Nestled between Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Wilmington, N.C., is idyllic Oak Island, a quiet paradise of white sandy beaches and sparkling ocean as far as the eye can see. Visitors to this little slice of heaven can enjoy lazy days on the beach without a crowd obstructing the sun and waves.
While Oak Island has no shortage of places to go and sights to see, there is one location where all visitors should spend a day: the Oak Island Pier and its accompanying restaurant.
The Oak Island Pier and Restaurant
Constructed in 1955, Oak Island Pier is the highest in North Carolina, standing 27 feet above sea level. The pier is famous for being a prime spot to reel in king mackerel, better known as the kingfish. Anglers can catch a wide variety of sea life, including trout, bluefish, pompano, sheepshead, and even tiger sharks.
However, the pier isn’t just an incredible spot for fishermen. Vacationers won’t be disappointed by the endless, picture-perfect stretch of the glittering Atlantic Ocean, which serves as a backdrop to the area’s seasonal events and, most notably, the Oak Island Pier restaurant.
The Flying Fish Cafe, located directly on the pier, features a full bar, fresh-caught seafood, and breathtaking views. A meal at the Flying Fish Cafe gives visitors an unparalleled dining experience right over the clear blue-green water of the Atlantic. You can spend the day reading your favorite book on the warm sand of Yaupon Beach and later enjoy a quiet dinner while watching the sunset beneath the ocean’s horizon.
The cafe’s menu features an assortment of cuisines, each with a unique and delicious take on seafood ranging from garlic lemon shrimp to Hoison and soy-glazed salmon to sweet corn crab cakes. Pair your meal with a refreshing Chardonnay or a full-bodied Pinot Noir, sit back, and enjoy the ocean breeze.
Other Notable Restaurants Nearby
If you’re spending a lot of time near the pier, there are several other restaurants within walking distance.
KoKo Cabana, an American burger and seafood restaurant, is less than a five-minute walk from the pier. The restaurant is located right on the beach, so you can soak up the sun and enjoy the water, then head over to get a refreshing cocktail or some incredible coconut shrimp tacos.
Swain’s Cut Italian Steakhouse at the corner of East Oak Island Drive and Keziah Street is a short 10-15 minute walk from the pier. Although the steakhouse isn’t on the water, its filet mignon is worth the extra jaunt.
There’s also Thai by the Sea at the corner of East Oak Island Drive and Womble Street. Thai by the Sea is just down the way from Swain’s. Thai by the Sea’s authentic chicken pad thai and sweet and sour chicken are among patrons’ favorites.
Stop By for a Visit!
Whether you’re looking to spend a day on the beach under an umbrella or soaking in the sights, the Oak Island Pier should be on your list of places to visit. Stop by the Flying Fish Cafe for a tasty meal or cast out and try your luck at reeling in a king mackerel. Either way, you’re bound to make some incredible lifelong memories here on Oak Island.