25 Best & Fun Things to Do in Brookings (OR)

In search of the best & fun things to do in Brookings, OR.

Brookings is an exciting city in Curry County, Oregon, United States of America. Brookings got its name from John E. Brookings, who founded the beautiful town in 1908.

Brookings rests on the nice Southern Oregon Coast six miles north of the California border on the United States of America Highway 101.

The Chetco River & Port of Brookings Harbor to the south and Harris Beach State Park to the north surrounded Brookings, Oregon.

Brookings, Oregon, is currently the largest city in Curry County, Oregon. Here are the best things to do in Brookings, Oregon, for a memorable experience.

Things to Do in Brookings

1. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
Credits: Stephen Moehle / Shutterstock
Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is a spectacular linear waterfront park that runs 15 miles north from Brookings on Oregon’s Pacific Ocean coast.

Named after Samuel H. Boardman, former Oregon Parks Superintendent, the Park features beautiful sandy beaches and stunning coastline panoramas.

The Oregon Coast Trail runs for over two dozen miles along the corridor. It passes scenic wonders such as natural bridges, arch rock, sand dunes, and panoramic viewpoints.

You can also visit the Park’s natural wonders and use day-use picnic spots from many parking areas that lead to public beaches.

Address: US 101 Brookings, OR 97415, United States

2. Harris Beach State Park

Harris Beach State Park
Credits: Simply Emily Ruth / Shutterstock
Harris Beach State Park

One of the best things to do in Brookings, OR for some fun time is visiting Harris Beach, State Park.

Harris Beach State Park in Oregon is located just north of Brookings. It was named after George Scott Harris, a 19th-century Scottish pioneer.

This beautiful state park is home to a National Wildlife Refuge on Bird Island. It is the largest island in Oregon and serves as a breeding ground for rare birds like the tufted puffin.

The Park’s beautiful shoreline is dotted with beautiful rocky outcroppings, sea stacks and is open year-round to the public.

This includes opportunities for kite flying and swimming as well as wildlife watching.

Day-use picnic areas offer toilets and views of the waterfront, while camping areas have RV hookups for tents and RVs and pet-friendly Yurts.

A visit to Harris Beach is definitely worth adding to a checklist of things to do in Brookings, OR.

Address: US 101 Brookings, OR 97415, United States

3. Goldilocks Antiques

Goldilocks Antiques is a lovely place for people who love stocking up antiques. You can locate the store just by the Highway, making it easy to find and accessible as well.

Goldilocks antique store is home to different varieties of items from decades ago. Browsing through the items with your kids could be captivating and leave you wanting to see more.

The Goldilocks Antiques consists of dolls, picture frames, jewelry, collectibles, books, clocks, lamps, silverware, china plates, and an endless list of things to find there.

Although not a mall, Goldilocks Antiques store has lots of things to feed your eyes with and might give you the nostalgic feeling of fairytale books like Enid Blyton as many visitors of the antique describes the place as a treasure hunt.

4. Mill Beach

Mill Beach
Credits: Jeff Powelll/ Facebook
Mill Beach

Are you planning that good time with your lover or friend, where you sit on the beach and watch the wind caress the waters? Are you in search of a peaceful area to spend time and enjoy watching nature’s beauty? Mills Beach is the answer to your wishes.

Located in the heart of Brookings is Mill Beach. This beach provides dawn to dusk access, allowing visitors to behold its beauty at any time of day. The Mill Beach is a perfect place to enjoy the ocean with your loved one, have a picnic with family, or take a walk on the gorgeous sandy beach while savoring nature’s gift.

Not only does Mill Beach allow you to do these fantastic things, but it also caters to your comfortability. There is a paved parking lot, accessible restrooms, and picnic tables at the beach.

The cove is also an excellent place to fish for several fish species, such as striped seaperch and shallow water rockfish. You will also get to discover a starfish!

Another exciting thing to do in Mill beach is picking seas shells, glass, and rocks.

Visitors can also access Mills Beach via a trail from Center Street of Brookings, Oregon.

Address Macklyn Cove Road Brookings, OR 97415

5. Alfred A. Loeb

Alfred A. Loeb
Credits: Rick Obst/ Flickr
Alfred A. Loeb

The beautiful Alfred A. Loeb State Park in Oregon is located on the banks of the Chetco River.

The Park offers excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation all year. Local residents affectionately call the park “Loeb.”

It is nestled in a beautiful Myrtlewood grove, one of the most northern coastal redwood forests in America.

You can fish, swim, whitewater raft, or enjoy hiking along the banks of the river. There are also opportunities to see wildlife from the self-guided Riverview Nature Trail.

The Park has more than 50 campsites with electric hookups available for overnight stays, as well as three rustic, pet-friendly rental cottages.

Visting the Alfred A. Loeb park is one of the best things to do in Brookings, OR.

Address: N Bank Chetco River Rd, Brookings, OR 97415, United States

6. The Oregon Redwood Trail

The Oregon Redwood Trail
Credits: Rick Obst/ Flickr
The Oregon Redwood Trail

The Oregon Redwood Trail, a loop trail that runs through Brookings’ beautiful mixed-upland forest habitats, offers the chance to see some of the region’s old-growth redwoods.

The trail begins in the city. It is located within one of two state-owned old-growth redwood forests, which offers a more peaceful alternative to the grove habitat.

A wheelchair-accessible ridgetop section of the trail lets visitors of all mobility levels view stunning mid-sized redwood stands on a gorgeous hillside.

The trail sections are all well-maintained and ideal for families with children or beginners.

Address: Brookings (OR 97444), United States

7. Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint

Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint
Credits: Judy Yoder Campbell/ Facebook
Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint

Do you love hiking? Do you get fascinated by the picturesque view of nature’s endowment? Do you need a cool place to go enjoy some fresh air? If yes, the beautiful scenic view of Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint is the perfect place to go on your visit to Brookings, Oregon.

The area is unique for its beautiful sea view from different angles. The Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint is a true beauty to behold. It is also one of the best short hikes in the Park.

Not only is the Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint suitable for hiking, but it also features good trail tracks for a personal walk, a walk with your dog, and of course, a walk with your loved one.

Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint is at the southern end of the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor alongside the Lone Ranch. It would be amazing if you stopped at the incredible hilltop bench to enjoy the picturesque view of the area before heading back across the cape to the parking area.

Address 18550-, 18592 Oregon Coast Highway, Brookings, OR 97415

8. Port of Brookings Harbor

Port of Brookings Harbor
Credits: Rick Obst/ Flickr
Port of Brookings Harbor

Port of Brookings Harbor, Oregon Coast’s most popular recreational port, serves over 95,000 recreational users annually and 5,000 commercial fishers.

It is nestled in a beautiful shallow-draft harbor at the mouth of the Chetco River. This makes it the safest spot along the Southern Oregon coast for recreational and commercial fishing.

The harbor is home to cod, halibut, and salmon, as well as Dungeness crabs and many varieties of shrimp.

The port has a full-service marina, and visitors can take guided fishing charters hosted by local companies.

The port’s harbor district is lined with shops, restaurants, and other businesses, as well as some of the best seafood restaurants in the region.

Address: 16330 Lower Harbor Rd Brookings OR 97415, United States

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9. The Chetco River

The Chetco River
Credits: Rick Obst/ Flickr
The Chetco River

The Chetco River, a beautiful and rugged river that flows 56 miles through southwestern Oregon, runs through the Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest.

The river starts near Chetco Peak in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness and descends more than 3,000 feet to the Pacific Ocean at its mouth.

Large portions of the river that are still undeveloped have been designated Wild and Scenic Rivers.

The river offers a variety of recreational activities, including trout and salmon fishing, boating, and swimming.

Redwood forests nearby offer great opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and camping at places like Alfred A. Loeb State Park.

10. Chetco Beer Company

Chetco Beer Company
Credits: NaturalBox / Shutterstock
Chetco Beer Company

Chetco Brewing Co. is a charming local microbrewery located in Brookings. It is owned and operated run by Michael Frederick, the brewmaster.

This charming brewery is known for its all-vegan beers, which are clarified with Irish Moss and made without any additives, extracts, or ingredients that could be exposed to pesticides or chemicals.

There are 16 taps that feature rotating flagship, seasonal and special brews. These include favorites such as Save For Ted Robust Porter and Eldorado IPA and Kodiak Pilsner.

You can also enjoy kombuchas and housemade root beers, as well as local Oregon wines by the glass and taps with guest alcoholic ciders.

Food trucks showcase the best of the region’s artisanal cuisine and are parked at events such as trivia nights, live music performances, and Hoppy Hour.

A visit to this brewery is definitely worthwhile and should be added to your list of things to do in Brookings, OR.

Address: 830 Railroad St. Brookings, OR 97415, United States

11. Chetco river

Chetco River
Credits: Norm Lane / Shutterstock
Chetco River

Chetco River is a great place to have that family moment you have always wanted. It is known to have the “Chetco Effect” on anyone who visits there. The Chetco effect means you’ll never want to leave. What a great place!

The Chetco River is also a fantastic location for kayaking with friends and fishing.

When you visit the Chetco river, be sure to do some, if not all, of these things; fishing for Salmon and steelhead, camping, exploring, picnicking, hiking, and swimming along with the crystal clear Chetco River and into the Kalmiopsis Wilderness.

Chetco River is a 55-mile stream that stretches east to west. Its headwaters in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness, deep off the beaten path in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, to the Pacific Ocean near Brookings.

The scenic Chetco River is clear and clean as it is maintained and kept from pollution and water issues. There are also colorful rocks around the river, trails to hike, and plenty of campgrounds for camping.

It would be great if you remembered to take your camera with you for some beautiful photo images. Explore the Chetco River with your friends and family as it is worth your visit.

Address: Chetco Ranger District, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

12. Chetco Community Library

Chetco Community Library
Credits: Syrota Vadym / Shutterstock

Since its founding in 1924, Chetco Community Public Library has served the Brookings-Harbor area for almost a century.

The lovely public library has a collection that includes more than 77,000 books. It contains everything you need, including children’s and teen books, adult fiction, nonfiction, reference titles, and other materials.

Multimedia collections can include audiobooks, digital titles, and movies.

Visitors can use the library’s free wireless internet service for their own laptops or wireless devices.

The library also has 11 computers available for public use in the computer lab. The library has a display and meeting area that local artists can use.

Chetco Community Library is also available for rent for special events. On the Second Saturday Art Walk, the library’s meeting space gallery is a popular stop.

Bookworms should not forget to add this attraction to their list of things to do in Brookings, OR.

Address: 405 Alder St. Brookings, OR 97415, United States

13. Chetco Point Park

Chetco Point Park
Credits: Vlue / Shutterstock
Chetco Point Park

Chetco Point Park has the best views in town. This Park is considered one of the best Park for its views and lush vegetation.

Beautiful beaches and lush green trails are some of the many attractions found in this Park.

The Park is also a great place to hike. The Park also offers stunning views of St. George Reef lighthouse, Port of Brookings Harbor, and Macklyn Cove.

You can spot many fishing boats and whales while you are in the Park. There are also horseshoe fittings and picnic tables available at the Park.

The beach at Chetco is also accessible. This place is great for bird watching and collecting shells.

Chetco Point Park, like all other parks in the area, is surrounded by a wide variety of flora & fauna. It is a great place to spend some quiet time.

Chetco Point Park is another interesting attraction worth adding to your list of fun things to do in Brookings.

Address: Brookings, OR 97415, United States

14. Elmo Williams Monument

The Elmo Williams Monument rests at the Azalea Park. The Elmo Williams Monument is a memorial built in the loving memory of James Elmo Williams, an award-winning American film and television editor, and producer.

James Elmo Williams is from Oklahoma and was born on April 30, 1913. He lived in Brookings, Oregon, with his wife, Lorraine.

The kind-hearted Elmo died on November 25, 2015, while his wife had passed earlier on in 2004. Elmo Williams Monument died at 102 years. He was well known, and still, people come to visit his monument.

A great architect named Nancy Tuttle built and designed the serene and beautiful monument of Elmo Williams. Visit the Elmo Williams Monument to discover and learn exciting things about the monument and its surroundings. You will find that the memorial has four grey concrete benches, with two on the left facing the other two on the right-hand side.

Address Lundeen Road, Brookings, OR 97415

15. Azalea Park

Azalea Park
Credits: OCVA / Flickr
Azalea Park

Azalea Park is a popular spot for afternoon walks in Brookings. It was named after wild Azalea flowers that are abundant in the Park.

The Azalea flower is a native species of flower and has been on Oregon’s coast for a long time.

The Park offers more than flowers. It is a popular spot for enjoying seasonal activities such as holiday light shows, easy sporting events, and concerts.

Capella by the Sea, a chapel built from wood and stone, is also available in the Park. It is the perfect place to hold wedding ceremonies as it is vibrant, beautiful, and a joy for all who visit it.

A visit to Azalea Park is one of the best fun things to do in Brookings with the entire family.

Address: 640 Old County Rd, Brookings, OR 97415, United States

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16. Whaleshead Beach

Whaleshead Beach
Credits: Anne08 / Shutterstock
Whaleshead Beach

Another wonderful attraction that should be added to your list of places to visit on a hot summer afternoon is Whaleshead Beach.

Whaleshead beach, which looks like ahead of Whales, is surrounded by massive rocks. This beach looks almost like an animal in the ocean.

Another aspect of the place is that it resembles whales. The high water splashes make it look like a whale is breathing out of the water. You can enjoy some water sports like drizzling.

The beach is not only beautiful with its rocks but also has golden sand that attracts many people.

There are beautiful trails, strawberry and huckleberry bushes, and white roses on the beach. You can also take beautiful photos here.

Do add this to your list of things to do in Brookings for some fun time.

17. Salmon Run Golf Course

Salmon Run Golf Course
Credits: Bohbeh / Shutterstock
Salmon Run Golf Course

The Salmon Run Golf Course is an extraordinary golf retreat made for all golfing levels. It is a beautiful 18 Hole Municipal golf course owned by the City of Brookings with a challenging variety of hole layouts. In Salmon Run Golf Course, there is a hole for everyone to try.

Salmon Run provides a course for every skill level in a fun and memorable golf setting. The Salmon Run golf course opened its doors to the public in 1999.

The golf course features an exciting vista of the surrounding countryside. It also has lots of water and many creeks in the area. You might be lucky to spot a salmon spawning while golfing.

You would also find one of the best Brooking restaurants, a full-service pro-shop, and excellent golf tutors ready to make your golfing experience memorable.

If you are in for a golf challenge, the Salmon spawn hole is just the right hole to put you in the mood. Impressively, the Salmon Golf Course is free and open to the public.

Address: 99040 S Bank Chetco River Rd, Brookings, OR 97415-8239

18. Indian sands

Indian sands
Credits: Lincoln Castricone/ Facebook
Indian sands

Indian sands can be found in Brookings, where you will find beautiful, golden sand dunes.

The beaches are the main attraction, but the Indian sand dunes are just as attractive and popular with visitors.

The dunes from above the cliffs that face the Pacific. When you climb to the top, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area.

Sandstone and small rocks are the main ingredients of the sandstone. It is a very smooth place to visit, and you’ll see why once you have touched the sand.

Address: 20304-20390 Oregon Coast Hwy, Brookings, OR 97415, United States

19. Fujita Sword Display

The Fujita Sword is an Oregon tourist attraction that is unique. Brookings, Oregon is thought to be the only US Continental area that was bombed in World War II.

Nobuo Fujita four, a Japanese pilot, attempted to drop four bombs on the town in 1942.

He wanted to burn the entire area of forest so there would be no more vegetation.

The plan was thwarted by the dampness in the area. Twenty years after the end of world war II, Nobuo Fujita was invited by Brookings to visit. During this visit, he donated his samurai blade.

The sword, which was 400 years old, was used as a symbol of peace between the nations. The legendary sword of Fujita is on display at the Fujita sword exhibition.

If you are interested in the history of World War II, add a visit to this attraction to your list of things to do in Brookings, OR.

20. Manley Art Gallery

What’s a tour without a visit to an art gallery? Whether you are a student, professional artist, a family of hobbyists, or a lover of art, the Manley Art Center offers you a great place to become immersed in the local art scene.

The Manley art gallery is filled with paintings, sculptures, and many beautiful artworks by recognized artists in the community and works by art students.

Manley Art Center is home to the Pelican Bay Arts Association. The Manley art gallery started in 1955 and has since then supported Arts in the coastal community.

Address: 433 Oak St, Brookings, OR 97415-9612

21. Salmon Run Golf Course

Salmon Run Golf Course
Credits: OCVA/ Flickr
Salmon Run Golf Course

Oregon’s coast is well-known for its great golfing opportunities. Salmon Run Golf Course is one of these famous spots.

The 18-hole course is situated right next to the Chetco River and is great for golf. There are many opportunities to fish from the area, as it is known for its abundance of fish species.

The views from the course are truly breathtaking. The golf course offers a wonderful fusion of sport and nature, with a well-trained and skilled staff.

Golfers and nature lovers should add visiting this attraction to their list of things to do in Brookings.

Address: 99040 S Bank Chetco River Rd #8239, Brookings, OR 97415, United States

22. McVay Rock State Recreation Site

McVay Rock State Recreation Site
Credits: Jerilynn Mize/ Facebook
McVay Rock State Recreation Site

For some outdoor time, add a visit to the McVay Rock State Recreation Area to your list of things to do in Brookings.

McVay Rock is the perfect spot to enjoy outdoor activities in Brookings. This Park is quiet and is situated on a cliff that drops to an undiscovered beach.

This site is ideal for trekking and enjoying the tides due to its location. Other activities include surfing, clamming, and watching whales.

You will be awestruck by the breathtaking sunsets. The Park does not allow camping.

Address: Oceanview Dr, Brookings, OR 97415, United States

23. Lone Ranch Beach 

Among the best things to do in Brookings is to feel the sand on your bare feet at Lone Ranch Beach. 

You can find Lone Ranch Beach 4 and a half miles north of Brookings. 

This destination is a long and broad crescent-shaped beach sprinkled with sea stacks. 

It is a magnificent spot for a picnic or reading and sitting. 

You will find six picnic tables here; four of them overlook the sea. 

Trails lead from the parking lot to the picnic area, and from here, you can take a few steps to the soft sands. 

Unlike some other beaches in the city, you can access these tide pools, making them great for kids. 

Keep your eyes peeled out for crabs dashing through the high zone rocks, hermit crabs fighting one another in the low tide pools, spiny urchins tucked in the sub-tide zone, and sea stars holding onto rocks of the mid-tide zone. 

While checking out the depth of these pools, don’t forget to walk and desist from moving any rock organism to help preserve the habitats. 

Address: Brookings, Oregon, United States

24. Bud Cross Park

Bud Cross Park
Credits: SkateOregon/ Flickr
Bud Cross Park

Are you looking for a spectacular place to meet people and have fun engaging in lots of activities? Bud Cross Park is the right place for that. People of all ages visit the Bud Cross park, and you will get to interact and have fun in the Park with your family and friends.

In the Park, you can choose to play tennis ball, basketball hoops or baseball.

There are good facilities for available for fun activities alongside a swimming pool for those that enjoy swimming.

The Park also has a skating space for skating enthusiasts. Visit the Bud Cross Skate Park to have a fun and lovely time with your friends and family.

This makes one of the best things to do in Brookings, OR, do add to your bucket list of places to visit in Brookings.

25. Thomas Creek Bridge 

Oregon houses some splendid artificial wonders, including several gorgeous lighthouses, bridges, and buildings. 

This state has the longest continuous truss bridge in America, but it also has many other beautiful bridges that are worth seeing. 

Thomas Creek Bridge, the tallest bridge in Oregon, is on the coast, and you should look. 

At 345 Feet, the Thomas Creek Bridge is an incredible structure. 

Ivan D. Merchant, also the designer of the famous Astoria-Megler bridge, designed the Warren deck truss bridge. 

As you drive across the bridge, you won’t feel as if you are lifted high above the ground below. 

The steel frame tower provides lots of stabilization, and over 5,000 cars cross this bridge every day. 

Address:Brookings, OR 97415, United States

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Plan your Trip to Brookings

Start planning your next fun trip with your family or friends to the warm and fantastic city of Brooking, as it is a friendly city that welcomes its visitors with delicious foods, lovely arts, and picturesque views.

Take a scenic drive into the city to discover interesting museums, parks, art galleries, rivers, restaurants, wineries, historical monuments, mountains, and viewpoints; wonderful delicacies, crafts, and other amazing things to do and places tour in the city.