The Yachats State Recreation Area sits at the mouth of the Yachats River where it meets the ocean, occupying a headland of wave-carved basalt that is among the richest tidepool habitat on the central coast. The rocks exposed at low tide are thick with sea stars, purple sea urchins, giant green anemones, chitons, and limpets — you can spend an hour on your hands and knees here and see something new every few minutes.
The recreation area is within walking distance of the town centre, which makes it unusual on a coast where most of the wild shoreline requires a drive. A paved path loops around the headland for those who want the views without scrambling over rocks. Whale watching is also possible from the headland during the grey whale migrations in December–January and March–April. The area is free and always open; dogs are permitted on leash.