Aside from the picnicking, hiking and beachcombing opportunities it offers, Harris Beach State Park is a prime spot for tide pools and birdwatching. Gander at Bird Island – the largest island off the Oregon Coast and a wildlife sanctuary that is home to a bevy of rare birds including the iconic tufted puffin. A three-mile stretch of intertidal habitat is designated as one of Oregon's seven Marine Garden protected areas. You'll often find seals and sea lions sunning themselves atop nearby sea stacks and you may even spot the offshore blows of gray whales ambling past on seasonal migrations.

This is a great spot for families and pets to roam free. Down on the sand, explore cave-like enclaves and secluded beaches and feast your eyes on a veritable wealth of starfish, snails and maybe even an octopus or two. Get a bird's eye view to see the lay of the land from on high, taking in the dramatic monolithic rock formations that add to the excitement of this rocky coastal park.

The park features a large campground with full hook-ups, water and electric sites, over 60 tent spaces, six yurts and a hiker/biker camp. Harris Beach State Park is located off U.S. Highway 101, on the northern edge of Brookings.