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Home >  United States  >  California  >  Trinidad  >  

College Cove

College Cove

United States, California, Trinidad 

Sandee

College Cove

United States, California, Trinidad 

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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. 

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near College Cove. The Larrupin’ Cafe is an upscale restaurant which serves outstanding New American cuisine. Trinidad Bay Eatery and Gallery offers amazing breakfast dishes, seafood, salad, burgers, sandwiches, and steaks. If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant near College Cove, the modestly priced Beachcomber Cafe offers delicious breakfast dishes, English muffins, sandwiches, salads, and soups.

If you are looking for a hotel near College Cove, there are many great nearby options. Trinidad Bay Bed & Breakfast Hotel offers a homely ambiance. In addition, the hotel offers many amenities including complimentary breakfast and shuttle facility from a nearby airport. A more affordable hotel is the 2-Star Trinidad Inn which offers many amenities including fire pits, barbecue grills, and complimentary continental breakfast. If you are looking for another good and affordable hotel near College Cove, the 2-Star Emerald Forest Cabins & RV offers accommodation in exquisite cabins. The hotel also offers many amenities including bike rentals, a playground and horseshoe pits, a video arcade, a store, and a laundry room.

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.

Getting to College Cove is easy - the free parking lot for College Cove is identifiable via a signpost and is located three-quarters-of-a-mile north of Trinidad along Stagecoach Road. It is important to note that the parking lot for College Cove is separate from the main parking lot for Trinidad State Beach. From this parking lot you need to hike west along a wide trail that leads to a headland named Elk Head. From this hiking trail, you eventually need to divert left towards another separate and narrow trail which will lead you down along the bluffsides to College Cove. However, we recommend being careful while going down to the beach from the blufftop area above as the bluffsides here are often steep and slippery. In addition, we recommend visiting this beach during low tide as during high tide the beach can become significantly submerged and inaccessible.

There are many attractions near College Cove. Trinidad Museum has interesting exhibitions that offer a unique insight into Trinidad’s vibrant history. The museum also has a wide collection of Native American artifacts. In addition, the museum premises also have a native plant garden and a seasonal pond. The museum also hosts many interesting events throughout the year including lectures and discussions. Humboldt State University’s Telonicher Marine Lab is open to the public for tours throughout the week. Visitors can explore many interesting exhibits in the lab along with a unique touch tank. You can visit Telonicher Marine Lab’s webpage at Humboldt State University’s website for more information regarding the visiting hours. If you are looking for another attraction near College Cove, Cher-Ae Heights Casino offers exciting games including slots, hold’em poker, and bingo.

Basic Details

INParking

INRestroom Available

INGray

IN3R8X+VQ Trinidad, CA, USA

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Amenities

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  • Barbecue

  • Boat Ramp

  • Dogs

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  • Fire Pits

  • Hidden

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  • Activities

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesBike Paths

  • Camping

  • Clubs Party Scene

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  • College Cove - Beach Map

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!

    Does College Cove have parking? If so, is it free or paid?

    Yes, this Beach provides paid parking at the entrance, although spaces are limited. Visitors can also find street parking nearby for easy access to the beach.

    Does College Cove have lifeguards?

    Yes, this Beach ensures safety with professional lifeguards on duty throughout the day, offering peace of mind for beachgoers.

    Is College Cove a family-friendly beach?

    Yes, this Beach is the perfect family destination, offering clean restrooms, vigilant lifeguards, and a variety of nearby food options, ensuring an enjoyable day for all.

    Is College Cove good for swimming?

    Yes, this Beach boasts excellent swimming conditions, attracting swimmers of all skill levels with its gentle waves and clear waters.

    Does College Cove have restrooms?

    Yes, Restrooms are conveniently available on or adjacent to the beach at this Beach.

    Is College Cove a nude beach?

    Yes, this Beach is known for being a nude beach, providing a liberating experience for those seeking clothing-optional sunbathing and swimming.

    Is there food near College Cove?

    Yes, this Beach has multiple food options near or on the beach, including restaurants and beach vendors.

    What are the activities at College Cove?

    Yes, this Beach is renowned for its vibrant beach scene, offering various activities for everyone to enjoy Bike Paths, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Nude, Paddleboarding, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Surfing, Tours, Volleyball.

    Does College Cove have accommodations for people with disabilities?

    Yes, this Beach offers accommodations for people with disabilities, allowing everyone to relish the coastal experience.

    Is College Cove a dog-friendly beach?

    Yes, bring your dog with you to this Beach!

    Is College Cove good for surfing?

    Yes, surfing is an activity that is frequently enjoyed at this Beach.

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