College Cove offers many fun activities including hiking, beachcombing, sunbathing, swimming, wildlife watching, fishing, surfing, and tidepooling. The water near this beach is generally unsafe for recreational aquatic activities like swimming and surfing as it has extremely strong currents and cold temperature. However, during summer months and under favorable water conditions, swimming and surfing are possible in the water here. The water near the beach’s northern portion is popular among surfers during this period. Depending on the time of the year, you can see many kinds of animals in the water near this beach including seals, sea lions, and migrating grey whales. During low tide, you can also explore the interesting tidepools present around College Cove which are home to many wonderful creatures including mussels, clams, starfish, and sea urchins. You can also explore the exquisite rock formations present around College Cove during low tide, which offer some amazing Instagram-worthy photos. If you are planning to fish in the water near College Cove, please make sure that you ensure compliance with the local fishing regulations. The beach is ideal for those looking for a quieter beach experience as the beach sees fewer visitors than other Humboldt County beaches. In addition, the beach is also popular among clothing optional visitors.
The blufftop area above College Cove Beach offers a fun hiking experience and has dense forests with many kinds of trees including Sitka spruce trees and native pine trees. You can also find many other interesting kinds of vegetation here including moss, ferns, and coastal strawberry plants. The hiking trails present around the beach also offer access to many amazing nearby coastal viewpoints including Omenoku Point, Megwil Point, and Elk Head. These areas offer amazing Instagram-worthy views of the Pacific Ocean and the Northern California shoreline.