About Trinidad
This quaint little Californian seaside village offers wonderful coastal walks, exceptional fishing and crabbing, and the opportunity to try out various sea sports such as kayaking, sailing and surfing. Sitting south of the magnificent Redwood National Park, there's also amazing forests. Book now to secure your Trinidad vacation rental with FlipKey.
About Trinidad
Certainly one of the smallest villages, and no doubt one of its oldest, in Humboldt County, Trinidad is a fine example of a friendly Californian seaside fishing village. Miles away from the hustle and bustle of the state's capital San Francisco, the town gets by through focusing on nature's bounty, particularly the sea, where it serves as an important commercial supplier, as well as a tourist attraction.
The name Trinidad translates as 'land is curved' and indeed its rounded Pacific Ocean coastline is stunning, boasting up to ten public beaches and billed as a gateway to the California Coastal National Monument.
Originally founded in 1850, and the county seat of Trinity County, Trinidad became part of Humboldt County three years later. Troops were stationed in the town during the American Civil War to keep it from being ransacked by Indian. In 1870, Trinidad became part of California and has been a tourist favorite ever since.
What to do
Fish from the 520-foot-long Trinidad Pier. Anglers can come away with a catch including salmon, striped sea perch and copper rockfish. Sea-fishing can mean landing redtail perch and smelt while lagoons have plenty of trout.
Head to Indian Beach and College Cove at low tide for some excellent tide pooling and catch sight of sun starfish, sea anemones, sea slugs and a few different types of crabs.
Find out about Trinidad's history at the town's museum. There are five rooms which cover artefacts from the original Tsurai Village as well as explanations of the Yurok traditions, the gold rush and former logging habits in the area.
Dine on the incredible clam chowder at the Seascape, which has been serving it up since the 1950s. It's delicious!
Look for gray whales, sea lions and dolphins while hiking along the Trinidad Head Loop Trail. Near the end you should be able to spot the still-active lighthouse, which dates back to 1871.
Top Trinidad travel tips
Fly into McKinleyville Airport, which sits just 11 miles from the town. Drive from San Francisco (290 miles) or Portland (390 miles).
The Redwood Coast Transit bus link goes through Trinidad while Greyhound buses run a round trip to San Francisco.
Trinidad has, what is referred to as an 'ocean climate.' This means it doesn't reach more than 60F and it gets year-round rain (although less in the summer months). Spring and fall weather tends to consist of a lot of fog. It's best to avoid camping if you know a fog is due, otherwise it will soak the tent.
A gorgeous little coastal village with plenty of bracing shore and beach walks available, then cute restaurants in which to dine on some traditional seafood dishes, Trinidad is not to be missed, even if you only plan on visiting for a weekend. Book your Trinidad vacation rental with FlipKey now.
