Trinidad State Beach(College Cove Beach)

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.

Trinidad State Beach offers many fun activities including sunbathing, beachcombing, tidepooling, wildlife watching, fishing, hiking, picnicking, swimming, and surfing. The water near the main part of Trinidad State Beach is unsafe for recreational aquatic activities like swimming and surfing as it has extremely strong currents, dangerous waves, and cold temperature. However, during summer months and under favorable water conditions, swimming and surfing are possible in the water around College Cove. The water near the cove’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 Trinidad State Beach including seals, sea lions, and migrating whales. If you are planning to fish in the water near Trinidad State Beach, make sure that you ensure compliance with the local fishing regulations. Trinidad State Beach and the blufftop area above it offer amazing Instagram-worthy views of the Pacific Ocean and the North California shoreline. The Elk Head and Trinidad Head headlands present near the northern and southern ends of the state beach offer an amazing hiking experience. In addition, hiking around these headlands offers a unique and memorable way to explore the interesting biodiversity and history of Northern California.  

There are three ways to access the main portion of Trinidad State Beach - the largest free parking lot for this portion is available at the end of Lighthouse Road, from where you can easily walk to the beach. The second free parking lot for the main portion can be found along Ewing Street. However, you need to hike down along steep bluffsides to get to Trinidad State Beach from this parking lot. Another free parking lot for the main portion of Trinidad State Beach can be found at the end of State Park Road, which is easily accessible from Trinidad’s Main Street via Stagecoach Road. However, you need to also hike down along steep bluffsides from this parking lot to reach Trinidad State Beach. In order to access the free parking lot for College Cove (which is the northern part of this state beach), you need three-quarters-of-a-mile from Trinidad along Stagecoach Road. This parking lot is easily identifiable via a signpost. From this parking lot you need to hike west along a wide hiking trail. 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 College Cove from the blufftop area above as the bluffsides here are often steep and slippery. In addition, we recommend visiting College Cove during low tide as during high tide the beach here can become significantly submerged and inaccessible.

There are many attractions near Trinidad State Beach. The Trinidad Pier is one of the northernmost oceanfront piers in California and offers amazing Instagram-worthy views of Trinidad Bay and the Northern California coastline. This pier is also a great fishing spot - depending on the time of the year, you can catch many kinds of fish in the water near this beach including lingcod, perches, sole, herring, halibut, and salmon. In addition, you can also catch crabs here. Trinidad Museum offers 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. If you are looking for another attraction near Trinidad State Beach, Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse was built in the late 1940s and is a replica of another nearby lighthouse named Trinidad Head Lighthouse, which was constructed in 1871. The Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse also has an original Fresnel lens dating back to the 19th century, which was previously installed in the Trinidad Head Lighthouse. The Trinidad Civic Club organizes an annual ceremony on the lighthouse premises on Memorial Day to commemorate the lives of people who have died or have been buried at sea.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near Trinidad State Beach. 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 Trinidad State Beach, the modestly priced Beachcomber Cafe offers delicious breakfast dishes, English muffins, sandwiches, salads, and soups.

If you are looking for a hotel near Trinidad State Beach, there are many great nearby options. Trinidad Bay Bed & Breakfast Hotel offers a homely ambiance. In addition, the hotel offers many amenities including a complimentary breakfast and shuttle facility from a nearby airport. A more affordable hotel is the Turtle Rocks Oceanfront Inn which has communal decks for guests including a two-tier whale watching area with seats. In addition, the hotel also offers complimentary breakfast, desserts during afternoons, and coffee/tea and snacks throughout the day.  If you are looking for another good and affordable hotel near Trinidad State Beach, 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.