Sandy beach
Yes
Hike-in Required
No
Surfing
Yes
Snorkeling / SCUBA
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Built in 1958, Avalon Pier is the "newest" pier on the northern Outer Banks. It reaches 696 feet into the ocean and is frequented by beachgoers, fishermen and surfers alike. Like any Outer Banks beach, the shoreline is wide, clean, and beautiful at any time of the year. There are many places right on Highway 12, The Beach Road, to park and visit the beach, but Avalon Pier allows beachgoers to stroll along the pier and get a different perspective of the Outer Banks. Seabirds, dolphins and occasionally even whales can be seen from the pier. Admission to the pier for sightseeing is only $2.00! 

Like any Outer Banks pier, Avalon is a great place to go fishing without having to charter a boat. Pricing for fishing is available on the pier's website.

The beach surrounding the pier is great for sunbathing and enjoying the ocean. While it can get crowded in the summer, there are usually areas with plenty of space if you look around. The pier acts as a point break, creating surfable waves when conditions are good. On calmer days, paddleboarding, ocean kayaking, or simply swimming are popular activities. The beaches of the Outer Banks have something for everyone!

Lifeguard stands are located at a number of beach accesses in Nags Head and are staffed during daylight hours between Memorial Day and mid-October. Be sure to check out which beach accesses have lifeguard stands before you go.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

Pier Access Fee

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Clean beach. Good surfing.

Cons

Can get crowded.

Features

Fishing
Surfing
Bird watching
Wildlife
Family friendly

Location

Nearby Adventures

Tidewater + Outer Banks, North Carolina
Tidewater + Outer Banks, North Carolina

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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