Trinidad Beach Activities

Humboldt County

Trinidad State  Beach, Humboldt County, California
Trinidad State  Beach, Humboldt County, California

Trinidad Beach Activities

Humboldt County


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.

Trinidad Beach, Humboldt County, CA

Trinidad Beach and Flatiron Rock

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.

Luffenholts Beach, Hyumboldt County, CA

Luffenholtz Beach

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

trinidad bay, Humboldt County, California

Trinidad Bay


Fishing in Trinidad Waters

Fishing from Trinidad Pier

Many casting their lines off the old, wooden Trinidad Pier (also known as Seascape Pier) have hopes of salmon or halibut. Lingcod are often caught here along with a variety of rockfish, perch, herring, and sole. Once in a while someone will hook an eel, ray, or shark. Since it is a private pier, anglers need a fishing license. They also should stay clear of commercial fishing activities taking place on and around the pier.

Surf anglers do fairly well along the coast near Trinidad, landing smelt, rockfish, and redtail perch.


Sport Fishing Charters in Trinidad

Patrick's Point Charters
Specializing in rockfish, crab, and salmon
(707) 445-4106

Trinidad Bay Charters
Specializing in light tackle rockcod fishing
(707) 499-8878

Wild Rose Charters
Specializing in salmon, rockfish, and halibut
(707) 497-4354

Nearby Activities, Attractions, and Events

Trinidad Fish Festival

Father's Day
Trinidad School, 300 Trinity St., Trinidad, CA
11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
barbecued salmon and other fish
Live music, tide pool walks, tour of Marine Labe, wine, beer and other refreshments
Free tours of the working lighthouse on Trinidad Head are offered once a year to the public during the Trinidad Fish Festival
Trinidad Fish Festival

Trinidad Museum

400 Janis Ct., Trinidad, CA
Open Wed. - Sun., noon to 4 PM
Rotating exhibits such as the history of commercial fishing in the area, local artists, Native American art, history of Trinidad Whaling Station
Includes a native plant garden
Trinidad Museum

Humboldt State University's Marine Laboratory

570 Ewing St., Trinidad, CA
Self-guided tours:
Weekends (during the school year) 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Mon.-Fri. (year-round), 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Marine Laboratory

Trinidad Art Gallery

490 Trinity Street, Trinidad, CA
Cooperative art gallery featuring local artists
Jewelry, ceramics, stained glass, photography, textiles, and more
Open daily 10 AM to 5 PM
Trinidad Art Gallery

Redwood Trails Private Horse Rides

265 Redwood Trails Circle, Trinidad, CA
Rides depart from the Rodeo Grounds in Orick
1 hour to all-days rides available
Redwood Trails Horse Rides

Trinidad to Clam Beach Run & Walk

February 3, 2024
5¾ miles
Roads, hills, and forests
Trinidad to Clam Beach Run & Walk

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Ocean Safety

California State Parks and Recreation cautions that "large surf, cold water temperatures, backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can turn what seem like safe activities such as playing near the surf line, wading, or climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly." Learn more about ocean safety at CA State Parks: Ocean Safety