No matter when you visit, you’ll have your choice of breathtaking scenery in and around Trinidad. In the spring, wild azaleas and rhododendrons bloom in late spring in nearby Patrick’s Point State Park in a riotous color display of pinks, corals and purples. Waves roll onto beaches trailing plumes of spray.
In summer, the ocean changes color from silver and pale greens to shades of bright aqua and vivid turquoise. Take a short drive through town to Trinidad State Beach, a great place for families and dogs on leash. Stroll along the ocean’s edge past towering rock formations and tide pools. Collect rocks and driftwood, fly kites, or get in a little surfing. Pick up the makings for a picnic at Murphy’s Market (with excellent local wines) or stop at Katy’s Smokehouse for incredible smoked salmon.
Late summer and fall are the best time for clear skies and brilliant sunsets. Soft blankets of fog roll in early but burn off by mid-day. Choose from several inns, a few motels, and lots of tent and RC camping sites scattered along the frontage road between Trinidad and Patrick’s Point State Park. Listen to sea lions barking offshore and watch harbor seals frolic in the ocean foam. Bring your bike or rent a canoe or kayak and enjoy nearby lagoons.
Winter is a time for hardy souls who don’t mind gusts of cold wind, shades of gray and rain. The season has its own quiet beauty. Most visitors have left and you’ll have the place to yourself. It’s a time for quiet reflection.
Photo opportunities in and around Trinidad are unparalleled. In town, the lighthouse looks out over the harbor where you can hire a boat for deep sea fishing. The sparkling bay is bordered by gentle hills. Walk the Rim Trail that borders Patrick’s Point State Park and you’ll be stopping frequently to take pictures!
Trinidad is home to great dining experiences, starting with a huge breakfast at the Eatery in the heart of town. Moonstone Grill (overlooking Moonstone Beach), Larupin Cafe, Seascape Restaurant on the pier and the Sunset Restaurant in Cher-Ae Heights Casino are pricey, but the cuisine is excellent. Fresh crab and salmon in season are great choices. A few small shops in town offer a variety of unique gifts and local, handmade items.
The town is located in the Trinidad Rancheria, traditional homeland of the Yurok Tribe whose ancestors, the Tsurai Indians, lived in a local village. As you approach the town from the south on Highway 101, you will notice several towering granite boulders off to the right as you start up the final hill. Legend has it that these are three sisters who guard the entrance to Yurok territory. Click your fingers three times to secure their blessing before traveling into Indian Country. The Trinidad Museum Society houses a collection of exquisite basketry, regalia and historic photos.
Plan to stay for several days and you’ll be rewarded with a lifetime of memories.
