This is one of the best Oregon beaches (in my not so humble opinion) and definitely deserves to be on the top 10 list of most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest. There’s tons of things to do in Brookings Oregon and it features some breathtaking scenery. It’s also a great beach to take your favorite fur ball.
Table of Contents
- Where is Brookings Oregon?
- Where to stay in Brookings?
- Things to do in Brookings Oregon
- TL;DR list [Short Version]
- Interactive/Shareable Map of Things to Do
Where is Brookings Oregon?
Brookings is a tiny town on the coast in southern Oregon. It’s located in Curry County just north of the California border. The population is something like 6,744 people so you don’t get the same overcrowded feeling you can get in places like Cannon Beach. While I love Cannon beach, so does everyone in Portland, so parking and such can be a real hassle. This was a much quieter, serene beach.
Where to stay in Brookings?
There are a few great Airbnbs in the Brookings area. Many have Beach access or are Beachfront properties with a private beach. We stayed in this Airbnb, which was a bit of a mixed bag, so be sure to read the reviews before you book anything. For example, the Airbnb had some stunning views (like the picture at the top shows) but the house and the path to the beach itself was a little neglected. The house could’ve used some renovations and the path was pretty overgrown with brush.
Pet friendly Airbnb options:
| Name | Beds | Bath | Review | Price |
| Where the Ocean comes to rest… | 1 | 1 | 4.98 | $200 |
| Coastal Studio | 1 | 1 | 4.66 | $148 |
| Sea Breeze Artist Bungalow | 3 | 2 | 4.98 | $202 |
Things to do in Brookings Oregon
One thing that’s great about Brookings is you can go hard into exploring and hiking the area or just kick back and relax. The beach views are truly stunning. Definitely, a great place to grab some beers and watch the sunset with friends and doggos. If you want to be more active, I’ve got some ideas for you too.
1. Sunset beach fire & S’mores
One of the best things about this beach is there’s no one around to get too bothered by a cozy campfire. For me, there’s nothing better than watching the waves and hearing the sounds of the ocean with a fire. On this day we also brought some beer and s’mores 🙂
2. Explore the Beach
I know this one sounds like a bit of a copout, but there are so many neat things about the Brookings beach worth exploring, so definitely walk it at some point. When the tide went out, these starfish were everywhere, and you can also find large caves in the rock formations.
On top of that, you can also find a ton of marine life that isn’t typically present on more crowded beaches. Check out Harris Beach State Park or Lone Ranch Beach if you don’t know where to start.
3. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Where is Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park?
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is over the border, in California, but it’s not very far. Google Maps puts it at a 25-minute drive, 21.9 miles, from Brookings, Oregon. Here, you can see the giant Redwood trees that are ancient artifacts of the region. There are a few places to hike in the State Park.
You can also bring your dog, which is a huge plus.
What’s more, is the park is filled with creeks and the Smith river for you to swim in and play with Fido. I’m a bit hesitant to swim in the brisk pacific so I much preferred to swim here where the water’s significantly warmer. The water is also very unique—it’s quite clear and blue.
4. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is home to a few rock formations that make natural bridges. They look very dreamy and other-worldly when the fog and mist surround them. It’s like something out of a fantasy story or an epic mythic realm. The highlights in the area include:
| Point of Interest in the Scenic Corridor | What you’ll find there | Length |
| Secret Beach | The Secret Beach trial is a hidden gem, a secluded coastal paradise tucked away with pristine sandy shores and stunning ocean views. The trailhead is in the same place as the natural bridges parking area. | 1.6 mi |
| Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint | This viewpoint has breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and photo-worthy Oregon sunsets. The Cape is also an excellent spot for whale watching in fall and spring (starting in late March). | 1 Mile |
| House Rock Viewpoint | This small trail connects Cape Ferrelo and House Rock and offers many side trails to secluded beaches. | 0.9 Mile |
| Whaleshead Beach | This oceanfront picnic area has gorgeous views and an easy, flat path to the beach. There’s also the Whaleshead Beach trail if you are looking for a coastal hike (loop trail). | 2.9 Miles |
| Natural Bridge | Follow a short trail to one of the best viewpoints in the park—the seven iconic arch rocks and blowholes known as Natural Bridges. | 0.7 Mile |
| Arch Rock | From the paved parking lot, a short path leads to an overlook featuring a series of offshore sea stacks and islands, and sea lions—Arch Rock viewpoint trail. | 0.3 Mile |
5. Hike Lone Ranch Beach Trail
The Lone Ranch Beach Trail in Brookings, Oregon is a moderate 1-mile there-and-back trail. You’ll see stunning views of the ocean and coast along the way and at the ending point–Cape Farrelo Viewpoint.
This hike begins at the main parking lot and heads northwest and then eventually north. The trail heads uphill towards the Cape Farrelo Viewpoint (and parking lot), where this trail ends and turns around.
Hikers can continue north along this trail for about 2 more miles (3.46 mi total if you do this). This way leads to Rock House Viewpoint but is not visible on the map provided above. However, I did add it here below if you need it.
Dogs are allowed on this trail if leashed but note there are signs that say waste must be carried out by the hiker.
6. Indian Sands Trail
Discover this 1.10 mile, loop trail near Brookings, Oregon. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 38 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking and other nature trips, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of the day. The best times to visit this trail are April through October.
Side Note: The Indian Sands Trail hike and Thomas Creek Whaleshead Beach Trail cover some of the same ground. So, you could do both at the same time. The Thomas Creek Whaleshead Beach Trail is longer (2.9miles) while the Indian Sands is a bit shorter (1.10 miles).
Cell service was bad for me out here so I’d download a map before you get there.
7. Thomas Creek Bridge
Visitors of the Thomas Creek Bridge can expect this colossal structure that stands 345 feet tall and connects the road together over an enormous ravine that leads into the Pacific ocean. It’s something of a marvel that they were able to have this constructed and it seems to blend into the landscape like it’s in harmony with the surrounding environment.
Cliff Notes: Things to do in Brookings Oregon
- Check out the beaches like:
- Go see the Redwoods!
- Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor – rock formations & natural bridges
- Viewpoints
- Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint (Great place for whale watching)
- House Rock Viewpoint
- Thomas Creek Bridge
- Hikes
Map of Brookings Activities
The Last Word
We didn’t cover everything in Brookings for sure. For example, you could also catch a concert at Azalea Park or go to Chetco Point Park. But, this should be enough to keep you busy (or relaxing) for a couple of days in Brookings. If you need any ideas for other Oregon coastal activities we have a few of those too.
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