A rebuilt concrete pier in Nags Head where you can fish, walk the Atlantic, or catch sunrise year-round
Jennette's Pier stretches out over the Atlantic in Nags Head, a concrete pier built to survive what the original wooden one couldn't. The first pier here opened in 1939 and stood for decades before Hurricane Isabel destroyed it in 2003. What replaced it, rebuilt as part of the North Carolina Aquariums system and reopened in 2011, was designed with storm resilience and coastal science in mind, not just a spot to cast a line.
The pier is open daily, with hours running from early morning into the evening, which makes it work equally well for a dawn fishing trip or an after-dinner walk with the Atlantic stretched out in front of you. It sits directly on the Beach Road corridor in Nags Head, an easy stop alongside the rest of the northern Outer Banks strip.
6,483 reviews
2 months ago
This was the best place we came across in OBX for the quintessential beach photo ops. Lots of people fishing off the pier and even more down at Fish Heads enjoying some fantastic food and some beverages. But if you want some breathtaking views and to get those perfect beach photos this is the place! Do yourself a favor and stop at fish heads for the wicked tuna sandwich! It's like the Big Mac of Tuna and I mean that as a compliment!
2 months ago
We went to Jennette's Pier in mid July. It was so beautiful. Only $2 to walk out and enjoy the ocean. There are many benches and educational posts about fish and the ocean all along the pier to read. You're in for a treat inside the building as well. A nice gift shop and café. No cost to walk in and go shopping or look around at the aquariums inside. If you want to fish there are extra charges to be supplied with everything you'll need for a day of fishing on the pier. This is a must stop during your trip to the Outer Banks.
5 months ago
Nice location. Pier is currently unavailable, they are replacing the planks as of 04.10.26. Inside offers nice gift shop and large aquarium tanks. One worker talked to us about some of the fish life in those tanks and have lived there for a long time. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Take a look as those tanks while visiting. Look for the grumpy looking fish and the eal that hides in the log like decor in the bottom. Enjoy!
a month ago
GREAT spot for families! Plenty of parking, clean restrooms, and a store on site for all your needs. The pier itself has plenty of seating and is very sturdy so doesn't shake like most piers. There's even several shaded spots along the pier as well. My son loved it so much we went back a second day too.
6 months ago
Jennette's Pier is my starting point every time I am in the area for numerous reasons. The beach access point is right off the parking lot unlike other access points that require you to park and walk quite a bit, which is definitely hard for older adults or those who have injuries or disabilities. We have even stopped here just to use the restrooms because of how clean they are. The indoors of the pier have the small aquarium section with a diverse array of wildlife from the local waters which is really nice to see for free! The indoor part also has a tremendous amount of information and flyers, magazines, newspapers and just overall information for the outer banks and they are all free. This is the spot where you find out whats what and whats going on locally. The pier has GREAT fishing as well, it has been there for decades and the fish know where to go to get fed lol. If you are not experienced in fishing in any capacity but really want to just try your hand at it or enjoy an experience with your family or friends, thiiisssss is the place to do it instead of spending hundreds even thousands on a charter. Not that I dont recommend charters but this is a good first time place before you do go on a charter. Their staff will not only rent you everything you need but they will show you how to setup the rod n reels and bait the line and how to fish for ridiculously cheap! The staff are all great great people who are just so friendly and you absolutely should never feel awkward saying hey could you show me how to do this or asking any questions for that matter... they are literally there to help you and teach and educate people. I didn't even know that alllllll the times ive visited thru the years. They have a great gift shop as well. I could really go on n on n on about all the things that go on at the pier and everything they are involved in or have available but you should just check out their website to see for yourself. It is definitely not just a pier to fish from, thats for sure!