Springmaid Pier in Myrtle Beach — Live Ocean Webcam

History of Springmaid Pier

Springmaid Pier is one of the most famous ocean piers on the South Carolina coast. The first wooden structure at this location appeared back in the 1950s, becoming the first pier in the Myrtle Beach area. But real fame came in 1973, when a new structure measuring 1,068 feet (325 meters) was built at the northern end of the resort. This made it the longest pier in Myrtle Beach. The width was 36 feet (11 meters), and at the end there was a T-shaped extension 110 feet (33 meters) long, where anglers and tourists could comfortably settle.

A NOAA weather station operated on the pier, transmitting weather and sea condition data. The structure became not just a place for walks, but a true landmark of the Grand Strand — the name given to the 60-mile stretch of coastline in Horry County.

Hurricane Matthew and the Pier's Revival

Disaster struck on October 8, 2016, when Hurricane Matthew passed through the Myrtle Beach area. Massive waves and storm surge destroyed most of the pier — of the original 1,068 feet, only about 100 feet (30 meters) remained. The NOAA weather station was also completely destroyed. Hurricane Florence in 2018 caused additional damage, worsening the situation.

Restoration took nearly four years. Construction of the new pier proceeded with interruptions — both bureaucratic procedures and weather conditions took their toll. On July 3, 2020, just in time for US Independence Day, the pier was ceremoniously reopened, although full completion of all work didn't occur until October 2022.

The new structure is even more impressive — its length is 1,680 feet (512 meters). This makes Springmaid Pier one of the longest public piers in the United States, ranking 13th in the national standings.

Fishing and Marine Life

Springmaid Pier has long been renowned among anglers. Here you can catch mackerel, bass, herring, and other fish species inhabiting Atlantic waters. But the main intrigue is sharks. The waters beneath the pier attract these predators due to the abundance of bait used by anglers. Sharks in Myrtle Beach are not uncommon, and Springmaid Pier is considered one of the places where they can be seen most frequently.

Record catches on Grand Strand piers are impressive. The world record for catching a tiger shark weighing 1,780 pounds (807 kg) was set in 1964 at Cherry Grove Pier by angler Walter Maxwell. A tarpon weighing 98 pounds (44 kg) was also caught on that same pier. Springmaid Pier is no less popular — people come here both for the trophy catch and for the very atmosphere of ocean fishing.

Views and Sunsets from the Pier

From Springmaid Pier, a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean coastline opens up. You can see the wide sandy stretch of Myrtle Beach, waves with white foam rolling onto the shore, and the endless expanse of water to the horizon. This is one of the best spots in South Carolina for watching sunsets — the sun sets directly into the ocean, painting the sky in orange and pink hues.

On clear days, the outlines of other Grand Strand piers are visible from the pier, and in the distance — the resort buildings of Myrtle Beach. Sand dunes with sea grass, located on both sides of the pier, create the feeling of a secluded corner of wild nature amid a bustling resort.

What You Can See on the Camera

The online camera broadcasts a panoramic view of the sandy beach and ocean. In the foreground is a wide sandy stretch with vacationers and people strolling by the water. Waves with white foam roll onto the shore in real time. In the left part of the frame, a long pier extending into the sea is visible. To the left are sand dunes with sea grass and sandy paths. The sky can be either clear or cloudy, and the sea changes shades from grayish-green to deep blue depending on the weather. The live webcam allows you to observe life along the Myrtle Beach coast at any time of day.