Best Family-Friendly Beaches in Trinidad

Located to the north of the city of Trinidad, Trinidad State Beach is a state-protected beach with brown sand and multiple rock formations. This beach is situated below oceanfront bluffs and is composed of two adjoining coves - the main portion of Trinidad State Beach is in the southern cove, while the northern cove is much smaller and is called College Cove. Trinidad State Beach has rocky headlands near both of its ends – the Elk Head is present near the northern end of this state beach, while Trinidad Head is present near the southern end of this state beach. Many interesting offshore rock formations are present near Trinidad State Beach - some of these rock formations are also a part of the California Coastal National Monument. While Trinidad State Beach does not have lifeguards, the area around this state beach has picnic tables and restrooms. Dogs on leash are allowed in Trinidad State Beach.

Located to the north of Trinidad, College Cove - also known as College Cove Beach - is a secluded beach with brown sand and interesting rock formations. This beach is situated below forested oceanfront bluffs and is the northern part of a larger state-protected beach named Trinidad State Beach. A large offshore rock formation named the Pewetole Island is present near this beach. In addition, there is a rocky archway near this beach named "The Portal" which separates College Cove Beach from the main portion of Trinidad State Beach. During rainy weather, a waterfall named "College Cove Falls" can also be seen near this beach. As an interesting fact, portions of the 2001 Jim Carrey film The Majestic were shot on this beach. College Cove does not have lifeguards. However, the area around this beach has picnic tables and restrooms. Dogs on leash are allowed on the beach. 

Located to the north of Trinidad, Big Lagoon County Park Beach is a large beach with light brown sand and sparse vegetation. This beach is situated between a three-mile long lagoon called Big Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean. Interesting sea stacks are present just offshore in the ocean near Big Lagoon County Park Beach. Big Lagoon County Park Beach is a part of Big Lagoon County Park, Humboldt Lagoons State Park, and Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area. Big Lagoon County Park Beach does not have lifeguards. However, the beach and the area around it have many amenities including restrooms, boat launching facilities, picnic tables, and barbecue spots. While dogs are generally required to be on leash in Big Lagoon County Park Beach, they are allowed off leash in the wave slope in Big Lagoon County Park Beach.

Located to the south of Trinidad, Luffenholtz Beach - also known as Luffenholtz Beach Park and Luffenholtz Beach County Park - is a beautiful rock-and-sand beach. This beach is situated below oceanfront bluffs and is managed by Humboldt County. Luffenholtz Creek sometimes flows through the beach into the Pacific Ocean. Interesting rock formations are also present on this beach and offshore. Luffenholtz Beach does not have lifeguards. However, the blufftop area above this beach has picnic tables and an observation point. Dogs in Luffenholtz Beach are allowed to be off leash when present on the wave slope. However, they are required to be on leash when present on portions of the beach having dry sand. 

Located in the city of Trinidad, Moonstone Beach County Park is a half-mile long and wide beach situated on the north side of the point where the Little River meets the North Pacific Ocean. Moonstone Beach County Park is a part of a park with the same name and is a great surfing destination because of its mid-sized waves. Moonstone Beach County Park is a family-friendly beach as children can play safely in the slow river current.