Myrtle Beach Area Piers Offer More than Just Fishing

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The best places to go fishing on the Grand Strand without a boat are one of the nine piers located along the 60-mile stretch of coastline that surrounds Myrtle Beach. They also happen to be some of the best places to go for dining, entertainment and nightlife.

Hosting everything from restaurants and bars, gift stores and tackle shops, live concerts and fireworks shows, fishing piers are the places to be even if you never bait a hook. Whether you hope to catch the big one, or you just want to catch the cool sea breeze at an oceanfront bar, here are the best piers for angling and hanging out over open waters:

Apache Pier: Located behind Apache Campground off Lake Arrowhead Road, this pier is as popular for its entertainment as it is for fishing. A pavilion with an outdoor bar and stage serve as the centerpiece of the pier and live music plays almost every night during the summer months.

Cherry Grove Beach Pier: Located between North Myrtle Beach and the fishing village of Little River, this pier is famous for its record catches, including the world record for the largest Tiger Shark (1,780 pounds) caught on rod and reel. Cherry Grove Pier also is home to a restaurant and bar, a gift and bait shop, and a tall observation deck.

Garden City Beach Pier: In addition to boasting good fishing, this popular facility is also home to great dining (The Pieradise Cafe), live music and an arcade. Take in some spectacular views of sunset while enjoying fresh seafood and drinks. The small-town feel makes this a great place for the whole family to spend a day.

Myrtle Beach State Park Pier: Located on the south end of town, South Carolina's oldest state park is also home to its most unique fishing piers. Park rangers hold free educational programs on saltwater fishing, crabbing, seining and more. Visitors must pay park admission of $4 per person.

Pier 14: Located at 14th Avenue North in Myrtle Beach, Pier 14 marks the northernmost point on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, making it the perfect place to start or finish your stroll along the oceanfront. Pier 14 serves great seafood and drinks overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Second Avenue Pier: Located in the downtown district along the Boardwalk, this pier offers excellent fishing, as well as food and drinks. The Pier View Restaurant serves excellent seafood for lunch and dinner, and the Rooftop Bar is a great place to relax while listening to the waves crash beneath your feet. It's also the best seat in the house during the free fireworks show over the ocean.

Springmaid Pier: Located on the south end of Myrtle Beach, Springmaid Pier is the longest on the East Coast at more than 1,000 feet. Home to several fishing tournaments throughout the year, this pier holds state records for Spanish mackerel and other local species.

Surfside Pier: Originally opened in 1953, Surfside Pier has stood the test of time and the many storms that have caused it to be rebuilt three times. Half-day boat trips are offered, and Licks snack bar serves hot dogs, milkshakes and other treats.

Veterans Pier: Located in the fishing village of Murrells Inlet, this pier is free to walk. But if you like to fish, spend a few extra bucks on a license, gear and bait and odds are you will come home with dinner. If you strike out, visit the nearby Murrells Inlet Marshwalk for a seafood feast and good times.

 

(Posted: 7/9/15)