Agate Beach is remote enough to disconnect from the noise of the world but close enough to connect to the sound of nature. A great way to get to the beach is by parking your car at the Agate Beach campground and hiking the long flight of stairs down to the beach. It is the perfect place to watch the whales, sea lions and numerous shorebirds that reside on the beach. The sea at Agate Beach is best enjoyed from the beach itself with a picnic in hand. While the waters at Agate Beach appear picturesque the sharp cliffs and powerful riptides make swimming highly not recommended. All visitors are cautioned to exercise the utmost safety and care while in the water. Never turn your back on the water, or trust that you can withstand what you may think is a minor wave. 

Whether you are fishing, boating, beachcombing, birding or simply basking in the sun, the Humboldt Lagoons wait for you. Fed by natural springs, these gentle lagoons become brackish, breached each winter by the raging sea beyond. Big Lagoon offers plenty of exploring, seashell and rock collecting on majestic Agate Beach. And for those who desire to move off the beaten trail, a fantastic hiking path, easy to find, stretches from Dry Lagoon to Stone Lagoon, each offering a bit more primitive experience.

Take in a sweeping, panoramic view of the majestic Pacific Ocean from Luffenholtz Beach. Beautiful and inspiring, a scenic picnic area opens up onto an easy trail right down to the beach below. A truly spectacular rocky cove awaits, featuring populated tide pools and a variety of other unusual wildlife. A note of caution, however, stay aware of the incoming tide. The rocks are perfect for exploring, but nobody wants to become stranded on one. Luffenholtz Beach is owned by the Trinidad Coastal Land Trust.

Sue-Meg State Park is the perfect location to watch whales, sea lions and beautiful sunsets. It is located in the heart of the California redwood coast and considered one of the most magical treasures of the rugged Northern Coast. Take long and memorable strolls over safe, well-marked paths, bridges, steps and stairs winding in and around the crashing blue Pacific. Plus, get up close and personal in an ancient Sumeg village. A good camera is required on Rim Trail, Wedding Rock and Ceremonial Rock for the endless display of why California is famous the world over.

Numerous aquariums showcase local sea specimens like the world’s fastest starfish, a shy octopus and a cleverly camouflaged eel grass fish. Touch tanks out back offer kids a tactile way to meet anemones, sea cucumbers, starfish and hermit crabs.

Experienced anglers and newbies alike will have a blast aboard the Jumpin’ Jack out on beautiful Trinidad Bay with Captains Bob, Sam, Tom or Chris. The many shallow areas in Trinidad Bay offer the perfect place for light tackle rock cod fishing. If crabbing or salmon fishing floats your boat, they do that, too. Two five hour trips leave daily. There are also half day and full day private charters with room for up to six people.

Near the entrance to the seaside town of Trinidad, you’ll spot the Victorian bungalow that houses the Trinidad Museum. The Museum boasts five exhibit rooms and two spectacular gardens. Native American exhibits include a one-log, hand carved redwood canoe, exquisite Indian baskets, and a mural of the old Tsurai village, photographs and more. Here, you’ll learn about Trinidad’s rich cultural and natural history, with emphasis on local indigenous life and tradition.

A day in the sweet seaside town of Trinidad would not be complete without a sunset stroll down the Historic Trinidad Pier. California’s northernmost pier juts out into Trinidad Harbor, sheltered on one side from the waves and wind by Trinidad Head. On the other side, a sweeping vista of the crescent shaped coastline extends off into the distance. Fishing vessels and kayakers take advantage of the calm, deep waters here, as do crabbers, who often hunker down on the pier in the early morning hours, pots suspended in the water below.