Whaleshead Beach Tours

Brookings showing mist or fog and general coastal views
Whaleshead Beach which includes mist or fog and general coastal views
Brookings showing mist or fog and forests
Whaleshead Beach featuring general coastal views and mist or fog
Whaleshead Beach which includes mist or fog, general coastal views and rugged coastline


An iconic sea stack, hiking trails and local wildlife make this less-visited beach a shiny gem along the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor.

It’s easy to see how Whaleshead Beach got its name. As you look out from the wide, sandy beach, notice the pyramidal sea stack. When the rock is hit with just the right wave, water sprays into the air, resembling a whale spout. While this sight alone is worth a visit, spend at least a couple of hours exploring this lengthy beach in southern Oregon. Check out the tidepools, the shallow creeks that cut across the sand, a windowed cave that perfectly frames a coastal view and a portion of the Oregon Coast Trail.

As you approach the beach along the coastal highway, stop to take a photo at the Whaleshead Trail Viewpoint parking area. Then, to access the beach, either drive to the shoreline or park and descend on foot on the steep trail through the forest down to the water. Be sure to hike Whaleshead Beach at low tide. When the tide is at its highest, waters can reach all the way to the bluff.

The beach and its surrounding area offer several hiking trails and opportunities to glimpse seabirds, seals, tidepool marine life, bald eagles, the coastal bobcat and, if you’re lucky, the giant Pacific salamander.

Hike the Oregon Coast Trail, which crosses the beach to the south to House Rock or to the north to Indian Sands. Look for wildflowers and forage for berries as you hike. During the winter and spring, keep watch for migrating gray whales as you wander.

After enjoying the scenic views, follow the scenic corridor north to the very tall Thomas Creek Bridge and Arch Rock, with scenic views. Continue on the highway to another stellar point along the Oregon coast, Gold Beach. Here you can beachcomb for hours, go biking along the coast or try crabbing or clamming.

Find Whaleshead Beach about 8 miles (13 kilometers) north of Brookings. The site is open daily year-round. No parking pass is required. Find accommodations at nearby RV parks, a resort, campsites or cabins.

Plan a trip to see Whaleshead Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
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Best Lodging Options Near Whaleshead Beach

Private cabin close to trails with hot tub, grill, and dazzling ocean views

Private cabin close to trails with hot tub, grill, and dazzling ocean views

Brookings
Private cabin close to trails with hot tub, grill, and dazzling ocean views
Dog-friendly cabin near the beach with expansive furnished deck & lovely views

Dog-friendly cabin near the beach with expansive furnished deck & lovely views

Brookings
Dog-friendly cabin near the beach with expansive furnished deck & lovely views
Blue Coast Inn and Suites

Blue Coast Inn and Suites

2 out of 5
1216 Chetco Ave, Brookings, OR
Blue Coast Inn and Suites
Peacefull hilltop cottage with huge ocean views!

Peacefull hilltop cottage with huge ocean views!

Brookings
Peacefull hilltop cottage with huge ocean views!
AmeriCoast Inn

AmeriCoast Inn

2.5 out of 5
1215 Chetco Avenue, Brookings, OR
AmeriCoast Inn
Brookings Inn Resort

Brookings Inn Resort

2 out of 5
1143 Chetco Avenue, Brookings, OR
Brookings Inn Resort
Beachfront Inn

Beachfront Inn

2.5 out of 5
16008 Boat Basin Road, Brookings, OR
Beachfront Inn
Pacific Sunset Inn

Pacific Sunset Inn

2 out of 5
1144 Chetco Ave., Brookings, OR
Pacific Sunset Inn
Westward Inn

Westward Inn

2 out of 5
1026 Chetco Avenue, Brookings, OR
Westward Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Whaleshead Beach

Whaleshead Beach in Brookings, Oregon, offers a variety of exciting activities for tourists. Visitors can indulge in thrilling water sports, explore scenic hiking trails, and take in the stunning beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The beach is perfect for adventure seekers looking to experience the natural wonders of the area, including breathtaking coastal views and opportunities for whale watching. Whaleshead Beach promises an unforgettable getaway filled with adventure and exploration.

Food and drinks

Savor classic American dishes at the American Restaurant in Brookings, or enjoy a delightful meal at Stephanie's Restaurant, known for its cozy atmosphere and fresh ingredients. For a taste of the coast, venture to Coos Bay for its unique seafood offerings and local flavors.

Shopping

In Whaleshead Beach, visit local shops for unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, Gold Beach Books, located 19 miles away, offers a charming selection of books and gifts that make perfect keepsakes from your trip.

Recreation

Salmon Run Golf Course offers a vibrant outdoor atmosphere with stunning views for golf enthusiasts, located 9 miles from Whaleshead Beach. For relaxation, McVay Rock State Recreation Site and Crissey Field State Recreation Site, both 11 and 12 miles away respectively, provide peaceful settings perfect for unwinding in nature.

Adventure

Explore the Redwood Nature Trail, located 8 miles from Whaleshead Beach, for an invigorating hike among towering trees and beautiful scenery. Experience the thrill of adventure while immersing yourself in the stunning outdoors and vibrant nature surrounding you.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Whaleshead Beach is vibrant and inviting. For an exciting evening, visit Lucky 7 Casino, located 15 miles away, where you can enjoy gaming, live entertainment, and a lively atmosphere infused with romance and city vibes.

Find the best attractions near Whaleshead Beach

Whaleshead Beach in Brookings, Oregon, offers a blend of outdoor adventures and stunning scenery. Visitors can explore nearby national and state parks, enjoy the beach, and relax at urban parks. Key attractions include the picturesque Oregon beaches, the scenic Whaleshead Ridge, historic landmarks, and the serene Lone Ranch Beach, as well as the charming community of Port Orford. This destination is perfect for those seeking adventure and natural beauty.

  • Samuel H. Boardman State Park: Just 0.9 miles from Whaleshead Beach, this stunning state park offers breathtaking coastal views, lush forests, and numerous hiking trails. Experience the thrill of adventure while exploring scenic overlooks and the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area.
  • Secret Beach: Located 4 miles away, Secret Beach is a hidden gem known for its pristine sands and tranquil atmosphere. Enjoy a peaceful day soaking up the sun, exploring tide pools, and taking in the stunning ocean vistas, perfect for beach lovers.
  • Azalea Park: Approximately 7 miles from Whaleshead Beach, Azalea Park is an urban oasis ideal for families. With lush gardens, picnic areas, and walking paths, it’s a great spot for relaxation and enjoying the outdoors within a vibrant city setting.

Best time to go to Whaleshead Beach

The best time to visit Whaleshead Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Whaleshead Beach falls in August, when visitor numbers are high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Whaleshead Beach falls in February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January48.0°F (8.9°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
February46.6°F (8.1°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March47.1°F (8.4°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June58.1°F (14.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighAverage
July62.4°F (16.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighSlightly High
August62.8°F (17.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighSlightly High
September60.8°F (16.0°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
October56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November50.5°F (10.3°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
December47.1°F (8.4°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Whaleshead Beach

To save money during your visit to Whaleshead Beach, explore nearby free attractions such as Samuel H. Boardman State Park and Harris Beach State Park. Consider traveling between November and January for lower accommodation rates. Use Expedia to customize your stay by filtering for eco-certified hotels and sorting prices from lowest to highest. Bundling your hotel, flights, and activities can lead to significant savings, and joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and future cash rewards. Enjoy the beautiful scenery while sticking to your budget!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Whaleshead Beach are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Whaleshead Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.