Location: Trinidad
Top Things to do in Trinidad
Top 9 Free Things to do in Trinidad, California (CA)
Trinidad (Chetco-Tolowa: tvm-sray-me’; Karuk: áas uyâahitihirak; Yurok: Chuerew; Wiyot: Da'guchwayawik, "land is curved") is a seaside city in Humboldt County, located on the Pacific Ocean 8 miles (13 km) north of the Arcata-Eureka Airport and 15 miles (24 km) north of the college town of Arcata. Situated at an elevation of 174 feet (53 m) above its own North Coast harbor, Trinidad is one of California's smallest incorporated cities by population (367 residents in 2010, up from 311 residents in 2000). Trinidad is noted for its spectacular coastline with ten public beaches and offshore rocks, part of the California Coastal National Monument, of which Trinidad is a Gateway City. Fishing operations related to Trinidad Harbor are vital to both local tourism and commercial fishery interests in the region.
Restaurants in Trinidad
1. Humboldt Lagoons State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By DoloresJacoby - West Palm Beach, United States
This Park is located just south of the Kuchel Visitor Center in Orick. I loved taking the road off the highway to access the lagoons and ocean in various areas. There is an information center, lots of parking and and beautiful water views. There’s so much to explore when you take your time. I found beautiful wildflowers in the area.
2. Moonstone Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By ngremmy - Yuba City, United States
This beach is very clean and dog friendly! We enjoyed the calm and shallow shoreline with our kiddo and family. There are a few small caves on the north end of the beach along with some really neat sandstone/conglomerate rock faces. If you are looking for shells or rocks, this is not the place to look. If you are looking for a small quiet beach that is relatively safe for young ones to get their feet wet at, this is a great choice!
3. College Cove
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By 892aronb - Eureka, United States
If you can make the road out to Shelter Cover, do yourself a favor and DO IT! Black sand beaches and the most stunning shades of blue ocean you will see on the West Coast!
4. Trinidad Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Trinidad Art Gallery is a local artist cooperative gallery featuring the original fine crafts and art of Humboldt County's finest artists. The gallery, in the beautiful seaside town of Trinidad, has an exquisite display of photographs, paintings, woodwork, ceramics, sculpture, metal work, blown glass, jewelry, beadwork, stained glass, cards, gifts and music CDs. Prices in all ranges. Directions: From Hwy 101, take Exit 728, Trinidad. Head into town on Main Street, then turn left on Trinity Street. We're on your right, a block before the Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse.
5. Trinidad State Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
Reviewed By auntbeck22 - Huntington Beach, United States
We stopped there early in the day when it was still a bit foggy. As the fog lifted there were many beautiful rock formations out in the water. I thought we would stay on the beach but ended up taking a hike up the nearby hill. It ended up being one of my favorite hikes on our vacation. There are many breaks in the path for lookout and picture opportunities. They have carved out tiny paths between the plants that our kids crawled through. When you get to the top it extremely windy, hold onto your hat! Overall fun for the family and not too strenuous.
6. Trinidad Harbor
7. Cher-ae Heights Casino
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 49 reviews
Cher-Ae Heights Casino offers the finest in gaming and entertainment. Everything from Slots and Bingo to Blackjack and Roulette; the action at Cher-Ae Heights is a sure bet. Enjoy the newest slots on the north coast and the only high stakes bingo in Humboldt County. Touring concerts, free live entertainment, award winning dining much, much more awaits you at your favorite North Coast casino! Cher-Ae Heights Casino, just off the 101 in beautiful Trinidad.
Reviewed By bfrazier - Tucson, United States
Hey, this is one of those unnoticed and hidden gems: There are darned few nicer places to eat on the Northern California coast than this Casino's gorgeous restaurant with an ocean view and a cheery central fireplace. Need a romantic spot? This should do nicely. It's fairly pricey, and you won't see many of the locals or the dreary casino patrons in here (in the restaurant) , but this is a very special place, tasteful, stately, quiet, subdued. It's WAY off the beaten path, sort of hard to find and the casino really is just the typical smoky (smelly) casino that many folks find objectionable - fair enough. But wait! Park in the well lit and secure lot, go through the front doors and bear to the right beyond the lounge and you will find a beautiful, pleasant, and first rate setting for romantic upscale dinner - with a killer view. I can think of no place like it within 150 miles of this location, the next being Bandon Dunes Golf Course Restaurant to the north - and it doesn't have this fantastic view. A bowl of chowder comes with an entire (small) loaf of fresh warm baked bread for $8.00. Planked Salmon may be more like 25, but this is all about the ambiance and location. Turn south onto Scenic Drive from Trinidad - go about 2/3 of a mile, you'll swear there could never ever be a casino on this little hidden road but there is. They also have RV overnight parking. I've come here for more than 10 years - the restaurant really is special and deserves much more credit than it has received. Lastly, I write a lot of reviews - very few earn 5 stars - I am just sure this is one of them.
8. Trinidad Memorial and Memorial Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 156 reviews
The Trinidad Bay Memorial Park and Memorial Replica Lighthouse are maintained by the Trinidad Civic Club. - built "to honor those lost and buried at sea" back in 1949. The Trinidad Bay B&B Hotel (across the street) and the Trinidad Museum issue 2 lighthouse stamps for the US Lighthouse Passport Program - one for the Trinidad Memorial Replica Lighthouse and one for the Trinidad Head Lighthouse. In 2018, the Trinidad Bay Memorial Park’s beloved replica lighthouse had to be moved off this historic park site, and is parked with the historical fog bell at the Harbor area for protection. Reviews here should be for this memorial and park landmark. The Trinidad Head Lighthouse has a separate location and page. Trinidad Bay Memorial Park and Its Flag of the United States are jointly maintained by the Civic Club, Volunteers, and the City of Trinidad, California. We thank you for your support!
Reviewed By Schlepperman - Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut, Israel
It is prettier than the pictures! The views are WOW, we took the steep stairs down and saw sea lions sunbathing and squabbling on the rocks, the walk on the quaint beach was great for all ages. But perhaps the best part was the local sheriff offering to take our photo near the lighthouse replica. The monument is really nice too.
9. Luffenholtz Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By humgirl - Trinidad, United States
We tried out the new, improved steps on trail to this lovely hidden beach, and it was amazingly easy! Steep, yes, but much broader steps, lower rises, and well-sculpted with gravel and wood. The beach is gorgeous!
