Carolina Beach Pier is a laid-back surf spot located in the rural community of Carolina Beach. The area feels more like an old-school fishing village than a resort town, with narrow roads lined with motels, beach shops, and condos. To reach the pier, follow 421 south off of 17, and after crossing the bridge, you'll spot a harbor and a BP station to your left. Keep going left to hit the beach road, then take another left and head north. A right on Sandfiddler Road will drop you off on the south side of the pier.
The surf here can be pretty varied, handling swells from 0.9 meters to 2.1 meters (3 feet to 7 feet). The waves typically break over sand, which changes depending on the current conditions, but you can expect both left and right breaks. When the swell is from the east-northeast, east, southeast, or south, the waves can be decent, especially during hurricane swells. The best time to surf is at mid-tide, with a preferred wind direction coming from the west-southwest to west-northwest. Regardless of your skill level, from beginners to experts, there are waves to ride here, though it can get crowded during good swells.
Access to the beach can be tricky because parking spots are limited, but if you have a four-wheel drive, you can drive a bit north on the beach for a little more space. Keep in mind that the crowd factor usually isn’t too bad, but it's always good to have a chill vibe. Between the pier and Sunskipper, it can get busy, so you might want to check further down the beach for some quieter rides. Autumn is usually the best season for surf, with tropical storms kicking in during late summer and fall.
