Harris Beach was named after the Scottish pioneer George Harris who settled here in the late 1880s to raise sheep and cattle. The park boasts the largest island off the Oregon coast. Bird Island (also called Goat Island) is a National Wildlife Sanctuary and breeding site for such rare birds as the tufted puffin. The park offers sandy beaches interspersed with eroded sea stacks.

The park's beauty changes with the seasons. Many people are drawn to watch the powerful and dramatic winter storms; others seek the green and fragrant spring (download a brochure about common area plants). Summer brings warm days and sunlit beaches while the fall brings clear cool days and often the best sunsets of the year. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant (download a brochure about common area animals), with gray whales on their winter and spring migrations, Harbor seals, California sea lions, sea birds and the rich marine gardens make the park a fascinating stop.