The Grand Strand is known for its incredible array of activities and entertainment, from beaches and golfing, to an array of eateries, shopping, and theaters. One of the most beloved attractions that can be found along the Coast is also one of the things that has seemingly changed the least over the years – the fishing piers! Our area is home to multiple fishing piers, many of them some of the largest and most lively piers on the entire East Coast, and each is a focal point in the community with their own interesting and unique history! You’re sure to find serious long-time fishermen, casual beach goers, tourists, and locals alike enjoying these favorite piers along the 60 mile Coastline spread from Cherry Grove to Garden City.
Apache Pier
The Apache Pier is part of the popular Apache Campground located near Tanger Outlets and Barefoot Landing near North Myrtle Beach. The Apache Pier is the longest wooden pier along the entire East Coast – at 1,206 feet long! The pier is so long in fact that a golf cart trolley service the length of the pier to help with transport. From Memorial Day through Labor Day you’ll find live events and music being hosted under the covered shelter near the middle point of the pier, with nightly music events during the summer. They have an on site tackle shop along with the great full service bait fishing and the pier also features an arcade and the loved restaurant Croakers! Here you’ll find your classic beach fare: grouper sandwiches, fresh salads, burgers, hot dogs, fries and any other casual favorites. The Apache Pier is open 365 days a year from 6 am-10 pm, and costs $2-3 to walk the pier and $10.50 for daily fishing rates with discounted rates for kids 10 and under. The Apache Pier also features the Trophy Case, where a photographer is on the pier ready to capture your trophy catch right out of the water and to have you and your fish memorialized, do you have what it takes to catch a huge one?
Cherry Grove Pier
Built in the 1950s and having survived many a hurricane since, a common story shared by many of these piers, The Cherry Grove Pier was rebuilt, remodeled, and lengthened in 1999 after the damage it faced from Hurricane Floyd. This is the farthest north located pier on the Grand Strand coastline. The Cherry Grove Pier is truly a landmark on the Grand Strand and is home to many record breaking catches through the years including a 1,780 lb Tiger Shark – the largest caught in the United States! Located here is also the beloved Boardwalk Beach Cafe which is an amazing stop for frozen drinks and beach friendly eatery like burgers, fries, and fresh fish baskets. Fishing enthusiasts will find a great full service tackle, bait, and gift shop including a full line of rods and reels from famous makers and an array of unique beach souvenirs for you to take home! Fishing season is from February 1st through December 1st, with fishing admission costing $2 and rod rentals priced around $6. The pier is open daily from 6am until midnight, and is usually a less crowded fishing pier around the area. The Cherry Grove pier offers a two story observation deck that offers viewers a sweeping view of the Atlantic Ocean and the gorgeous Carolina Coastline!
2nd Ave Pier
The 2nd Ave Pier is located along the gorgeous Myrtle Beach Boardwalk near Family Kingdom and is a great central location for all of your favorite summertime festivals downtown but the fishing might be even better! Anglers frequently reel in mullet, trout, mackerel, flounder, and even barracuda! Open most days from 7am-9pm, a fishing pass for the pier will be $9. The 2nd Ave Pier is one of the youngest and one of the tallest piers on the Grand Strand – and the only one to have a rooftop bar! On the first floor you’ll find the incredible gift and tackle shop where visitors can get all of their rentals, fishing supplies, and live bait they could ever need as well as unique souvenirs! The recent addition of the restaurant Wicked Tuna to the second floor has made the 2nd Ave Pier an even more beloved location! Wicked Tuna has made a name for themselves in the area with their “hook to plate” approach to fresh seafood, where each week they send their fishing fleets out into the Atlantic Ocean sourcing the freshest fish available then having those catches cleaned, prepped, and served onsite at Wicked Tuna all within 24 hours! Their award-winning master chefs create coastal delicacies only matched by the incredible views offered with their panoramic views of the coastline and boardwalk from the rooftop bar!
14th Ave Pier
This Historic landmark is the second pier on the Grand Strand situated on the beautiful Myrtle Beach boardwalk! Originally opened in 1926, a portion of the pier was damaged by Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and had to be rebuilt, though the pier is now in better shape than ever – being home to a much loved restaurant and an equally loved fishing spot! The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is annually ranked as one of the best boardwalks in the country, and although the 14th Ave pier is only 600 ft long making it one of the shortest in the area, it is a perfect way to extend your stroll along the boardwalk over the Atlantic Ocean. Also attached to the pier is one of the best restaurants in the area – The Pier 14 Restaurant serving up mouth-watering seafood, steaks, and other beach specialties and is also currently the home of the live www.visitmyrtlebeach.com webcam! The Pier 14 Restaurant is open from 11:30 to 9 pm, and is not a place to miss! At the pier anglers of all ages will find the highest quality on site bait and tackle and gift shop with a friendly staff that is always ready to help out families eager to fish. A Fishing pass is $7, and pier hours are roughly 7am – 11pm but can change depending on the season.