Sporthaven Beach stretches nearly a mile along the Brookings coastline south of the Chetco River's south jetty, offering a family-friendly beach experience with direct marina access and excellent fishing opportunities. Located at 16008 Boat Basin Road in the Harbor district, this coarse sand beach provides easy access from substantial parking areas adjacent to the Port of Brookings Harbor facilities, making it ideal for visitors arriving by RV or those planning extended beach days. The beach's urban shoreline location means amenities cluster nearby including restrooms, picnic tables, seafood markets, restaurants, and lodging, creating a self-contained beach destination where families can spend entire days without needing to travel elsewhere. No day-use fees apply for beach access, and the beach remains open year-round with particularly beautiful conditions during summer months. The south jetty extends into the Pacific providing protection from northerly swells while creating productive fishing structure, and the Chetco River mouth attracts diverse marine life and birds throughout the year.
Fishing ranks among Sporthaven Beach's premier activities with surfperch available right from the sandy beach year-round, particularly productive during incoming tides when fish move into the surf zone to feed. The south jetty rocks provide access for anglers targeting bottomfish including lingcod, cabezon, and various rockfish species, while salmon pass through during spring and fall runs and albacore tuna cruise offshore during summer months. Charter fishing boats operating from the adjacent marina offer guided trips for salmon, bottomfish, and tuna, with experienced captains knowing the most productive offshore grounds. Rockhounding proves rewarding at Sporthaven Beach with agates, jasper, and interesting stones washing up particularly after winter storms when new material arrives. The beach's length makes it perfect for walking, jogging, and kite flying, with the annual Southern Oregon Kite Festival held the third weekend of July featuring spectacular kite displays at nearby Harbor Kite Field. Birdwatching opportunities abound in the Chetco River estuary area where shorebirds, waterfowl, and seabirds congregate, with possibilities for spotting brown pelicans, cormorants, gulls, sandpipers, and occasional marbled godwits. Harbor seals frequent the river mouth and offshore areas, gray whales migrate past during spring and fall, and the jetty sometimes hosts roosting seabirds including pigeon guillemots.
Harbor's concentration of seafood restaurants along Lower Harbor Road provides exceptional dining within walking distance of Sporthaven Beach. Catalyst Seafood at 16182 Lower Harbor Road specializes in bold preparations of locally caught fish with dishes like grilled wild salmon, pan-seared halibut, fish and chips featuring fresh rockfish, Dungeness crab cakes, seafood pasta, and daily specials highlighting the freshest catches from Oregon and California waters. Hungry Clam at 16350 Lower Harbor Road has won Best Seafood in Curry County for five consecutive years, serving clam chowder, grilled prawns, oyster baskets, fish tacos, seafood platters, and crab melts that earned recognition as one of the three best seafood restaurants on the Oregon Coast. Zola's on the Water sits at the Port featuring wood-fired pizzas, grilled steaks, Italian seafood dishes, house-made soups and salads, hot and cold sandwiches, appetizers, and weekly specials with marina views. Pacific Sushi and Grill prepares fresh sushi rolls, sashimi, teriyaki, tempura, and seafood grills with Japanese-inspired preparations. The Lucky Pirate Chop House offers steaks, chops, and seafood in a nautical-themed atmosphere.
Sporthaven Beach lacks lifeguard services, and visitors should exercise caution around the water as cold temperatures, currents, and sneaker waves create dangerous swimming conditions typical of Oregon's coast. The south jetty rocks become extremely slippery when wet and wave action can sweep people from the rocks without warning, so anglers must wear appropriate footwear and remain constantly aware of ocean conditions. Parents should closely supervise children and keep them away from the waterline and jetty rocks. When fishing from the jetty, check tide tables and weather forecasts as conditions can deteriorate rapidly. Dogs are allowed on the beach but should remain leashed and under control. The beach's coarse sand may be uncomfortable for bare feet, and shoes are recommended. Charter fishing trips require advance reservations during peak salmon and tuna seasons. Sporthaven Beach combines easy access, excellent fishing, rockhounding opportunities, and proximity to Harbor's seafood restaurants and marina facilities, making it a practical and productive beach destination for families and anglers visiting the Brookings area.
