Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Trinidad, CA

  • Published 2023/01/26

A small, picturesque city on the northern shores of California, Trinidad offers seaside adventures and breathtaking views.

Majestic offshore rocks, which are part of the California Coastal National Monument, rise from its waters, creating beautiful sceneries.

There are ten public beaches in Trinidad, each with its own unique charm.

You can try all sorts of water activities here, including boating, fishing, and surfing.

Or, you can simply laze around on the sands and watch the sun slowly sink below the horizon.

If you want to experience all the wonderful things that Trinidad has to offer, check out this list of the best things to do in Trinidad, California:

Discover the Sceneries in Trinidad State Beach

Sceneries in Trinidad State Beach

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Marvel at the majestic sea stacks in Trinidad State Beach and listen as the waves crash against them.

Take advantage of the views by bringing your own beach chairs and lounging on its warm sands.

It’s also a perfect spot for watching the gorgeous sunset.

Rock formations in Trinidad State Beach

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College Cove, the northern part of the beach, is a small, gorgeous area, perfect for family bonding or hanging out with the gang.

It offers a quiet place where you can have a picnic or just play around.

If you want a livelier atmosphere, there are times when it can get crowded as well.

Just remember that there are no facilities or lifeguards here, so you’ll want to always prioritize safety.

Waters of Trinidad State Beach

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Taste the Delicious Local Food During the Trinidad Fish Festival

The Trinidad Fish Festival is an annual festival during which locals come together and prepare fresh seafood.

It’s on Father’s Day, too, so you can celebrate while digging in the delicious food.

While eating, you can avail yourself of the drinks available, including soda, wine, and beer.

There’s live music, too, adding to the lively ambiance.

For your convenience, there’s usually a shuttle service from Cher-Ae Heights Casino and Bingo that can take you to the festival.

If you want to explore the area, you can go on a tour too.

Join the Scenic Trinidad to Clam Beach Run

The Trinidad to Clam Beach Run is a race from, well, Trinidad to Clam Beach with a bunch of local sponsors.

It started in the 1960s as a winter training race for the athletes of Humboldt State University.

It is an annual race, and the schedule can change, so be sure to check their website and social media accounts for the details.

You can register online through their website, so you know you have a spot.

Also, you might not get a shirt if you register late.

Enjoy a Myriad of Entertainment During Trinidad Art Nights

From July to October, you’ll have a myriad of artworks and entertainment to enjoy during the Trinidad Art Nights.

It happens on the last Saturday of each month, so be sure to mark the date in your calendar.

You can taste delicious food, groove to the live music, and sometimes even watch a fire dancing show.

It’s a fun-filled festival where you can have a fantastic time with your friends and family.

Just remember to check their website and social media accounts for updates on the schedule, venue, and the events available.

Catch Some Fish in Trinidad Harbor

View of Trinidad Harbor

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Launch your boat onto the waters of the Pacific Ocean and begin your seaside adventure here in Trinidad Harbor.

In addition to boat launches, it has moorings too.

If you don’t have your own boat, don’t worry, as you can rent one here.

Daytime view of Trinidad Harbor

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Bring along your fishing equipment, cast your line, and wait, all the while having spectacular views of the ocean.

When you’re done fishing for the day, you can try out its seaside restaurant.

Take a bite of the succulent seafood while sipping on a glass of wine or drinking a bottle of local or imported beer.

Aside from these, you’ll find a convenience store, fish cleaning station, and restrooms here too.

Boats at Trinidad Harbor

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Appreciate the Local Artworks in Trinidad Art Gallery

Trinidad Art Gallery is a collection of different kinds of artworks from a long list of local artists.

You can observe photos, paintings, ceramics, glass, and more.

There are multiple artworks that depict the sea or wildlife and a lot that touch on other topics as well.

It was founded in 2012, and the building it’s in is owned by Ned Simmons, a man who was a Trinidad Coastal Land Trust board member for almost 20 years.

The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily.

You can shop at the gallery itself, and you can also purchase gift certificates online through its website.

Learn More About the Yurok in Sue-meg State Park

Sue-meg State Park, previously the Patrick’s Point State Park, was renamed to honor the original people of the area – the Yurok.

“Sue-meg” was what they called the area.

This is a 640-ac park that contains the Agate Beach, adorned by sea stacks, has lush forests.

You can follow the hiking trail, where you’ll be surrounded by various plants, like spruce trees and red alder.

If you want to make the most of the natural environment, you can camp out here too.

In addition to outdoor activities, this park also features a reconstructed Yurok village, so you can know more about how they lived.

If you love plants, you’ll have a wonderful time in the native plant garden.

Aside from these, there are also day-use picnic areas and family campgrounds.

You can take your kids here during the summer, as it hosts interpretive programs where they can learn about nature.

You can bring along your dogs here, too, provided they are on a leash, but they are not allowed on the beach or trails.

Gaze at the Waters on Top of the Trinidad Head

Beach views at Trinidad Head

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Trinidad Head is a hill with a scenic hiking trail overlooking the beach.

Bring your hiking gear and stop at the parking lot.

From there, you’ll have access to the hill.

You can take a walk, surrounded by wildflowers, hike, or go birdwatching.

It’s open all year round, and you can bring your dogs here, too, as long as they’re on a leash.

Just take note that the trail is steep, so you’ll want to be prepared.

At the top, you’ll have amazing views overlooking the beach and the pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Also at the top is Trinidad Head Lighthouse, which has been standing since 1871.

Listen to World-class Musicians During the Trinidad Bay Art and Music Festival

If you’re a fan of timeless classical music, you might want to attend the Trinidad Bay Art and Music Festival.

During this festival, you’ll be serenaded by world-class musicians playing a variety of musical instruments.

Listen as an ensemble blends notes into a wonderful harmony or a solo artist plays a heart-piercing melody.

You can book a ticket for each of the available performances, which you can see on their website.

It is held annually in the Trinidad Town Hall.

Explore the Four Lagoons in Humboldt Lagoons State Park

Scenic view of Humboldt Lagoons State Park

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The Humboldt Lagoons State Park is part of the largest lagoon system in the USA.

It comprises four lagoons – Freshwater Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Dry Lagoon, and Stone Lagoon.

Each of the lagoons has pristine waters and stunning seascapes.

With a boat ramp, Freshwater Lagoon is an ideal spot for fishing.

Animals at Humboldt Lagoons State Park

Laurens Hoddenbagh / Shutterstock.com

You can catch different species of fish here, including rainbow and German brown trout, surfperch, catfish, and largemouth bass.

Have a glimpse of the wildlife that inhabit Stone Lagoon, such as Roosevelt elk and river otters.

It has six boat-in environmental campsites, so you can appreciate the gorgeous, undisturbed natural beauty of the area.

Beach at Humboldt Lagoons State Park

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You’ll find different kinds of birds in Big Lagoon, and tourists flock to the area to sail, windsurf, and kayak.

Also with various birds is Dry Lagoon, composed mostly of wetlands.

You can visit each lagoon to fully appreciate the allure of the area.

Observe the Exhibits in the Trinidad Museum

The Trinidad Museum has been moved from time to time and renovated to serve its visitors better.

It has two gardens – the Historic Garden and the Native Plant Garden.

The Historic Garden contains plants similar to those that can be found in its previous location.

The Native Plant Garden has a variety of plants that grow locally and aims to educate people and encourage them to use these kinds of plants for their gardens.

Inside, the museum has a plethora of exhibits that tell fascinating stories about the city.

You can also learn about the history of the Native American people who first inhabited the area.

Take in the Awe-inspiring Views in Camel Rock and Houda Point Beach

Sunny day at Camel Rock and Houda Point Beach

Danita Delimont / Shutterstock.com

Houda Point Beach is one of the best places to go if you want picture-perfect beach scenery.

Follow the hiking trail to reach the top and look over to the glistening Pacific Ocean.

Camel Rock is a two-hump sea stack that was once part of the land you’ll be standing on.

In the 1900s, ships would load their cargo near Camel Rock.

The on-shore landing was called Houda’s Landing.

Now, surfers ride the waves that form at Camel Rock’s edges.

You can also spot birds flocking here, such as turnstones, surfbirds, Black Oystercatcher, and pigeon guillemots.

Houda Point Beach and Camel Rock are owned by Trinidad Coastal Land Trust, a non-profit organization that serves to protect the environment.

Go Around the Trinidad Artisans Market’s Stalls

Take a leisurely walk in the open air around the Trinidad Artisans Market and taste the food in the stalls nearby.

There are barbecues, so you know the air will be filled with amazing aromas.

It’s open from 11am to 3pm every Sunday from the last week of May to the first week of September.

In addition to being able to observe art pieces from local artists, you can also just chill, eat, and drink while listening to live music played by local musicians.

Test Your Luck in the Cher-Ae Heights Casino and Bingo

For a night filled with entertainment and great food, visit the Cher-Ae Heights Casino and Bingo.

Ready your chips and your luck because it features more than 50,000 sq ft of gaming space.

It has a huge bingo hall that fits about 400 people and tons of games for people of every risk tolerance, including slots and table games.

For traditional dining, you can eat at The Sunrise Restaurant, offering meats, seafood, and a fantastic view.

For snacks, head to The Sunrise Grill with burgers, sandwiches, and more.

To make the most of your time here, you can stay in the RV Park, which is open from 8 am.

On your way out, stop by the gift shop for something to remember your experience by.

Pamper Yourself with Treatments in Trinidad Massage and Day Spa

After a day of exploring all the amazing activities in Trinidad, you’ll want to take time to relax your sore muscles and clear your mind.

If you want to enjoy body treatments as well as beauty services, head to Trinidad Massage and Day Spa.

It is a quaint building with a home-like ambiance, so you can really focus on just relaxing.

You can avail yourself of a variety of massages, including a therapeutic massage, a Lomi Lomi massage, which is a traditional Hawaiian massage, a Swedish massage, or a deep tissue massage.

If you’re looking for beauty services, it offers facials, waxing, manicures and pedicures, and more.

With windows that look out to a picturesque part of the beach and surrounding nature, it is truly a great place for self-pampering.

Make sure to book in advance, so you’re sure to have a spot.

The spa is open every day from 9 am to 7 pm.

Have a Taste of Red Wines at Moonstone Crossing

Moonstone Crossing is a winery committed to the effective maturation and production of its wines.

The wines are made by hand in small batches using conventional winemaking methods.

Moonstone Crossing wines are produced using specially selected grapes from modest hillside vineyards in the appellations of Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino, to mention a few.

Before being bottled, all red wines are matured in French and American oak for 22 to 36 months, followed by a further six months of bottle aging.

Stop by to visit Moonstone Crossing and sample their unique, robust, complete-bodied, rich-flavored red wine.

Tour the Waters with Wind Rose Charters

Saltwater fishing excursions for halibut, salmon, rockfish, and crab are the main focus of Wind Rose Charters, which is based in Trinidad Bay, California.

Owner and Captain Curtis Wilson have ten years of expertise fishing the seas off the north coast.

The Wind Rose is a 38-foot-long by a 13-foot-wide vessel that is cozy, fully licensed, bonded, and insured.

The vessel is a gem, constantly spotless and fully loaded with top-notch fishing gear.

Are you hoping to have fun and grab some fish on the North Coast?

Regardless of your skill level, Wind Rose Charters offers half-day and full-day tours.

A day of exciting ocean activities is guaranteed when booking a tour with Wind Rose Charters.

Explore and Dine at the Trinidad Bay Eatery and Gallery

Since its opening in 1975, the Trinidad Bay Eatery and Gallery has become popular with fishermen, residents, and tourists.

Browse the gallery and gift store, where you can find works by regional artists, sweatshirts, and even unique items for youngsters.

Visit the welcoming café at Trinidad Bay Eatery and Gallery to enjoy the essence of neighborhood friendliness.

They make a point of using only the best, most recent, organic, or natural components.

Learn about the robust selection of hearty breakfasts, delicious lunches, and exceptional evening entrees.

Create Camping Experiences at Emerald Forest Cabins & RV

Camping fans who enjoy the outdoors may find a special, temperate microclimate at Emerald Forest Cabins & RV dawn, noon, and nighttime.

They provide a range of appealing accommodations with 24/7 on-site administration, hidden among the redwoods.

Camping possibilities abound, ranging from pop-up and tent camping to RV back-in and pull-through sites.

If you like to camp comfortably, choose from a range of well-appointed cabin sizes.

Most cabins have porches and decks that look over the creek, while others feature cozy fireplaces for gatherings.

Emerald Forest Cabins & RV is pleased to provide a stunning natural haven with easy access to Trinidad Harbor, amazing dining options, welcoming neighbors, and picturesque scenery.

Experience Paddleboarding with Kayak Trinidad

The best paddlesports education and guiding facility in Humboldt County is called Kayak Trinidad.

Its headquarters are in the picturesque seaside city of Trinidad, California.

Whether you’re brand-new to ocean paddling or a seasoned pro, Kayak Trinidad has many choices for paddlers of all skill levels.

You may feel confident knowing that your fun and safety are their top priorities since they have over fifteen years of teaching and guiding expertise.

Check out the list of rentals, excursions, and courses offered by Kayak Trinidad, then come experience what makes it so unique.

Final Thoughts

Trinidad is beautified by a gorgeous coastline, majestic sea stacks, and numerous secluded and lively beaches.

It has a rich culture, with a vibrant art scene and a lot of exciting festivals.

Moreover, the food here is divine, with fresh seafood barbecued to perfection and great wines to pair them with.

If you want to fully appreciate this scenic city, go through the list of the best things to do in Trinidad, California, mentioned above.

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