This Underrated Coastal Town In Northern California Offers A Stunning Seaside Escape

Looking for a serene seaside escape that's peaceful and totally off the radar? Trinidad, California, an underrated family-friendly California town with beautiful, pristine beaches, is your best bet. Tucked along the rugged Humboldt County coastline, this small town (population about 400) offers an amazing coastal experience. You will love the unspoiled beaches, cliffs, and redwood backdrops.

Trinidad isn't your typical California beach town, so don't expect rollerblades on boardwalks or souvenir shops. Instead, you'll find a historic lighthouse, art galleries, coastal trails, and breathtaking ocean views. Whether you want to hike, kayak, or sunbathe, this is the place to unplug.

Located along Highway 101, Trinidad is approximately five hours north of San Francisco or just a 25-minute drive from Eureka, the closest city. Humboldt County Airport(ACV) is also about eight miles from Trinidad. The unexploited coastal town in northern California took off during the Gold Rush era in the 1850s, when it became a vital supply port for miners transporting lumber north and mining provisions inland. In the 1870s, it evolved into a shipping hub for lumber, and later a fishing village. Over the years, Trinidad has maintained its slow-paced life while offering easy access to redwood forests and protected beaches along the California coast.

Trinidad may be small, but it's surrounded by more adventures than you can squeeze into a weekend. If you love beach-hopping, this tiny coastal town is wrapped in some of the best beaches in California, with pristine shorelines and minimal crowds. A short trail from the town center leads you down to Trinidad State Beach, a stunning crescent-shaped beach of golden sand, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and sea stacks. The beach has a picnic area with restrooms and seating, and is also dog-friendly. You can spend evenings on the beach enjoying magical sunset vistas.

Looking for something tucked away? Head to College Cove, a short hike north from Trinidad State Beach, known for its tide pools and sea stars. It's a favorite for locals, and visitors seeking solitude. A few miles south is Moonstone Beach, a dog-friendly, picturesque beach that's popular with surfers and gives you a great view of Camel Rock. Don't miss the chance to explore sea caves at the north end.

If you enjoy hiking, the Trinidad Head Trail is a must-try. This moderate 1.4-mile loop offers beautiful views of the coastline, the harbor, and sometimes migrating gray whales. Interpretive signs along the trail share fascinating facts about local wildlife and history. On the way up, you'll pass by Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse, which commemorates those lost at sea. For paddlers and adventure seekers, kayaking out into Trinidad Bay gives you a front-row seat to sea lions, harbor seals, and sea caves. You can rent your own kayak or book a tour with local outfitters.

When you've had your fill of the ocean and sandy beaches, Trinidad offers a rich mix of cozy stops and nearby adventures to keep you entertained. Start with a stroll through Trinidad Art Gallery, a local cooperative featuring pottery, photography, and coastal-inspired paintings by Humboldt artists. Want a taste of local delicacies? You're in for a treat. Grab fresh crab cakes or clam chowder at Seascape Restaurant, located on the pier, where the views are as good as the food. You can head to Trinidad Bay Eatery & Gallery, a favorite for hearty breakfasts and locally roasted coffee.

Beyond the small town, Humboldt Lagoons State Park, one of California's most underrated state parks, is just a 10-minute drive north of Trinidad. It's a great spot for peaceful hiking trails, bird-watching, and kayaking across several lagoons. Make sure you bring your binoculars for spotting different types of wildlife, from elk to eagles.

Trinidad is also a gateway to Redwood National and State Parks, where you can wander among the towering redwoods that have stood for over a thousand years and hike to hidden waterfalls. This sprawling park system is made up of Prairie Creek Redwoods, Del Norte Coast Redwoods, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Parks, offering endless outdoor adventures. You can go on a hike through Lady Bird Johnson Grove, passing through misty redwood groves and fern-covered ridges.