Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Congratulations, traveler, you've reached the middle of nowhere, or at least the top of the
middle of nowhere. Here, the trees are so large that the tiny towns along the road seem
even smaller. The scenery is pure drama: cliffs and rocks, native lore, legendary salmon
runs, mammoth trees, redneck towns and RVing retirees. It's certainly the
weirdest
part of
the California Coast. Leave time to dawdle and bask in the haunting grandeur of it all and,
even though there are scores of mid-century motels, you simply must make an effort to
sleep outdoors if possible.
Trinidad
Cheery, tiny Trinidad perches prettily on the side of the ocean, combining upscale homes
with a mellow surfer vibe. Somehow it feels a bit off-the-beaten-path even though tourism
augments fishing to keep the economy going. Trinidad gained its name when Spanish sea
captains arrived on Trinity Sunday in 1775 and named the area La Santisima Trinidad (the
Holy Trinity). It didn't boom, though, until the 1850s, when it became an important port
for miners.
Sights & Activities
Trinidad is small: approach via Hwy 101 or from the north via Patrick's Point Dr (which
becomes Scenic Dr further south). To reach town, take Main St.
The free town map at the
information kiosk
shows several fantastic hiking trails, most
notably the
Trinidad Head Trail
with superb coastal views; excellent for
whale-watching
(December to April). Stroll along an exceptionally beautiful cove at
Trinidad State
Beach
; take Main St and bear right at Stagecoach, then take the second turn left (the first
is a picnic area) into the small lot.
Scenic Dr twists south along coastal bluffs, passing tiny coves with views back toward
the bay. It peters out before reaching the broad expanses of
Luffenholtz Beach
(accessible
via the staircase) and serene white-sand
Moonstone Beach
. Exit Hwy 101 at 6th Ave/
Westhaven to get there. Further south Moonstone becomes
Clam Beach County Park
.
Surfing
is good year round, but potentially dangerous: unless you know how to judge
conditions and get yourself out of trouble - there are no lifeguards here - surf in better-
protected Crescent City.
