The Oak Island Pier has a legendary reputation as one of the best places to reel in a king mackerel, and its recent history speaks for itself. With over 250 kings being reeled in from the pier on an annual basis, the structure has become an oasis for fishermen from all along the East Coast who want to drop lines and hopefully bring home an Oak Island souvenir that will double as an once-in-a-lifetime fishing story.
Of course the pier is also an incredible attraction for everyday vacationers and sightseers as well, and features incredible vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding Yaupon Beach community. With an on-site restaurant, and fantastic seasonal events that range from music on the beach to renowned fishing tournaments, the Oak Island Pier is essentially the place to be on any given day at the beach.
The pier was originally built in 1955 and was known as the "Yaupon Pier," a nod to Yaupon Beach, the original town in this region of Oak Island, and the current community where it resides. Though it weathered a number of hard hitting hurricanes, including Floyd in 1999 and Irene in 2011, the pier had to be rebuilt twice during its lifespan: once in 1972 and again in 1992. The current structure is a straight 908' foot long wooden series of planks that extends into the Atlantic Ocean, and at 27' feet above sea level, is currently the highest pier in North Carolina.
Always a popular destination for fishermen, seasoned anglers have been reeling in catches from this mid-Atlantic location for generations, and the catches depend on the season, weather, and the fishermen's luck. Popular catches include pompano, tarpon, sheepshead, bluefish, Spanish, and trout, and the pier boasts a number of record-holding catches, including a 1,150 lb. Tiger Shark caught in 1966 that is still the state's largest tiger shark catch.
That being said, the pier is best known for its King Mackerel catches, and the Oak Island Pier, in conjunction with its neighbor, the Ocean Crest Pier, hosts a number of seasonal tournaments that target the especially popular species, as well as a number of other desirable catches.
Sightseers are always welcome to explore the length of the pier for incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean - both panoramically in the distance, and nearly 30' feet below. A slightly intimidating experience that's not suited for visitors with a fear of heights, the stroll will give Oak Island vacationers some great photo opts, and an opportunity to see the beach from an entirely new view.
The pier also features an expansive Pier House, which has fishing equipment, both for sale and rent, snacks and refreshments, live bait, and coastal souvenirs that any angler would love to take home. There's also a restaurant on site, the Flying Fish Cafe, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner to hungry anglers or anyone in need of a good, satisfying beachside bite. Specializing in casual coastal classics, like hearty burgers and fried fresh catches of the day, the restaurant has arguably become just as big as a local destination as the pier itself.
On site, and on the beaches bordering the pier, seasonal visitors will also be treated to a number of non-fishing outdoor activities, including summertime beach volleyball tournaments, outdoor music concerts with local bands, and even Saturday horseshoe tournaments. Pier visitors are advised to check out the scene at the base of the pier pilings, especially on a summer weekend, to see what new local competitions or events are taking place close to shore.
The pier is seasonally open, and closes during the winter months for annual maintenance, however it holds long hours in the spring, summer and fall months that allows ample time for both day and night fishing. The cost of pier passes are based on a multitude of actors, including the type of fishing, (bottom or king fishing), the age of the angler, and the duration. For example, a daily bottom pass for an adult runs around $10 for a 24 hour period, while an annual bottom pass for frequent visitors is $200.00 per year. Visitors can get a complete list of passes available at the pier's website, and many vacation rental homes also offer a complimentary "pier pass" for their guests as well, ensuring that anglers can enjoy a vacation filled with all of the fishing action on the pier, complimentary with their stay.
When it comes to exceptional fishing and high-rise views that are unparalleled on Oak Island, you can't beat the Oak Island Pier. A local staple for decades, this landmark has become a favorite family destination for decades, entertaining all vacationing party members with fun off-the-pier events and sumptuous dining, in addition to Oak Island's world famous fishing conditions. A remarkable sightseeing trip for any visitor, and a must stop destination for angers of all varieties, the Oak Island Pier is an incredible local attraction that easily turns this beach town into a fisherman's paradise.
It's hard to confuse the Old Baldy Lighthouse with the other Carolina lighthouses that guard the Eastern Seaboard. The unique structure has undergone some interesting natural and manmade changes during its nearly 200 year lifespan, but many visitors believe that the unique structure, the aging exterior, and the long history only adds to the overall charm. A must-see local attraction for day trippers and weeklong vacationers alike, the Old Baldy Lighthouse is easily one of the most interesting and admired sites throughout all of Bald Head Island.
Nature lovers who want to take an in-depth and self-guided exploration of Southport's wild terrain can take an easy stroll down the "Marsh Walk." This long boardwalk that begins along Brunswick Avenue on the edges of the busy downtown ends, essentially, in the middle of nowhere, with incredible views of the Cape Fear River, Elizabeth River, and miles of the waterfront terrain that defines Southport as a uniquely coastal town.
Cali’s Coastal Dream can now be your Dream too! Recently constructed in 2025 and first time to the rental market this home is loaded with every bell and whistle your imagination can conjure up including a 28’long x 12’wide saltwater swimming pool, EV charging outlet and 3-story convenience elevator when you need it. 6 enormous impressive bedrooms including 5 king size beds with 6 full bathrooms and 2 complementary half baths all combine to provide the space and privacy you need in this 3,500+ heated square foot home – WOW! (BR1:1K, BR2:1K, BR3:1K, BR4:1K, BR5:1K, BR6:2Bunks-2T/2F). On the first level you will find a giant welcoming open concept great room with an adjoining chef’s dream gourmet kitchen that will create everlasting vacation memories when everybody is together for beach time just as you dreamed. While there is ample room to prepare meals and sit at the island bar area, you will find fun things like a frig ice maker with two ice cube sizes of your choice while another dedicated ice maker ensures you will never run out while blending tropical drinks to savor outside in the screened in porch area or around the pool decking while you get some long-awaited sun. There is even a pot filler faucet above the range for your convenience when it’s pasta nighttime with family and friends. When you can pry yourself away from the getaway of your private swimming pool and deck, the beach is a mere walk away with no busy Beach Drive to cross with your kids and beach gear. An outside shower awaits you with plenty of underneath storage space for your beach gear when you return from a long day in the sun. When it’s time to retire in the evening, 5 of the 6 bedrooms offer king-size beds with ensuite bathrooms, that's right no need to share! And walk-in closets to boot as well! This home is fit for royalty and a special vacation getaway that will satisfy the most discerning family members and friends which will make you proud to have been the one to discover Cali’s Coastal Dream. Plenty of parking underneath and room for a golf cart too while conveniently located to everything Oak Island has to offer and a short drive to the historic town of Southport for more shopping and dining fun. Now is the time to make your Dream a reality at Cali’s Coastal Dream! No smoking and No Family Animals. Departure maid service and linens included. 3-nighttime minimum prices available outside prime/peak seasons. Check-In: 3-5PM, Check-Out: 10:00AM.
- Oak Island
- 6 Bedrooms
- 7 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 16