College Cove

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. 

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.

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.