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Brookings, Oregon: Your Ultimate Guide to Coastal Adventures and Hidden Gems

 

Nestled along Oregon’s rugged southern coastline just six miles from the California border, Brookings is a coastal gem that offers some of the most spectacular scenery and outdoor adventures on the Pacific Northwest coast. This charming town boasts some of the warmest temperatures on the Oregon coastline and serves as the perfect base camp for exploring dramatic sea stacks, pristine beaches, and ancient redwood groves.

Whether you’re seeking outdoor thrills, culinary delights, or simply a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, Brookings delivers an unforgettable experience. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the best things to do in this enchanting southern Oregon destination.

Harris Beach State Park: Crown Jewel of the Coast

No visit to Brookings is complete without exploring Harris Beach State Park, which offers a splendid seascape for sightseers, several trails, and miles of sandy beaches and rocky outcroppings to explore. This stunning park features Jurassic-age rock formations, tide pools teeming with marine life, rock arches, and panoramic ocean views.

The park’s most striking feature is Bird Island (also called Goat Island), a National Wildlife Sanctuary and breeding site for such rare birds as the tufted puffin. During low tide, the rocky areas become perfect for tide pooling, where you can discover colorful sea anemones, starfish, and other marine creatures.

Harris Beach is also known to be a prime Gray Whale watching playground from January through May each year, making it an ideal spot for wildlife enthusiasts. Pack your binoculars and patience for the chance to witness these majestic mammals on their annual migration.

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor: A Natural Wonderland

This inspiring area combines sandy beaches, commanding rock stacks, and dense Sitka Spruce forests in a natural wonderland stretching along the coastline for 27 miles. The corridor starts just four miles north of Brookings and offers some of the most dramatic coastal views in the Pacific Northwest.

Key stops along the corridor include:

  • Natural Bridges Viewpoint: A 0.3-mile walk to a stunning overlook, where you can see the distinctive chunky sea arches
  • Secret Beach: Despite its name, this has become one of the more popular spots in the corridor
  • Indian Sands Trail: A moderate 1.1-mile loop trail that provides unique offerings for the Oregon Coast, featuring an unusual mix of sand dunes and craggy rock formations
  • Arch Rock State Park: Features a short loop connecting multiple viewpoints overlooking pristine coves

Explore Brookings Harbor and Downtown

The charming harbor area offers a delightful contrast to the wild coastline. Brookings Harbor is on the mouth of the Chetco River and features a boardwalk near the marina where you can admire the boats. The harbor serves as a hub for both commercial and recreational fishing, and you’ll often spot charter boats heading out for deep-sea fishing adventures.

Downtown Brookings maintains a welcoming small-town feel while still offering visitors a wide array of recreational opportunities. The area features local shops, art galleries, and the Manley Art Center, where you can admire works by local artists.

Azalea Park: Botanical Beauty

Azalea Park is probably the most colorful among the many things to do in Brookings, Oregon. This beautiful 40-acre park is the “Crown Jewel” of Brookings, with its beautiful flower gardens and outdoor amphitheater. The park features a disc golf course, ball fields, band shell, gazebo, horseshoe pits, playground, lawn areas, and picnic tables.

The park is particularly spectacular during spring blooming season when the ancient native azaleas and rhododendrons burst into color. During winter months, the park transforms into a wonderland of lights during the Nature’s Coastal Holiday festival.

Discover Ancient Redwoods at Alfred A. Loeb State Park

Located eight miles inland from Brookings, Alfred A. Loeb State Park offers overnight campsites and rental cabins set amongst dense Myrtlewood forest along the Chetco River. This hidden gem features the northernmost redwood grove in the U.S. and offers excellent opportunities for fishing, swimming, rafting, and nature walks.

Myrtlewood trees are a rare species that only grow in this narrow band of land south of the Umpqua River to the Oregon/California border, making this park a unique botanical destination.

Culinary Adventures in Brookings

Brookings’ culinary scene celebrates both the bounty of the sea and the region’s agricultural richness. The Oregon Coast has a bounty of amazing, fresh food, and these farmers, fishers, and restaurateurs are all local.

Must-try dining experiences include:

  • The Hungry Clam: Winner of the Best Seafood award for Curry County for the last 5 years and mentioned in Coastal Magazine as one of the 3 best seafood restaurants on the Oregon Coast
  • Fat Irish Kitchen & Pub: Perfect for hearty pub fare and craft cocktails
  • Chetco Brewing Company: Features craft beer, vegan fare, and rotating food trucks
  • Khun Thai: Excellent Thai cuisine in an unassuming setting
  • Black Trumpet Bistro: Italian-inspired dinner fare with an excellent wine list

For fresh local produce, visit the Brookings-Harbor Farmers Market, which is open year-round with the exception of Christmas to New Year’s Day, held every Wednesday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Outdoor Adventures for Every Interest

Whether your interest lies in fishing, hiking, golfing, kayaking, biking, swimming, beachcombing, whale watching or just enjoying a good book or a picnic lunch with a beautiful view, Brookings has something for everyone.

Hiking Enthusiasts: The region offers trails for all skill levels, from easy beach walks to challenging coastal hikes. The Rainbow Rock to Lone Ranch Beach trail is a popular 1.8-mile out-and-back trail with ocean views that takes around 40 minutes to complete.

Water Sports: The Chetco River provides excellent opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and swimming in crystal-clear waters. The harbor offers boat rentals and charter services for deep-sea fishing adventures.

Cycling: Brookings was recently designated as “Bike Friendly,” and bicyclists are encouraged to stop by the City’s Visitors’ Center for route recommendations and maps.

Plan Your Perfect Brookings Getaway

Brookings has the warmest weather and is unlike other regions of the Oregon Coast—it’s often 20 degrees warmer here due to the Oregon banana belt effect. The mild year-round climate makes it an ideal destination for any season, though summer and early fall offer the most reliable sunny weather.

From dramatic coastal scenery and world-class outdoor recreation to charming small-town hospitality and outstanding local cuisine, Brookings offers an authentic Oregon Coast experience without the crowds found in more popular destinations. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend getaway, a family adventure, or a solo retreat to reconnect with nature, this southern Oregon gem promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Ready to explore Brookings? Visit the official Brookings website at https://www.brookings.or.us/ for current visitor information and event calendars. For state park details and camping reservations, check Oregon State Parks and plan your coastal adventure today.