On the Sand at Trinidad Beach

While not safe for swimming, Trinidad Beach still has plenty to offer for visitors to its broad expanse of sand. From Trinidad Head, north to the far end of College Cove Beach, is nearly a mile. At low tide visitors like to make the stroll, all the time watching as waves crash against Pewetole Island, Flatiron Rock, and a number of sea stacks. A grove of Sitka spruce crowns Pewetole Island. Those in the know watch for an eruption of the blowhole in the island.

Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.

Trinidad Beach is popular for playing Frisbee, flying kites, sitting in a comfortable chair and reading, birding, sunbathing, fishing, volleyball, and building sandcastles. Dogs on leashes no longer than 6 feet are allowed on Trinidad Beach and parking areas, but not on trails.

Surfing at Trinidad Beach

Surfers at Trinidad Beach find a reasonably consistent reef and beach break. Waves at the beach will break right and left. Even with a mostly sandy bottom surfers have to be on the lookout for rocks. It's not a spot for beginners.

Camel Rock and Moonstone Beach to the south of Trinidad draws a fair number of surfers.

Moonstone Beach

Moonstone Beach County Park is 3 miles south of Trinidad and immediately north of the mouth of Little River. The beach is popular with surfers, beach combers, and those who like to wade in the calmer waters of the river. Several sea stacks along the coast provide dramatic images for photographers.

College Cove Beach

At the northern end of Trinidad Beach is College Cove and is accompanying beach. Tide pools and interesting rock formations make it a fascinating place to explore. A parking lot off Stagecoach Road has two trails leading down to the beach. The northern trail has more than 100 steps. Visitors should be watchful of the tide which can come in rather swiftly and on some occasions sweep across the sand.

Surfing Lessons

Moonstone Beach Surf Camp

Trinidad, CA
(707) 822-5099   Moonstone Beach Surf Camp

Small group and private lessons, ages 8 and older.

Trinidad State Beach Surf Lessons

Trinidad, CA
Trinidad State Beach Surf Lessons

Any age, beginner through advanced.

Surfboard, Kayak, and Paddleboard Rentals

Salty's Supply Co.

332 Main St., Trinidad, CA
(707) 677-0300   Salty's Supply Co.
Sales and Rentals
Surf Rentals: boards, wetsuits, and accessories.
Kayak Rentals: Single and tandem
Bike Rentals, fishing and crabbing rentals

Kayak Zak's

Humboldt Lagoons State Park,
115336 Highway 101, Trinidad, CA
(707) 498-1130   Kayak Zak's
Kayak and Stand-up Paddleboard Rentals at Stone Lagoon, Big lagoon County Park, and Trinidad Cove
Kayaks, SUPs, and all the accessories
Guided trips available

Exploring Tide Pools

One of the most interesting places to explore tide pools around Trinidad is Luffenholtz Beach, south of town. A trail from a small parking area leads down to the beach. Luffenholtz Creek sloshes across the sand into Trinidad Bay. Numerous tide pools are found along the shore, but visitors must keep a constant eye on the ocean. Rogue waves and incoming tide can be serious dangers.

More tide pools are found at College Cove Beach at the north end of Trinidad State Beach. Approach by trail from a parking lot off Stagecoach Road. Expect to find sea urchins, sea stars (starfish), clams, mussels, and perhaps some small creatures such as crabs. Tide pools can also be found at Baker Beach south of town.

Diving around Trinidad

Divers find a sheltered area to explore the ocean's wonders in Trinidad Bay. Trinidad Head shelters most of the severe waves and ocean rocks such as Prisoner Rock and Flat Rock offer even further protection. Access to the water is easy from near the harbor.

Snorkelers also favor College Cove with an abundance of sea life, tide pools, and marine mammals lounging on nearby rocks.

Local Diving Group

Humboldt Skindivers