Pier Into Greatness
Whether you’re looking to stroll out over open waters for the ultimate sunset views or in search of the ideal angling location, piers along the Gulf Coast deliver.
The Island Pier
Located at 1450 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach
■ April-October: Open 24 hours
■ November-March: Open 5 a.m.-9 p.m.
■ Daily spectator fee: $2
■ Daily admission including fishing license: Children 5 and under are free, children 6-12 are $5, adults are $8, seniors are $7
■ Pier measures: 1,262 feet long and 35 feet high
■ Water depth at end: Estimated at 10-15 feet
Anglers can expect catches including tarpon, black fin tuna, king mackerel, and cobia, as well as a rare sailfish. Rod rentals, line, tackle, and bait are available at the pier’s tackle shop. A restaurant attached to the pier, Angler’s Beachside Grill, offers a nearby respite with Gulf views. The adjacent Okaloosa Island Boardwalk also features restaurants, souvenir shops, and beach gear retailers.
Pilcher Pier
Located at 21987 Highway 331,
Santa Rosa Beach
■ Year-round: Open 24 hours
■ No fees
■ Pier measures: 380 feet
Drop a line bayside at this Choctawhatchee Bay pier in Walton County. Located underneath Clyde B. Wells Bridge, Thomas Pilcher Park offers a 380-foot fishing pier, four boat ramps, six docks, three fishing platforms, fish cleaning stations, used fishing line dispensary, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and more. Fish species include redfish, trout, flounder, and mangrove snapper, among others. The nearby Bay Baits tackle shop offers equipment, supplies, snacks, and beverages.
Panama City Beach Russell-Fields City Pier
Located at 16201 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach
■ Year-round: Open 24 hours
■ Daily spectator fee: Children 6 and under are free, military, senior, and disabled adults are $3, adults are $4
■ Daily admission plus fishing license: $7
■ Pier measures: 1,500 feet long and 30 feet high
■ Water depth at end: Estimated at 25-28 feet
Fishing opportunities range from cobia, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and grouper to red fish, blue liners, pompano, mullet, and sheepshead. Large sharks, giant sea turtles, manatees, and sting rays have all been spotted at this pier. An attached restaurant, Hook’d Pier Bar & Grill, plans to reopen in 2026 following renovations. Just north of the pier, shopping, dining, and activities abound at Pier Park.
Panama City Beach M.B. Miller County Pier
Located at 12213 Front Beach Road,
Panama City Beach
■ Year-round: Open 24 hours
■ Daily spectator fee: Children 6 and under are free, military, senior, and disabled adults are $3, adults are $4
■ Daily admission plus fishing license: $6
■ Pier measures: 1,500 feet long and 30 feet high
■ Water depth at end: Estimated at 25-28 feet
Rod rentals, bait, and tackle are available on-site. Cobia, pompano, flounder, hardtails, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and other varieties can be caught here. Spectators can enjoy frequent dolphin sightings and Gulf-side sunsets. Nearby are several beach retailers, mini-golf courses, and seafood restaurants.
