Crystal Pier, Wrightsville Beach’s hot spot, may feel like an obvious stop during your walk on the beach, but do you know everything that it has to offer? Regardless of whether you are a regular visitor, a seasoned local, or a first-timer in the Wrightsville Beach area, there is always more to learn!
Not only does this pier offer a wonderful view of the Atlantic Ocean, but it also provides an unforgettable outdoor dining experience as part of the Oceanic Restaurant. The pier also hosts various private events for the community to partake in, fostering that ever-important human connection within our community.
So, let’s review some of the most important information about Crystal Pier, as well as some things you may not have known about this Wrightsville Beach Gem.
About Crystal Pier
Where: 703 S Lumina Ave. Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
When: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Unless Booked for a Private Event
While the typical opening hours for the pier are consistent, you may stumble upon events from time to time. Many are open to the public and welcome members of the community popping by, but some may have limited access, which will be indicated by signage and/or security.
Stretching 475 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, this pier is unlike its WB cousin, Johnnie Mercer Fishing Pier. Originally built back in 1939, the Oceanic Restaurant is responsible for completing restoration of Crystal Pier in 2013, making this the only wooden pier in Wrightsville Beach.
Enter the pier via Oceanic for access to their dining area, bar, and outdoor live music venue. The pier can be reserved through the restaurant for private events, but is otherwise open via beach access from the stairs at the base of the pier for fishing and strolling as you please.
Can You Walk On The Pier?
Yes, you can walk on the pier! We recommend it, in fact. Walking the pier is free, typically open to the public, and a great way to break up a day on the beach or exploring the various coastal shops and restaurants.
Fishing on Crystal Pier
Extending into the Atlantic Ocean, this wooden pier is a perfect spot on the south end of Wrightsville Beach to reel in some big fish, people watch, and soak in some NC sun while you’re at it. You can also walk onto the beach strand through a public access and catch fish directly from the surf, if you prefer.
Oceanic at the Crystal Pier
The culinary goal of Oceanic is to relate to their environment, which just so happens to be the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. This gives them unique access to various local fisheries, proceeding to be showcased in the form of flavorful, fresh, and sustainably sourced catches of the day. Their passion for local sourcing and superb dishes is clear when it comes to dishes like oysters, shrimp, tuna, mahi mahi, and more.
Monthly Crystal Pier Events
Many of the events held on Crystal Pier are related to Oceanic Restaurant, like the following:
Monthly Events
You’ll find that the Summer Music Series and A Full Moon Affair are both popular monthly occurrences that patrons can look forward to.
The summer music series brings live music to the pier on Thursdays and Sundays all summer long. On Thursdays, come enjoy dinner at Oceanic and listen to the band of the week from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. On Sundays, book a brunch during the 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM band slot to wrap up your weekend the right way.
Some artists will rotate back into the schedule all summer, but some may not. So, make sure not to miss anyone you’ve had your eye (or ear) on!
Every full moon, the restaurant also hosts a moonlit dinner which features live music from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, craft cocktails, and small dinner bites to celebrate the shifting of the tides.
Private Events
The pier is also bookable for private events, such as weddings, where up to 150 guests can be seated for an oceanfront ceremony followed by a reception in one of the venue’s many large dining spaces.
Crystal Pier expertly combines accessibility and privacy as needed, and offers a wonderful space for people watching of all sorts.
Things To Do Near Crystal Pier
If you need a pitstop before a long day of fishing, people watching, or perhaps an event, you won’t be hard-pressed to find somewhere to fuel up. Check out local favorites like SUNdays Cafe, Bevy Mart, and Drift Cafe, some of our top picks for the best breakfast in Wrightsville Beach.
Looking for a meal that keeps the water nearby? You already know that Oceanic Restaurant is right on-site, but you can also visit Dockside, Poe’s Tavern, or South Beach Grill for pet-friendly outdoor dining. Whether it’s lunch or dinnertime, you’ll have your pick of tacos, burgers, seafood, and so much more!
If you’re hoping for a great place to launch a boat, look to the left after crossing the drawbridge to find the Wrightsville Beach Boating Access Area.
No matter what you choose to do or how you spend your beach day, you won’t be disappointed with this little slice of coastal North Carolina.
Of course, you can always request a Sherp to make sure you make the most of your beach day, without having to take countless trips to and from the car.