Posted by Bailey Wilson

Outer Banks Fishing Piers


The fishing piers of the Outer Banks are more than just places to cast a line — they are gathering spots that showcase the personality, history, and coastal culture of the OBX. Stretching out into the Atlantic from Duck to South Nags Head, each pier offers its own unique atmosphere, from laid-back local hangouts and lively rooftop bars to family-friendly aquariums, live music, oceanfront dining, and legendary fishing. 

Whether you’re visiting for sunrise surf sessions, fresh seafood and drinks by the water, or simply to take in the endless ocean views, the Outer Banks piers provide some of the most memorable experiences along North Carolina’s coast.


Kitty Hawk Pier


Originally built as a classic Outer Banks fishing pier, Kitty Hawk Pier has remained a beloved OBX landmark despite enduring major storm damage from Hurricane Isabel in 2003. 

After being purchased during the development of the Hilton Garden Inn Kitty Hawk in 2006, the pier underwent extensive renovations and reopened in 2008, blending modern updates with its rich fishing heritage. 

Today, the pier and renovated Pier House offer stunning oceanfront views, event space, and a relaxing coastal atmosphere that continues to capture the timeless charm and fishing traditions of the Outer Banks.


Avalon Pier


Located in Kill Devil Hills, Avalon Pier blends traditional Outer Banks fishing culture with a fun, social atmosphere that keeps both locals and visitors coming back year after year. Known for its relaxed vibe and central location, the pier offers more than just great fishing — it’s also a favorite spot to grab food, enjoy drinks, and take in oceanfront views.

Visitors can stop by the bait and tackle shop before heading out on the pier or unwind afterward with a drink, food from the snack bar, arcade games, and live music throughout the season. One of Avalon Pier’s standout features is its rooftop bar, where guests can enjoy coastal breezes, sunset views, and a laid-back beach-town atmosphere overlooking the Atlantic. 

Whether you’re casting a line, listening to live music, or simply soaking in the Outer Banks vibe, Avalon Pier delivers a classic OBX experience with a lively modern twist.


Nags Head Fishing Pier


Located in the heart of Nags Head, Nags Head Fishing Pier has long been a staple of the Outer Banks fishing scene, offering visitors a classic oceanfront experience with a welcoming coastal atmosphere. Known for its full-service restaurant and bar, the pier has always been a popular gathering spot for anglers, beachgoers, and families looking to enjoy fresh seafood, cold drinks, and sweeping Atlantic views all in one place. 

After undergoing a full renovation and menu update, Nags Head Fishing Pier is set to reopen for the 2026 peak season with refreshed dining options and an updated look while still preserving the relaxed charm that has made it a longtime OBX favorite. 

Whether stopping in for fishing, waterfront dining, or sunset cocktails by the ocean, the newly revitalized pier is ready to continue its tradition as one of the most iconic destinations on the Outer Banks.


Jennette's Pier


Located in Nags Head, Jennette’s Pier is one of the most iconic and recognizable piers on the Outer Banks. As part of the North Carolina Aquarium system, the pier offers much more than just fishing, combining education, recreation, and coastal conservation into one unforgettable OBX experience. Stretching nearly 1,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, Jennette’s Pier is one of the largest fishing piers on the Outer Banks and a favorite destination for anglers hoping to catch everything from Spanish mackerel and bluefish to drum and cobia depending on the season.

Beyond fishing, Jennette’s Pier is also known for its popular surf break, often attracting surfers looking for consistent waves along the Nags Head shoreline. Families and visitors can explore the pier’s mini aquarium exhibits, educational displays, and gift shop, making it a great stop even for those who never plan to cast a line. The pier’s modern design and eco-friendly features also reflect its role in marine education and sustainability efforts along the North Carolina coast.

Currently undergoing renovations, Jennette’s Pier continues to remain one of the most beloved attractions on the Outer Banks, blending fishing, surfing, ocean views, and family-friendly activities into a true OBX landmark.


Outer Banks Fishing Pier


Located in South Nags Head, Outer Banks Fishing Pier is a longtime OBX favorite known for its relaxed atmosphere, great fishing, and unbeatable oceanfront dining. The pier offers everything anglers need for a day on the water, including a fully stocked bait and tackle shop and easy access to some of the best pier fishing on the Outer Banks. But for many visitors, the real draw is the iconic Fish Heads Bar & Grill, the pier’s popular oceanfront restaurant known for its casual beach vibe, fresh seafood, cold drinks, and famous shrimp happy hour that has become a must-stop tradition for locals and vacationers alike.

In addition to its fishing culture and laid-back dining scene, Outer Banks Fishing Pier has become an increasingly popular spot for live entertainment. For the 2026 season, Fish Heads has expanded its lineup of live music nights, bringing even more energy to the pier with local bands, waterfront sunsets, and a true Outer Banks atmosphere. Whether you’re casting a line, enjoying shrimp and drinks with friends, or listening to live music by the ocean, Outer Banks Fishing Pier perfectly captures the fun and easygoing spirit of South Nags Head.


Duck Research Pier


Located in Duck, the Duck Research Pier stands apart from the other piers on the Outer Banks because it is not a fishing pier and is not open to the public. Operated as part of a government research facility, the pier is used for coastal and oceanographic studies, helping scientists better understand waves, weather, erosion, and changing coastal conditions along the Atlantic shoreline. Extending farther into the ocean than any other pier on the Outer Banks, the Duck Research Pier is the longest pier in the region and has become an iconic landmark along the northern beaches of OBX.

While visitors cannot walk onto the pier itself, it remains a popular sight to view from the beach, where its impressive length and industrial appearance make it instantly recognizable. Photographers, beachgoers, and surfers often admire the structure while exploring Duck’s quieter shoreline. Although it lacks the restaurants, fishing crowds, and entertainment found on traditional Outer Banks fishing piers, Duck Research Pier offers something different — a fascinating glimpse into the science and environmental research that help protect and preserve the North Carolina coast.



Staying near one of the Outer Banks piers gives visitors easy access to some of the best fishing, dining, nightlife, and ocean views on the North Carolina coast. From the lively atmosphere of Avalon Pier and Fish Heads Bar & Grill to the family-friendly experiences at Jennette’s Pier and the historic charm of Kitty Hawk Pier, each location offers its own unique slice of OBX culture. 

Whether you want to wake up steps from the beach, spend evenings listening to live music by the ocean, or enjoy early morning fishing at sunrise, booking a vacation rental near an Outer Banks pier places you close to the heart of the action while still enjoying the relaxed coastal pace that makes the OBX so unforgettable.


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