Originally settled as the village of Tsurai by the Yurok people, Trinidad is a seaside town in California’s north-west. On Trinity Sunday in 1775, two Spanish naval ships anchored in the bay and began a formal act of possession, although it wasn’t until 1850 that the town was officially founded.
Things to do in Trinidad
In the heart of town is the Trinidad Museum, which occupies a charming Italianate bungalow that dates back to the turn of the 20th century. It houses five exhibition rooms where you’ll find artefacts related to the village of Tsurai and Yurok traditions, as well as the Gold Rush that brought Europeans to the region. Objects related to Trinidad’s whaling, fishing and logging industries are also on display.
One of the town’s most important landmarks is the Trinidad Head Light, a squat, white brick tower that dates back to 1871. It is perched atop a headland overlooking the Pacific Ocean alongside a 1960s keeper's building and an 1,800-kilogram bell. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Trinidad Head Light is active and offers magnificent views across the coastline.
Stretching north from the lighthouse is Trinidad State Beach, a rugged expanse of sand that provides a setting for coastal walks. Fossick in the colourful tide pools and photograph the offshore rocks that form part of the California Coastal National Monument. A short drive south of Trinidad is dune-backed Little River State Beach where you can swim and sunbathe in the summer months.
Getting around Trinidad
Trinidad is around 15 minutes’ drive from Arcata and 25 minutes from Eureka. California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport is 10 minutes away and has flights to destinations across the United States. Buses connect along the coastline to Trinidad and the town is small enough to explore on foot.