Trinidad State Beach — Attraction in McKinleyville

Absolutely beautiful. I also loved the little trail with the creek that meets you at the beach. My kids had a great time. Plenty of room for everyone, and everyone seems good at packing out their trash and leaving behind a clean beach. The people there were generally nice, mostly other tourists. My impression of Trinidad was they are maybe a little burned out from out of towners? I've only been here once so who knows. I can't say I would blame them. The view near our restaurant was like a Studio Ghibli scene. It's a very pretty town. I'd keep it secret if I lived there. It was so refreshing to go somewhere without those 5 or 6 fast food chains that plague other towns. It feels like a real place.

My only issue at the beach was a woman had her inbred pitbull science experiment off the leash and it ran straight for a toddler. I thought it was a stray, but its owner was just physically incapable of keeping up with it. The dog was like 5 minutes ahead of her. Lucky the child was not harmed. I'm sure ol Sparkles just wanted to play fetch.

So... yeah be aware there may be unleashed dogs. It's normal at most beaches, but everyone seemed a little stoned here, so reaction times are slower. Her dog was probably stoned too lol. The problem is when pitbulls get the munchies they eat kids faces. Why is it always the least disciplined people who get the notorious breeds and take them off the leash in public? Loving them is not enough, they need discipline and training... and a leash!

That's not a knock on this beach anyways, just the silly world we live in. You should definitely go here and have fun. Don't turn your back on the ocean, and don't forget to check the...

Trinidad State Beach is an absolutely stunning spot for photoshoots! The combination of rugged, rocky landscapes and soft, sandy beach creates an incredible atmosphere that’s truly one-of-a-kind. Whether it’s a misty morning or a bright afternoon, the scenery is breathtaking, with rock formations, tide pools, and dramatic cliffs that add so much depth to each shot. It’s the perfect mix of beachy vibes and coastal wilderness, making it ideal for engagement sessions, family portraits, or even just a relaxing day capturing nature’s beauty. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a unique and...

Google maps is going to tell you you arrived right before the parking area depending on which way you come, so look at the map and you should be able to tell where to park (you'll see the trails). Great place to look at tide pools, play in the sand, explore the coast, hang out, etc. To get down is a steep stair walk along some blackberries so just know that. Also, the way to the beach shares a trail with an actual hiking trail, so be on the lookout for the trail down to the beach because there is no signage. Google maps shows the path though if you have service, that's what we...