Mill Beach offers a secluded coastal experience in the heart of Brookings, featuring the dramatic natural landmark of Table Rock rising from the sand and surf. This crescent-shaped beach stretches along Wharf Street and provides a quieter alternative to more crowded Oregon Coast destinations, with limited parking that keeps visitor numbers manageable. The beach's protected location and rocky features create excellent conditions for tide pooling, rockhounding, and beachcombing, while the iconic Table Rock serves as the beach's centerpiece and can be walked around during low tide. Mill Beach is accessible from dawn to dusk with paved parking available for up to seven vehicles, restrooms, and picnic tables that make it ideal for a casual day at the shore.
Table Rock dominates the Mill Beach landscape as a massive sea stack that becomes partially accessible during low tide, creating opportunities to explore tide pools teeming with marine life around its base. The rocky areas at both ends of the beach reveal colorful sea stars, anemones, hermit crabs, and small fish during low tide periods, making this an excellent destination for families interested in marine biology and coastal ecosystems. Beachcombers find success searching for agates, jasper, and sea glass along the shoreline, particularly after winter storms bring new material from the nearby Chetco River. Harbor seals can occasionally be spotted resting on distant rocks, while seabirds including gulls, pelicans, and cormorants provide constant activity overhead. The beach's compact size and sheltered position make it particularly suitable for leisurely walks, photography, and picnicking with ocean views.
After exploring Mill Beach, visitors can enjoy Brookings' diverse dining scene just minutes away in the downtown area. Black Trumpet Bistro on Chetco Avenue offers upscale coastal cuisine with dishes like pan-seared scallops, wild salmon piccata, and grass-fed beef tenderloin paired with an extensive wine selection. Oxenfre Public House serves comfort food favorites including fish and chips made with local rockfish, bacon-wrapped meatloaf, and their popular Rogue River burger topped with Oregon blue cheese. Wicked Pig Bar and Bites specializes in barbecue with slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork sandwiches, and mac and cheese made with Tillamook cheddar, plus craft cocktails and Oregon beers. Pancho's Mexican Restaurant prepares traditional favorites like carne asada tacos, seafood enchiladas, and fresh-made guacamole with house-fried chips. Beachin Bakes creates artisan pastries, sandwiches on house-baked bread, and specialty coffee drinks perfect for a beach picnic.
Mill Beach does not have lifeguard services, and visitors should exercise caution around Table Rock and tide pool areas, watching for sneaker waves and checking tide tables before exploring rocky areas. The unmarked trail to the lookout point above the beach involves steep terrain and should be attempted carefully with proper footwear. Beach access is limited to dawn to dusk hours, and the park closes at midnight. Families with children should supervise tide pool exploration closely and remind kids not to disturb marine life or remove creatures from their habitat. The limited parking means the beach rarely becomes overcrowded, but arriving early ensures parking availability during summer weekends. Mill Beach provides a intimate coastal experience with excellent tide pooling, beachcombing, and the unique opportunity to walk around Table Rock during low tide, all within walking distance of Brookings' restaurants and amenities.
