Visit The Outer Banks

Jennette's Pier — Fishing, Events, and Oceanfront Access

Overview

Jennette's Pier is a state-owned and operated pier offering fishing, sightseeing, aquariums, educational exhibits, beach access, and family activities.

Inside the pier house are several large aquariums and educational displays. The Pier Shop sells T-shirts, hats, books, children’s toys, coffee, Pepsi products, hot dogs, snacks, tackle, and bait. Seasonal hours apply; visitors may call ahead or check www.jennettespier.net.

The pier sits beside the sea at Milepost 16.5 in Whalebone Junction, across from Sam and Omie’s restaurant. Visitors have access to free parking, a bath house with outdoor showers, and clean, wide beaches.

Families can spend the day in the sun, while the south beach hosts seasonal community activities such as early morning running races and amateur and professional surf contests.

Upstairs, Oceanview Hall provides panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The space is available for weddings, rehearsal dinners, bridal luncheons, dinner parties, corporate retreats, holiday parties, and other special occasions. Its ocean setting supports dining, dancing, and memorable celebrations.

Fishing and sightseeing admissions are charged for the fishing pier, while entry to the pier house is free. The pier house includes restrooms, water fountains, and free community publications.

Accessibility

Jennette's Pier is fully ADA accessible! The facility and grounds include features intended to assist people with limited mobility.

A gradual entry ramp is fitted with shiny, tubular, aluminum handrails. The first entry door at the top opens automatically when visitors press a button. All restrooms include wide, required handicap-accessible stalls.

An elevator connects visitors to the second floor, where ocean views accompany wedding reception parties. The pier’s broad span allows easier movement with a walker or wheelchair. Near the end of the pier, two prime fishing locations have lowered handrails for wheelchair-seated anglers.

Free golf cart rides are available from the parking lot. Patrons may request transportation from security staff by calling 252-255-1501, ext. 1.

Accessibility services also extend to the public beach access. For most of the year, a royal blue Mobi-mat crosses the sand from an accessible ramp on the south end of the Pier’s bath house. Loaner beach wheelchairs with ballooned tires are available for use on the property.

Jennette’s Pier is part of the North Carolina Aquarium division of the N. C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Aquarium memberships can be purchased through the non-profit N. C. Aquariums Society.

Location and Contact

Jennette's Pier
7223 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Oceanfront, Milepost 16.5 Nags Head, NC 27959
daryl.law@ncaquariums.com
252-255-1501

Amenities

Beach/Sound Access

General

Events

U.S. Open Waveski Championships

Which Craft Surf Gathering

USA Surfing Prime Series

ESA Mid-Atlantic Regional Surfing Championship

Meeting Facilities

Facility Information

The exhibits include the 5, 200 gallon Life Under the Pier Aquarium; the 3, 000 gallon Life on the Ledge Aquarium (coming soon); the 1, 000 gallon Tropical Travelers Aquarium; the Life in a Drop of Water Touch Screen interactive exhibit; and a Research exhibit collaborated on with UNC Coastal Studies Institute.

Oceanview Hall

Classroom

Visitor Reviews

The source page includes a Yelp section based on 84 reviews. The displayed reviews describe Jennette's Pier as a highly regarded local pier and highlight its setting, nearby activities, fishing and surfing views, parking, clean restrooms, gift shop, exhibits, and $2 daily pier access. The attributed reviewers are Lenny M. on 09/23/2026, James M. on 08/24/2026, and Allison K. on 08/23/2025.

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