Your Ultimate Guide to Fishing, Sightseeing, and Coastal Adventures at North Carolina's Historic Pier

It may not be the only historic landmark on the Atlantic coast, but the Kure Beach Pier is a major attraction in North Carolina. While it's definitely a hotspot for fishing, I was drawn in by everything the area had to offer.

The panoramic views are gorgeous on their own, and I found plenty of relaxation and good food along the way. Whether I wanted to go for leisurely walks at dusk or try my best to spot stunning marine life, I had options.

There are also plenty of surrounding shops and family-friendly attractions that come with a magnetizing charm. In this article, I'm diving into a complete visitor's guide for Kure Beach Pier based on my first-hand experience.

Fun & Unique Experiences at Kure Beach Pier

Featuring many ideal spots along the pier and surrounding areas, it's a vibrant place for morning and evening fun. I was able to get some amazingly scenic shots during my trip, and found lots of break time on the sand. Depending on when visitors show up, there are a variety of pier activities to be found.

I was surprised by the number of seabird sightings during my stay, as they seemed entirely comfortable around visitors. This includes pelicans, gulls, and a range of other coastal birds that are a norm in the area. To add to the fun, I came across sea turtle observations, local fishing competitions, and much more.

6 Steps to the Kure Beach Pier Traveler's Guide

There are honestly too many fun things to count in Kure Beach NC. With the time that I had in the area, I made sure to keep every day as full as possible. In the table below, I've provided a few highlights from my trip that I feel like every visitor should consider.

Keep in mind, these suggestions come from hands-on experience, but are far from the full list of options travelers can choose from. The pier is a quaint, yet bustling area that's popular all year long. While there are definitely some peak seasons, it isn't hard to find some peace and quiet for solo and group travelers alike.

1. Fishing - Cast a Line Into Adventure

A popular destination for anglers of all skill levels, the pier promises easy access and plenty of fish to catch. The Atlantic waters of Kure Beach offer a variety of fish species, with common examples like sea bass, flounder, and bluefish.

There's also large game fish at play here, which include species like Spanish mackerel and red drum. It's important to get up to speed with local fishing regulations. Thankfully, for a small fee, I was able to fish on the pier and bypass handling the NC fishing license on my own.

Several tips I'd like to add for a successful fishing session include using proper bait, checking tide conditions, and using a durable tackle. On a side note, there were so many fishermen there on a daily basis that it wasn't hard to find some help if I needed it.

Key Highlights

• Access to deep Atlantic waters without the need for a boat
• Community atmosphere with anglers of all skill levels on the pier
• Offers a wide range of catch opportunities from small to large local fish
• Find peak catches and rare species throughout certain times of the year in different seasonal conditions

2. Sightseeing and Photography - Capture the Coast in Every Frame

I didn't need to spend much time on the pier to realize the gorgeous views it brings day in and day out. Aside from fishing, the pier in Kure Beach is a hot spot for photography, with visitors having their cameras out on the daily.

For myself, I tried my best to make it to sunrise or sunset, as that's when the area shows the most beauty in my opinion. Not only are the views dramatic in a good way, but there's a tone of calmness that washes over the pier.

I felt lucky to run into a few nature encounters in the later hours. On top of that, experimenting with the sightseeing spots and photography made for some unique angles. The pier's surroundings might be rather simple, but that's exactly what had me coming back every day.

Key Highlights

• Golden hours promise vibrant views of the Atlantic and a beautiful silhouette for the pier
• Find seabirds flying into the sunset and dolphins playing near the surface of the water
• Take advantage of the unobstructed views of the ocean from the edge of the pier
• The pier offers symmetry and plenty of angles to get some unique shots in every direction

3. Walking and Relaxation - Soaking up the Ocean Breeze

While there's plenty of walking to be done around Kure Beach Pier NC, I found an ample amount of relaxation during my vacation. 

In addition to that, the gentle ocean breeze makes it easy to stick around for a while. Match this with the sound of clashing waves, and all I wanted to do was take a seat and watch. There are more than enough benches available, but I opted to spend time on the sand.

Even during its busier seasons, I found lots of space for myself away from the crowds. I also came across many family-focused areas that are perfect for groups. 

Key Highlights

• Scenic coastal strolls on the pier without being shoulder to shoulder with other travelers
• Strategically placed benches offer a good break for the legs when I want to soak up the views
• A rejuvenating combination of fresh sea air, gentle waves, and wide open spaces on the sand

4. Nearby Dining, Shops, and Attractions - Where Coastal Flavor Meets Local Adventure

Whether I was looking for food, fun, or a little shopping, the area surrounding Kure Beach Pier had a lot to offer. For starters, I found my way to Jack Mackerel's Island Grill for some Caribbean-inspired dishes. Other local eats that seem to be popular include cafes, ice cream shops, and beach bars if I wanted to grab a drink.

Another famous option I couldn't pass on was the Hi-Tech arcade for a little gaming fun. They feature over 30 games, many of which are timeless classics, and it helps that they operate during late-night hours.

There's a small-town character to Kure Beach, and this is definitely evident in their waterfront stores. I was able to find unique souvenirs, beach gear, and even surfing essentials. From outdoor adventures to indoor fun and lots of shopping, I ended up with a well-rounded experience here.

Key Highlights

• Fort Fisher State Historic Site is a must-see for history buffs
• The Hi-Tech arcade makes for some retro, indoor fun, and is only steps away from the pier
• Jack Mackerels is serving up fresh seafood and steaks with a festive island twist
• Coastal boutiques offer a look into local culture and shopping, perfect for take-home souvenirs

5. Visiting During Various Seasons - Plan Your Trip Around the Perfect Pier Moments

Kure Beach Pier is a great place to visit all year long. However, I feel it's important to highlight what makes each season unique. For those looking at a summer vacation, travelers can expect warm weather, lively crowds, and a festive family atmosphere. It's definitely one of the busiest times of the year.

When it comes to spring and fall, temperatures are a lot more mild. Spring is when I decided to go, and I found lighter crowds and more active local wildlife. Once winter comes around, things get a lot more festive, but it's definitely a bit too cool for my taste. Then again, it is one of the most peaceful times of the year, from what I heard from the locals.

Regardless of the season, golden hour is found at sunrise and late afternoons. These are peak moments for some good photography. I also found plenty of time for breezy relaxation in the later hours after a stacked day of activities.

Key Highlights

• Summer is a peak season for travelers, so expect the area to be a bit more crowded
• Spring is a good time to catch wildlife, as there are fewer crowds and milder temperatures
• Fall is primetime for cool waters, a variety of seasonal fish, and cozy evenings inside
• Winter is a great idea to match with the holidays and find a peaceful and tranquil escape from peak travel season

6. The Parking Situation - Convenient, Accessible, and Visitor-Friendly

Visitors won't have to worry about accessibility here, as Kure Beach Pier makes it easy. Although the parking situation can get stacked during a peak season like summer, it usually isn't hard to find a spot.

There are also choices between public lots and street parking, and hourly fees are applied during peak season. However, travelers can find free and reduced fees in the off-season.

I also found the surrounding area to be stroller and wheelchair friendly. This can be seen in the wide walkways and railings to offer comfort for those with mobility needs. Visitors can also make use of bike racks and more than enough space for a stress-free arrival. The multitude of access options makes it easy for newcomers to find their way onto Kure Beach Pier.

Key Highlights

• Smooth and well-kept planks make it easy for strollers and young children
• Paid parking isn't hard to come by, and free and discounted parking is available during the off-season
• Cyclists are welcome to take advantage of plenty of bike racks
• The pier's layout accommodates wheelchairs comfortably and provides inclusive access all around

The Bottom Line

Seen as a leading historic landmark for Kure Beach, the pier is clearly much more than that alone. After a bit of time exploring the area, I ended up doing some fishing, wildlife observation, and plenty of eating.

Both the sunrise and sunset are gorgeous out here, and I found the locals to be more than welcoming. It also helped that I had a comfy place to go home to at night, and I had a little help finding the perfect spot.

Securing a cozy spot wasn't difficult, but this was mainly due to the help and expertise of Carolina Beach Realty. Their lodging selection and seamless booking process added a lot of ease to my trip overall.