Van Damme Beach is most popular as a launching spot of diving and kayaking. The rocky points on either side of the beach offer protection from harsh waves and form a relatively calm expanse of water in the cove favored by abalone divers, beginning scuba divers, and kayakers who enjoy exploring the rugged shoreline.

The small cobble and sand beach at Van Damme State Park makes a scenic place for visitors to spread their blankets or set up their beach chairs for a few hours of sunshine and refreshing sea breeze. The campgrounds and facilities of Van Damme State Park are within easy walking distance, immediately across the highway.

Ocean Safety - Always check with rangers if conditions are safe for your planned activities.

Little River flows through Van Damme State Park and spills into the ocean at the beach. The river provides habitat for steelhead, coho salmon, sculptin and little stickleback. The riparian plant community at Van Damme State Park includes willow, red alder, grand fir and western hemlock. Sitka spruce finds its southernmost limit in the park.

A wide variety of birds are found along the shore and up the Little River canyon. Among them are Swainson's thrush, kingfishers, yellow warblers, and northern spotted owls.