Salt water fishing gets anglers excited. It could be the wide variety of fish to be caught, or maybe the exotic species to be found in our waters. If the saltwater fishing bug has bitten you, Virginia has a wealth of saltwater piers that can get you over the water and dropping a line to bring in the big one.
Check out these 20 Virginia salt water fishing piers, as well as nearby attractions to make the most of your adventure.
Note: Make sure to review information about Virginia fishing licenses for residents and non-residents before you go.
Virginia Beach Fishing Pier
Nearest town: Virginia Beach
Pier Length: 650 feet
Amenities: Bait shop, restaurant, restrooms, rod/reel rental, bike rentals
GPS Pier Location Coordinates: 36.843293, -75.972685
This is the grandaddy of all Virginia fishing piers. Located along the heart of the Virginia Beach boardwalk, even non-anglers pay an entrance fee just to soak in the views of the Atlantic Ocean. Before you come, scope out the area on the Virginia Beach fishing pier cam.
Nearby Attractions:
Old Point Comfort Lighthouse
Photo Credit: Claus Altmaier @clausaltmaier
Little Island Fishing Pier
Nearest Town: Sandbridge
Pier Length: 400 feet
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic shelters nearby, beach access
GPS Pier Location Coordinates: 36.693927, -75.923434
Part of greater Little Island Park just north of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, this pier stretches east directly into the Atlantic Ocean. Bring your own food and drink. Weekly and annual pier access passes available.
Nearby Attractions:
Ocean View Fishing Pier
Nearest Town: Norfolk
Pier Length: 1,690 feet
Amenities: Tackle/bait shop with gear rental, restaurant, restrooms, snack bar
GPS Pier Location Coordinates: 36.960469, -76.260977
One of the longest piers you'll find in Virginia, this structure extends north from land into Chesapeake Bay between the Hampton Roads Tunnel to the west and Chesapeake Bay Bridge to the east. Visitors come for the sunsets and the fishing. The onsite restaurant has been in operation for almost two decades.
Nearby Attractions:
Fort Monroe Fishing Pier
Nearest town: East Hampton
Pier Length: 200 feet
Amenities: Restrooms in vicinity
GPS Pier Location Coordinates: 37.001077, -76.307377
Part of the historic Fort Monroe National Monument, this simple T-shaped pier extends 200 feet into Chesapeake Bay then splits as it faces south. Once you are at Fort Monroe, you'll probably notice many added places to visit nearby.
Nearby Attractions:
Gloucester Point Beach Park
Photo Credit: Consociate Media @consociatemedia
Gloucester Point Fishing Pier
Nearest town: Gloucester Point
Pier Length: 300 feet
Amenities: Restroom nearby
GPS Pier Location Coordinates: 37.246244, -76.503307
Part of greater Gloucester Point Park, this angled, T-shaped pier extends southeast into the lower tidal portion of the York River. The pier has no fee and no fishing license is needed. Often used by locals, anglers report catches of flounder, spot, and croaker.
Nearby Attractions:
James T. Wilson Fishing Pier
Nearest town: Hampton
Pier Length: 709 feet
Amenities: Bait shop, gear rentals, snack bar, restrooms, 2 shelters on pier
GPS Pier Location Coordinates: 37.036981, -76.292325
Extending easterly into Chesapeake Bay, this city-owned pier stretches over 700 feet into the water before spreading 70 feet to make a small T. Night fishing is popular here. Monthly and seasonal pier passes are available. Formerly named Buckroe Pier, the pier is part of greater Buckroe Beach.
Nearby Attractions:
Saxis Fishing Pier
Nearest town: Saxis
Pier Length: 200 feet
Amenities: None
GPS Pier Location Coordinates: 37.920650, -75.729799
Located on the Eastern Shore, this remotely located pier points northwest into Pocomoke Sound. After pushing out 200 feet it forms a T, widening another 100 feet. There is no parking fee, nor is there a fee to use the pier, but a saltwater fishing license required.
Nearby Attractions:
Kiptopeke State Park
Photo Credit: Rachel Stevens
Kiptopeke State Park Fishing Pier
Nearest town: Kiptopeke
Pier Length: 400 feet
Amenities: Restrooms, beach, boat ramp nearby
GPS Pier Location Coordinates: 37.166587, -75.988319
Part of the Eastern Shore’s Kiptopeke State Park, this long and wide concrete pier points south into Chesapeake Bay. Looking out you will see a breakwater made of old ships that calm the fishing waters a bit. The state park offers additional amenities such as cabins and campsites.
Nearby Attractions:
Leesylvania State Park Pier
Nearest town: Southbridge
Pier Length: 300 feet
Amenities: Restrooms nearby
GPS Pier Location Coordinates: 38.591333, -77.247216
This 300-foot, T-shaped pier extends east into the Potomac River not far from D.C. You'll find mostly freshwater species and a fair amount of catfish, perch, and striped bass. The pier is inside Leesylvania State Park, presenting an eye pleasing atmosphere. Adjacent enhancements include a beach, picnic shelters, restrooms, and hiking trails.
Nearby Attractions:
James River Fishing Pier
Nearest town: Newport News
Pier Length: 2,300 feet
Amenities: Restrooms, restaurant, bait shop/tackle rental
GPS Pier Location Coordinates: 37.013434, -76.456252
This ultra-long pier was originally part of the old highway bridge over the James River. It's a very popular site, but with a length of .4 mile there’s plenty of room for everybody. The pier runs parallel to the current US 17 bridge over the James.
Nearby Attractions:
Cape Charles
Cape Charles Fishing Pier
Nearest town: Cape Charles
Pier Length: 300 feet
Amenities: Restrooms nearby
GPS Pier Location Coordinates: 37.267081, -76.023505
This pier has a couple of literal twists. It starts west, then turns southwest, then west again before ending in Cape Charles Harbor. Interestingly, it has high and low fishing areas. Also, an adjacent jetty provides additional angling opportunities.
Nearby Attractions:
Morley’s Wharf Fishing Pier
Nearest town: Exmore
Pier Length: 150 feet
Amenities: Restrooms nearby
GPS Pier Location Coordinates: 37.549732, -75.876569
Free access to this off-the-beaten-path pier makes fishing here a great value. The wooden pier, located on the Eastern Shore, extends north into Occohannock Creek near where it meets Chesapeake Bay, then extends left, giving it an L shape. Located adjacent to a boat ramp in tidal waters.
Nearby Attractions:
Great Wicomico Fishing Pier
Nearest town: Wicomico Church
Pier Length: 100 feet
Amenities: Restrooms
GPS Pier Location Coordinates: 37.845660, -76.368602
This off the beaten path L-shaped pier is located in Northumberland County on the Northern Neck. It stretches north over the Great Wicomico River, a tidal tributary of Chesapeake Bay. The pier runs parallel to the current Virginia 200 bridge over the Great Wicomico River then makes a left turn at its end to form the “L”. It's a great spot for anglers who want more solitude along with their fishing, and also includes a kayak launch.
Nearby Attractions:
Croaker’s Landing Pier
Nearest town: Williamsburg
Pier Length: 300 feet
Amenities: Restrooms, boat ramp
GPS Pier Location Coordinates: 37.427132, -76.727014
Located at Yorktown State Park on the tidal York River, this 300-foot pier extends north into the York River then splits into a short “T”. There is a park entrance fee, but you'll find plenty of additional park amenities including 40 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails and a slender beach.
Nearby Attractions:
Colonial Beach Landing Pier
Nearest town: Colonial Beach
Pier Length: 400 feet
Amenities: Restrooms, gazebo
GPS Pier Location Coordinates: 38.250750, -76.961167
Come visit the quaint town along the Potomac downstream of Washington, D.C. and upstream of Chesapeake Bay on the Northern Neck. The pier leaves east from “downtown” Colonial Beach into the tidal river then ends in a “T,” making a larger fishing area. Once you are parked, you can eat and walk the riverside beach directly from the pier.
Nearby Attractions:
Monitor-Merrimac Overlook Park Pier
Nearest town: Newport News
Pier Length: 200 feet
Amenities: Restrooms, shelter nearby
GPS Pier Location Coordinates: 36.982780, -76.396084
This pier is located on lowermost tidal James River just before it flows into Chesapeake Bay. There is a no fee to access the pier. A Newport News park, the pier juts southeast into the James, emanating from an unusual arrow-shaped land jetty bordered with rocks. The end of the pier widens out in a “T,” improving the fishing. Smaller tidal Salters Creek flows into the James River on the west side of the park and pier. Anglers also will be found angling from the rocks bordering the park. Anderson Park is located on the far side of Salters Creek.
Nearby Attractions:
Chincoteague Pony Swim
Chincoteague Veterans Memorial Park Pier
Nearest town: Chincoteague
Pier Length: 300 feet
Amenities: Restroom, boat ramp, gazebo
GPS Pier Location Coordinates: 37.916423, -75.380944
This unusual pier is situated on the south side of Chincoteague Island at a small city park. Instead of jutting out from the shore, this pier extends a little bit south of the land then runs parallel to the shoreline then rejoins the land. Here, you can fish Assateague Channel.
Nearby Attractions:
Bennetts Creek Pier
Nearest town: Suffolk
Pier Length: 120 feet
Amenities: Restroom, shelter, boat ramp, nature trail
GPS Pier Location Coordinates: 36.850822, -76.483979
This pier is situated on smallish tidal Bennetts Creek near the confluence of Deanes Creek and Bennetts Creek. Part of greater Bennetts Creek Park, this wooden pier leaves west from the land and goes a short distance before turning left and extending 100 feet parallel to the flow of Bennett Creek.
Nearby Attractions:
Portsmouth City Park Pier
Nearest town: Portsmouth
Pier Length: 200 feet
Amenities: Restroom, shelters, boat ramp, walking path
GPS Pier Location Coordinates: 36.830910, -76.367446
Located at Portsmouth premier waterfront park, this T-shaped pier extends east into wide, tidal Baines Creek, before it flows into Western Branch Elizabeth River. The setting is pretty, but be prepared for a little bit of a walk from the parking lot to the pier. Be sure to enjoy the rest of this park while you are here.
Nearby Attractions:
West Point Pier
Nearest town: West Point
Pier Length: 100 feet
Amenities: Restroom, boat ramp
GPS Pier Location Coordinates: 37.541099, -76.789522
Set on the Mattaponi River just before it merges with Pamunkey Creek to form the York River, this pier is located on Glass Island, and is also known as the Glass Island Pier. At its end, a wide, 50-foot “T” adds more fishing space. In addition to the pier, you will find a small park and boat ramp,. This pier offers a quieter, more peaceful setting for those so inclined.
Nearby Attractions:
