The 5 Best Things to Do in Trinidad, California

Visit the Redwood Forests

Trinidad is an excellent base for exploring the Redwood National and State Parks, where ancient coast redwoods create some of Northern California’s most memorable scenery.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park offers easy access to towering old-growth forests, scenic drives, and trails through some of the world’s tallest trees.

• Lady Bird Johnson Grove: Walk the 1.5-mile loop through an impressive redwood grove.
• Tall Trees Grove: See some of the park’s largest trees on this spectacular backcountry trail.
• Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway: Take a scenic drive through magnificent forest scenery.

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Farther north, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park combines enormous redwoods with the peaceful waters of the Smith River.

• Stout Grove: Follow an easy loop beneath some of the park’s most impressive redwoods.
• Grove of Titans: Walk the elevated boardwalk to a remarkable collection of ancient redwoods.
• Boy Scout Tree Trail: Hike deeper into the forest to see towering trees and picturesque streams.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Prairie Creek is known for its lush old-growth forests, fern-covered landscapes, open meadows, and frequent Roosevelt elk sightings.

• Fern Canyon: Walk between dramatic fern-covered walls along Home Creek.
• Big Tree: See one of the park’s most famous massive redwoods.
• Elk Prairie: Look for Roosevelt elk grazing in the open meadow.

Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

Where ancient redwoods meet a rugged coastline, Del Norte Coast offers a quieter and more remote forest experience.

• Damnation Creek Trail: Descend through redwoods and spruce toward the rugged coast.
• Wilson Beach: Enjoy a peaceful stroll and look for tidepool life at low tide.
• Coastal Trail: Explore sections of the scenic trail along the dramatic coastline.
  

Relax at Local Beaches

Trinidad’s beaches are especially appealing because they combine dramatic coastal scenery with tide pools, offshore rocks, wildlife, and opportunities for peaceful walks. Several beaches also offer excellent opportunities for spotting seabirds, seals, and migrating whales. Just remember that North Coast waters can have powerful waves and currents, so visitors should use caution near the water.



• Trinidad State Beach: Explore sandy shoreline, offshore rock formations, and tide pools.
• College Cove Beach: Enjoy a scenic, more secluded beach near Trinidad Head.
• Moonstone Beach: Walk the shoreline and admire the dramatic coastal landscape.

Take a Scenic Hike

Hiking around Trinidad gives visitors a chance to experience the region’s forests and coastline at a slower pace. Many trails provide opportunities to see wildlife, waterfalls, beaches, and spectacular Pacific Ocean views. With year-round scenery and mild coastal temperatures, there is a hike for nearly every visitor.

• Trinidad Head Trail: Follow the loop around the headland for panoramic coastal and ocean views.
• Trillium Falls Trail: Hike through old-growth forest to a small, picturesque waterfall.
• Fern Canyon Loop: Explore a narrow canyon surrounded by towering fern-covered walls.
• James Irvine Trail: Take a longer adventure through redwoods and spruce forest to Fern Canyon and the coast.

Explore by Kayak

Trinidad Harbor offers a relatively protected launching point for guided ocean paddles, making it an appealing option for beginners and experienced kayakers alike. Calm-water options such as Big Lagoon are another excellent choice for families and wildlife enthusiasts. With seals, sea lions, otters, seabirds, and seasonal whales often found in the area, every paddle can offer something different.

• Humboats Kayak Adventures: Humboats Kayak Adventures provides guided Trinidad Bay whale and wildlife tours.
• Bigfoot Adventure Academy: With guided kayak experiences on Trinidad Bay and Big Lagoon, Bigfoot Adventure Academy is another great option for those wanting to see the area by kayak.