Cherry Grove Pier

About Cherry Grove Pier

Cherry Grove Pier is one of the few spots on the northern South Carolina coast where the sandbar, pier structure, and swell exposure occasionally line up to produce legitimate surf. Most days it’s small, soft, and forgiving — classic East Coast wind swell. But when a solid nor’easter or tropical system sends energy down the coast, the pier can turn into a real focal point. The pier itself creates defined peaks and a bit of shape as waves wrap and refract along the pilings. On the right swell angle, you’ll see clean lefts and rights breaking just off the structure, sometimes offering short, punchy rides that feel more “designed” than the surrounding beach breaks. It’s not a barrel factory, but on the right day you can get fast sections and surprisingly hollow moments by Carolina standards. Crowds are manageable compared to more famous pier breaks farther south, though good days draw a mix of locals, fishermen watching from above, and curious beachgoers. Etiquette matters here — limited takeoff zones mean positioning and patience count more than paddle strength. Bottom line: Cherry Grove Pier isn’t a destination surf spot. It’s a conditional reward. When swell, tide, and wind cooperate, it becomes one of the cleaner, more reliable setups in the Myrtle Beach area — a place where South Carolina surfing briefly shows its teeth before settling back into its usual mellow rhythm.