The 21 Best Things To Do In Trinidad, California (2024)
Looking for the best things to do in Trinidad, California? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know!
Trinidad, California is a small coastal town along California’s northern coast.
For reference, it’s at the foot of the Redwood State and National Parks, which go all the way up to the Oregon border.
Planning A Trip? Use Our Favorite Resources Below!
👉🏼 Accommodations
👉🏼 Tours/Experiences
👉🏼 Flights
👉🏼 Car Rentals
Things To Do In Trinidad, California
Trinidad is an outdoorsy town with a variety of hiking trails, fishing excursions, beaches, and parks.
So if you’re looking to disconnect for a bit, enjoy some fresh air, and maybe get out on the water, then Trinidad is the place for you.
✅ Hiking Trails
Trinidad is a great place to hike and explore the wild beauty of Northern California.
The area is home to a number of trails, but I want to stick to the ones that are actually in Trinidad, rather than the surrounding area because that list would go on forever!
1. Tall Trees Grove
Tall Trees Grove trail is a 3.6 miles out and back trail in Redwood National and State Parks.
You must get a free permit before visiting the trail by applying online 24-48 hours in advance to get the directions and the gate code for access to the trail.
2. Rim Trail Loop
Location: Sue-Meg State Park, Trinidad, CA 95570
This 4.5 mile loop trail starts at the Agate Beach trailhead and follows along the coast before circling back through the park.
✅ Museums
For those who want to learn about the history of this coastal town, make sure to check out the local museum.
3. Trinidad Museum
Location: 400 Janis Court, Trinidad, CA 95570
The Trinidad Museum is in a Victorian Italianate bungalow home from about 1899-1900 that has been beautifully restored.
Several exhibits inside the home highlight the history of Trinidad.
✅ Soak Up The Sun At The Beach
Trinidad is a beach town in Northern California, so much of what there is to do here is at or near the beach.
4. Moonstone Beach
Location: 100 Moonstone Beach Road, Trinidad, CA 95570
Get a group of friends together and head down to Moonstone Beach for an unforgettable beach bonfire experience!
Enjoy s’mores, music, fire spinning and more while taking in some of the most stunning views in California.
5. Baker Beach
Location: 1532 Scenic Drive, Trinidad, CA 95570
Baker Beach is scenic because of all the rocks jutting out from the ocean floor all along the coastline.
It’s more rustic than the Southern California beaches, but that’s what makes it unique and worth visiting.
6. Big Lagoon County Park Beach
Location: 510 Big Lagoon Park Road, Trinidad, CA 95570
Big Lagoon is a beach you can camp at, so it can easily be built into your itinerary if you choose to camp here.
7. College Cove at Trinidad State Beach
Location: 4150 Patricks Point Drive, Trinidad, CA 95570
The offshore rocks can be seen from this beach as well.
The rocks are actually part of the California Coastal National Monument.
There are colorful tide pools here that are actually studied by the local university.
8. Luffenholtz Beach County Park
Location: 1639 Scenic Drive, Trinidad, CA 95570
Luffenholtz Beach has a Beach Trail and has access to Tepona Point Trail, so it’s a great beach to visit if you’re wanting to roam around rather than lounge around.
9. Old Home Beach (Indian Beach)
Location: 599 Edwards St, Trinidad, CA 95570
Old Home Beach looks out toward the Trinidad Pier and Trinidad Harbor without being right in the middle of the action.
10. Patricks Point
Location: 4150 Patricks Point Drive, Trinidad, CA 95570
There are several beaches that are part of Patricks Point.
So make a day trip out of exploring this park and visit multiple beaches like Palmer’s Point, Wedding Rock, and Agate Beach.
11. Trinidad Head Beach
Location: Lighthouse Road, Trinidad, CA 95570
Trinidad Head Beach is located on the south end of town near the lighthouse.
✅ Shopping
What’s a vacation without a little bit of shopping?
12. Downtown Trinidad
Visit Downtown Trinidad for excellent shopping opportunities with one-of-a-kind stores selling local artisans’ work, antiques and vintage items, books and much more.
✅ Wine Tasting
Northern California is well known for their wine, mainly because of Napa Valley.
The wine culture extends all the way up the coast with a variety of wine tasting rooms away from where the actual wineries are located.
13. Moonstone Crossing Winery
Location: 529 Trinity St, Trinidad, CA 95570
Moonstone Crossing Winery has been voted Humboldt County’s best wine maker.
They specialize in hearty, full-bodied, rich, red varietals, which is honestly how I tend to describe my favorite wines!
The tasting room is open daily from 12 pm – 6 pm.
✅ Try Your Hand At Gambling
Visiting more outdoorsy locations, you wouldn’t think gambling is an option.
It tends to be associated with more glitzy and glamorous destinations like Las Vegas.
But Trinidad is actually home to it’s own casino.
14. The Heights Casino
Location: 27 Scenic Drive, Trinidad, CA 95570
The Heights is the best tribal casino in Northern California.
They have events and promotions going on all the time, so check their website before your visit or check with the rewards/club desk before you start playing.
✅ Outdoor Activities
With its coastal location and abundance of outdoor attractions, Trinidad is the perfect spot for families, friends or solo adventurers looking to explore the outdoors.
Participate in activities such as
15. Whale Watching
During the months of December through April, whale watching is a must-do activity in Trinidad.
Take a boat tour or simply book yourself a spot on shore for an amazing sight!
16. Kayaking
If kayaking is your thing, there is plenty of coastline to go kayaking along.
17. Stand Up Paddle Boarding
If you’ve never tried stand up paddle boarding, aka SUP, you have to try it at least once.
It takes a minute to get a hang of and you don’t even technically have to stand to make it work.
You can always sit on the paddle board if that’s more manageable to you.
18. Biking
Many of the trails in the area are accessible for biking, so if you’re wanting to check out the scenery of the longer trails, biking is the way to go.
19. Horseback Riding
Redwood Creek Buckarettes is the best horseback riding tour company in the area.
They have a variety of options including:
Goose Pen Tour is 1.5 hours long and is $100 per person.
Majestic Tour is 2.25 hours long and is $125 per person.
Picnic Tour is 4 hours long and is $255 per person. As the name implies, this tour includes a picnic lunch.
20. Fishing
Find yourself a spot on the beach or take your boat out in the bay for some excellent fishing opportunities in Trinidad!
21. Surfing
With its sandy beaches and consistent wave breaks, surfing is a popular pastime in Trinidad.
Whether you’re an experienced surfer or just starting out, there are plenty of places to rent boards and get started!
Best Restaurants in Trinidad, California
While you’re in town you obviously have to eat.
Here are the best restaurants in Trinidad to try on your visit.
☑️ Larrupin’ Cafe
Location: 1658 Patricks Point Drive, Trinidad, CA 95570
Larrupin’ Cafe is a high end American steakhouse and seafood restaurant in Trinidad.
Their dishes are colorful and eclectic, with a romantic setting.
☑️ Trinidad Bay Eatery & Gallery
Location: 607 Parker Street, Trinidad, CA 95570
Trinidad Bay Eatery & Gallery serves American seafood cuisine like New England style clam chowder and local seafood.
They also serve homemade fudge and blackberry cobbler.
☑️ The Lighthouse Grill
Location: 355 Main Street, Trinidad, CA 95570
Their menu offers a variety of ⅓ lb burgers made with Humboldt grass fed beef.
They also offer some seafood and sandwiches.
A unique dish to try is their mashed potatoes in a savory waffle cone that is made with cornmeal, garlic, rosemary, and chives.
Toppings include beef or veggie gravy, bacon, and cheese.
☑️ Moonstone Grill
Location: 100 Moonstone Beach Road, Trinidad, CA 95570
Moonstone Grill is an upscale bar and restaurant with beach views.
Their menu offers small plates like salads, soups, brioche & brie, fried calamari, smoked salmon wontons, crab cakes, and more.
Some a la carte seafood dishes include clams fettuccine, halibut, and cioppino.
Entrees include filet mignon, whole stuffed trout, California abalone, and Caribbean lobster tail.
☑️ Seascape Restaurant
Location: Pier at Trinidad Bay, Trinidad, CA 95570
This charming restaurant with its stunning oceanfront views is known for its exquisite breakfasts.
For breakfast you can expect to find elaborate seafood breakfast scrambles, sourdough hotcakes, and more.
Seascape is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm, serving the freshest seafood.
Best Places To Stay In Trinidad, California
Extend your visit to Trinidad, California by staying overnight or making a weekend getaway out of your trip.
✔️ View Crest Lodge
Location: 3415 Patricks Point Drive, Trinidad, CA 95570
This lodge is located right along the coast off of Highway 101.
Breakfast, parking, and wifi are all free at this property.
There are only 12 rooms here, so it sells out pretty frequently.
You’ll want to book your stay as far in advance as possible to ensure you get a spot.
👉 Click Here To Book Your Stay At View Crest Lodge Today!
✔️ Lost Whale Inn Oceanfront B&B
Location: 3452 Patricks Point Drive, Trinidad, CA 95570
This cozy inn has everything you need for a cozy and stress-free stay.
Spend time soaking up incredible views from its private balconies, explore the nearby trails, or simply relax with friends and family.
They have their own spa and they’re a popular wedding, elopement, and event location.
✔️ Emerald Forest Cabins
Location: 753 Patricks Point Dr, Trinidad, CA, 95570
Emerald Forest Cabins has a variety of cabin types from standard to deluxe to bungalows, and more.
It’s located just off of Highway 101 near Trinidad State Beach.
👉 Click Here To Book Your Stay At Emerald Forest Cabins Today!
Where Is Trinidad, California?
Trinidad, California is located on the Northern California Coast in Humboldt County.
This quaint yet vibrant coastal town is known for its stunning scenery and abundance of outdoor activities.
It’s a perfect spot for adventurers looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life!
With easy access to some of best beaches in California and a variety of recreational opportunities – Trinidad is where you want to be!
Come explore this incredible destination and find out why it’s one of best places to visit along the Pacific Coast!
What Is The Best Way To Get Around Trinidad, California?
The best way to get around Trinidad, California is by car.
The town is small enough that it can be easily navigated and there are plenty of parking options available.
For those looking for a more scenic option, bike rentals are also available.
Bicycling around the area is an enjoyable way to explore all that Trinidad has to offer!
Overall, finding your way around Trinidad should not be difficult since there are plenty of great transportation options available to suit any budget or preference.
What Is Trinidad, California known for?
Trinidad, California is known for its coastal beauty, abundance of outdoor activities, and recreational opportunities.
The town’s natural setting offers plenty of opportunities for adventure-seeking visitors to explore the area’s various parks and beaches.
Aside from its incredible environment, Trinidad is also known for its fresh seafood and unique dining experiences that will satisfy even the most discerning palate.
The town also offers a variety of other attractions such as galleries, wineries, historic sites, cultural centers and more!
Overall Trinidad, California is an amazing destination with something for everyone.
What Is The Weather Like In Trinidad, California?
Trinidad, California is known for its mild climate year-round.
During the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 79 degrees Fahrenheit with minimal humidity and cool ocean breezes.
In the winter, temperatures are usually in the low 50s on average though there may be occasional rain or snowfall throughout the season.
Overall Trinidad enjoys warm days and cool nights all year long, making it a great destination regardless of what time of year you visit!
This is why so many visitors come back to this charming coastal town year after year – they’re always guaranteed perfect weather!
When Is The Best Time To Visit Trinidad, California?
The best time to visit Trinidad, California is during the summer months when temperatures are at their warmest and the days are long.
June through August offers an ideal climate for those looking to enjoy all that this amazing coastal town has to offer.
During these months, you can take advantage of Trinidad’s endless outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, fishing and more!
You can also take part in some of the festivals and events hosted throughout the summer season – from art shows to music concerts there is something for everyone!
Overall, if you’re looking for a great beach getaway with plenty to see and do – then make sure you plan your trip during the summer when Trinidad shines its brightest!
Conclusion: Things To Do In Trinidad, California
There’s no shortage of things to do in Trinidad, California!
Whether you’re looking for an adventure or a relaxing getaway, this beautiful coastal town has something for everyone.
