Azalea Park is known as the “Crown Jewel” of Brookings. Nestled between the Chetco River and legendary Highway 101, this beautiful park is a great place to spend an afternoon.
The park rambles over 33 acres (13 hectares). In the mid-19th century, this area was crisscrossed with miners’ pack trails. It later became a main segment on the settlers’ coastal wagon route from California to Oregon.
The park gets its name from the beautiful flowers that explode into pink blossoms in late spring. Azaleas already populated the area when Lewis and Clark wintered in Oregon from 1805 to 1806. View their colourful blossoms every Memorial Day Weekend at the Azalea Festival. Although the Azalea Festival is probably the best known event in the park, many other events are held throughout the year. In the summer, take advantage of the American Music Festival Concerts and see a free concert at the band shell. Get in the holiday spirit at Nature’s Coastal Holiday, a festive light and music show held each December.
Capella by the Sea is the newest addition to Azalea Park. This light-filled wooden structure meshes seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Visit this popular place for special services and intimate concerts. Enjoy beautiful views of the Port of Brookings Harbour, the Chetco River and the Pacific Ocean beyond.
No matter what age you are, you’ll find something in Azalea Park to keep you entertained. Play a game of horseshoes or throw a ball around on the athletic fields. Dine outside in the picnic area or relax in the shade of the gazebo. Children love playing on the large playground in the park.
From Azalea Park, you can easily get anywhere within Brookings. As the southernmost city on Oregon’s coast, you can even reach California in just 5 miles (8 kilometres).
Azalea Park is open throughout the year during daylight hours. There are restrooms and a snack shack onsite.
