows for sea water to pass through during the waves of large storms, preventing floor boards from being pushed up.

The Oak Island Pier is open every day of the year. Specific hours of operation vary depending on the season, with longer hours in the spring and summer months, and shorter hours in the fall and winter months. Be sure to check this page when planning your next visit to the Pier!

Pier House

In addition to fishing passes, the Pier House offers frozen bait, fishing tackle, sundries, snacks, ice cream, soft drinks, and beer and wine. Shirts, sunglasses and other souvenirs are also available.

All Annual Pier Fishing Passes will have a Season Parking Permit added for $25

There is no charge to walk on the Pier.

Fishing Passes are available for purchase at the Pier House in Daily, 3-day, 5-day, 7-day, and Annual increments.

Discounts are offered for seniors (55 years and older), as well as active military personnel and veterans.

Pass wristbands must be displayed / visible at all times.

Fishing Pass Costs(PDF, 139KB)

Paid Parking is enforced from April 1 – September 30, between the hours of 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Free 2-hour Parking is available in the Pier House / Restaurant parking lot (parking is monitored visually - this lot does not pay-to-park).

For parking longer than two hours, please use the adjacent public lot (Paid Parking) at 604 Ocean Drive.

Parking Permit Information

In order to provide an enjoyable and safe environment for all, Pier visitors are asked to adhere to the following:

• Fishing permits are required and must be purchased at the Pier House. Permits (wristbands) must be visible at all times. North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing licenses are not required for those fishing off the Pier.
• Alcohol consumed on the Pier must be purchased from the Pier House.
• Shoes, sandals or appropriate footwear must be worn at all times.
• Pets are not permitted on the Pier
• Skateboards, bicycles, roller blades, scooters, motorcycles, etc. are not permitted
• Diving and / or jumping from the Pier is not permitted
• Trash must be deposited in the covered receptacles
• The Pier is closed during severe and / or dangerous weather conditions
• Swimming or any other recreational activity within 250 feet of any commercial or public pier is prohibited. Surfing within 350ft of the pier is prohibited
• Nothing may be hanged from or attached to any portion of the Pier (including the pilings, braces, rails, benches, and anything connected to the Pier) unless directed by the Town Manager or their designee.

Recent Town Ordinance Updates

Special policies apply to king fishermen. These policies are available in the Pier House and on the King portion of the Pier.

The Town of Oak Island is home to two (2) ocean piers, the privately owned Ocean Crest Pier, and the Town-owned Oak Island Pier (pictured).

While the Pier is a popular location for enjoying the beach, some distance is needed when enjoying the ocean.

Important: Swimming under, beside, or immediately near a Pier is not only prohibited, it is dangerous!

Between fishing lines, fishing hooks, and larger predatory fish, there are many in-water hazards around a pier that lead to serious personal injury. Additionally, crustacean growth, along with pushing waves and swift currents can make pilings underneath a pier especially hazardous!

Town Ordinance 22-12 prohibits swimming or other in-water activity within 250 ft. of the Pier, and Section 22-5 further extends this for surfing to 350 ft. away. However, regardless of Town Ordinances, this is common sense safety.

To help ensure a safe distance, start a the Pier and take about 100 "big steps" - this is a great way to avoid hazards in the Pier area, and get in daily exercise!

Tidal schedules and current conditions are provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

• Tide Forecast
• Annual Tide Tables