Sunset Beach Fishing Pier • Sunset Beach, North Carolina
A Scenic Overlook with a Interesting History
A Tranquil View where Sunrise Meets Sunset!
Take a stroll to the end of our 900 feet long pier and look back at the distant beach with a whole new perspective. At high tide you'll be amazed just how far you really are from the thundering surf. It becomes almost silent as if you were floating on a sailing ship.
Look out to sea and take in the seemingly endless horizon. If your lucky you may spot a few dolphins jumping over the waves. Look toward Bird Island and you'll see a variety of ships passing through the rock jetties at Little River Inlet. Let's not forget sunrises and sunsets over the water. A truely amazing site.
The hand painted compass rose you'll see while walking the pier shows just how unique the orientation of Sunset Beach is. A stroll to the end of our pier will have you facing south. The beach runs east to west allowing for our beautiful sunsets. Now onto the history...
The Pier's History
A Buried Ship Lies Beneath the Pier House
The Sunset Beach Pier was originally built in June of 1960 and destroyed by a storm. It was rebuilt at its current location in 1976 over a sunken Blockade Runner named the Vesta. In 1864 the Vesta was set on fire in 10 feet of water. Many of the supplies were unloaded and the boat was abandoned on what was later to become sunset beach island. The vesta was 34' wide and 180' long and sat parallel to the beach (east and west). When the first pier was built they left a wide opening and you could look thru the planks and see the boiler. Today, because so much sand has accreted, it is totally submerged.
Take our enjoyable and informative pier Walking Tour. Admission is only $1.00. The self-guided tour will provide you with information about the Island’s inception, a number of the Island's permanent residents, a history of the “storms” which affected the area, information about the previous site of the pier building, dates and pictures of the past bridges and more. As you exit the walking tour, you will see a placard marking the Vesta's resting place. More Information on the Vesta
A Mailbox Like No Other...
The Kindred Spirit Mailbox
Nestled in the sand dunes on Bird Island, the Kindred Spirit Mailbox invites visitors to pen their thoughts in provided journals and deposit them in the mailbox. This unique destination has drawn countless people seeking solace amidst the natural beauty of the ocean and horizon. The mailbox is about a mile and a half west of the pier.
Originally erected by Frank Nesmith and Claudia Sailor over 40 years ago, the mailbox has evolved from a sometimes inaccessible location (due to now filled in Madd Inlet from a 1998 storm) to one now reachable by foot or bicycle. The mystery of the mailbox attracts thousands each year who wish to share their thoughts, and its allure remains strong today. Related Videos: CBS Story I PBS Documetary