Guidebook
Sightseeing
Easy Access. Dog Friendly.
In your GPS, type in "Seascape Restaurant" and it'll take you there and when you get down the hill to it, it'll be the beach on your right with the big parking lot facing it. The mountain/hill adjacent to this lot is called Trinidad Head - it is a loop walk with a nice incline - maybe an hourish long.
The other end of the parking lot is the Seascape Restaurant, a traditional seafood/pier vibe for fish and chips, etc. There is a little beach there, too.
72 habitants recommandent
Trinidad State Beach
Easy Access. Dog Friendly.
In your GPS, type in "Seascape Restaurant" and it'll take you there and when you get down the hill to it, it'll be the beach on your right with the big parking lot facing it. The mountain/hill adjacent to this lot is called Trinidad Head - it is a loop walk with a nice incline - maybe an hourish long.
The other end of the parking lot is the Seascape Restaurant, a traditional seafood/pier vibe for fish and chips, etc. There is a little beach there, too.
Prairie Creek....So many hikes here! Talk to the visitor center to get the one that fits your ability and time allowance.
We love the Ossagon trail - it takes you down to the ocean and maybe it's like two hours or so total? But there are countless amazing ones! Our friend, Desi's faves are Hope Creek Loop and Brown Creek Loop - both have some elevation to deal with. His favorite flat trail is Prairie Creek Trail.
Elk can often be spotted on your drive there.
Keep in mind there are no good places to eat past Trinidad except for a gas station type market in Orick near the park, so eat good before you head out and/or grab some snacks to take with you.
On your way back home in the evening you could grab pizza at Headies in Trinidad (slices can be picked up on the spot, but order in advance for a whole pie). There is also the Seascape in Trinidad where you could get clam chowder or other traditional coastal meals - last I checked they closed after lunch. If you’re feeling a little more fancy/pricey but worth it - keep in mind fancy in Humboldt allows for hiking attire ha - you do Larrupin Cafe (you might need a reservation here) located just minutes north of Trinidad.
93 habitants recommandent
Redwood National and State Parks
Prairie Creek....So many hikes here! Talk to the visitor center to get the one that fits your ability and time allowance.
We love the Ossagon trail - it takes you down to the ocean and maybe it's like two hours or so total? But there are countless amazing ones! Our friend, Desi's faves are Hope Creek Loop and Brown Creek Loop - both have some elevation to deal with. His favorite flat trail is Prairie Creek Trail.
Elk can often be spotted on your drive there.
Keep in mind there are no good places to eat past Trinidad except for a gas station type market in Orick near the park, so eat good before you head out and/or grab some snacks to take with you.
On your way back home in the evening you could grab pizza at Headies in Trinidad (slices can be picked up on the spot, but order in advance for a whole pie). There is also the Seascape in Trinidad where you could get clam chowder or other traditional coastal meals - last I checked they closed after lunch. If you’re feeling a little more fancy/pricey but worth it - keep in mind fancy in Humboldt allows for hiking attire ha - you do Larrupin Cafe (you might need a reservation here) located just minutes north of Trinidad.
It’s literally right outside our door!
The Hammond Trail is a 5.5 mile multi-use segment of the California Coastal Trail in Humboldt County.
The Hammond Trail provides adventure, history and beautiful vistas as it undulates along the Northern California coastline and stretches from the Arcata Bottoms northward to Clam Beach County Park near McKinleyville.
Starting from the southern trailhead, at the Mad River Bridge (we are north of this bridge by a ten minute walk), your adventure of the historic Hammond Trail begins. You cross the Mad River pedestrian bridge overlooking the Mad River, where you are likely to see marine wildlife, such as seals and sea otters. Many bird species, including cormorants, grebes, herons, ducks and Aleutian geese, endangered until recently, also frequent the area.
Directly beyond the river the trail winds between coastal pastures partially protected by the coastal dunes to the west. You ascend a short hill into the western fringe of McKinleyville, an unincorporated town with a population of 15,000 people. The trail continues through residential neighborhoods to Hiller Park where you can take a restroom break, enjoy extra hiking trails, and a dog park.
Beyond Hiller Park the trail tunnels through a beautiful thick overgrowth of mixed conifer forest before opening up to spectacular bluff-side views of the Mad River and Pacific Ocean. Take a seat on a bench or continue on the trail to the Murray Road picnic area or Widow White Creek recreational loop trail. The Widow White Creek loop trail leads you north along the bluff then down along the creek and connects you back to the paved trail north of Murray Road near Highway 101. From the picnic area, the trail shares traffic with Murray Road for about 0.25 mile before turning north toward Widow White Creek.
The Hammond Trail north of Widow White Creek boasts more spectacular bluff overlooks and the Mad River Vista Point at Highway 101 before you descend a steep gravel grade to sea level. A short, paved section crosses Strawberry Creek just before the trail end at Clam Beach County Park. The trail can be accessed every day of the year and is pet and family friendly.
Trail Quick Facts
Length: 5.5 miles
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt, gravel
Trail End Points: Clam Beach County Park and Mad River Bridge on Mad River Road
Activities
Bicycling
Hiking and Walking
Jogging
Horseback Riding
Birding
Picnicking
Dog walking (on leash only)
Accessible Areas and Free Parking available.
9 habitants recommandent
Hammond Trail
Hammond TrailIt’s literally right outside our door!
The Hammond Trail is a 5.5 mile multi-use segment of the California Coastal Trail in Humboldt County.
The Hammond Trail provides adventure, history and beautiful vistas as it undulates along the Northern California coastline and stretches from the Arcata Bottoms northward to Clam Beach County Park near McKinleyville.
Starting from the southern trailhead, at the Mad River Bridge (we are north of this bridge by a ten minute walk), your adventure of the historic Hammond Trail begins. You cross the Mad River pedestrian bridge overlooking the Mad River, where you are likely to see marine wildlife, such as seals and sea otters. Many bird species, including cormorants, grebes, herons, ducks and Aleutian geese, endangered until recently, also frequent the area.
Directly beyond the river the trail winds between coastal pastures partially protected by the coastal dunes to the west. You ascend a short hill into the western fringe of McKinleyville, an unincorporated town with a population of 15,000 people. The trail continues through residential neighborhoods to Hiller Park where you can take a restroom break, enjoy extra hiking trails, and a dog park.
Beyond Hiller Park the trail tunnels through a beautiful thick overgrowth of mixed conifer forest before opening up to spectacular bluff-side views of the Mad River and Pacific Ocean. Take a seat on a bench or continue on the trail to the Murray Road picnic area or Widow White Creek recreational loop trail. The Widow White Creek loop trail leads you north along the bluff then down along the creek and connects you back to the paved trail north of Murray Road near Highway 101. From the picnic area, the trail shares traffic with Murray Road for about 0.25 mile before turning north toward Widow White Creek.
The Hammond Trail north of Widow White Creek boasts more spectacular bluff overlooks and the Mad River Vista Point at Highway 101 before you descend a steep gravel grade to sea level. A short, paved section crosses Strawberry Creek just before the trail end at Clam Beach County Park. The trail can be accessed every day of the year and is pet and family friendly.
Trail Quick Facts
Length: 5.5 miles
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt, gravel
Trail End Points: Clam Beach County Park and Mad River Bridge on Mad River Road
Activities
Bicycling
Hiking and Walking
Jogging
Horseback Riding
Birding
Picnicking
Dog walking (on leash only)
Accessible Areas and Free Parking available.
One of our favorite walks from the house!
This is perfect if you want to do a short, easy walk from the house. In less than ten minutes you'll be on an ADA trail, party developed and part-wild that meanders along the Mad River. This trail just opened in November.
Directions:
1. Turn right out of the gate.
2. Turn left when you get to the stop sign on School Road.
3. Walk toward the ocean, on School Road and after a few blocks and it'll dish you right into the trail entrance, where School meets Ocean Drive.
4. It’s that easy - Enjoy!
Mad River
One of our favorite walks from the house!
This is perfect if you want to do a short, easy walk from the house. In less than ten minutes you'll be on an ADA trail, party developed and part-wild that meanders along the Mad River. This trail just opened in November.
Directions:
1. Turn right out of the gate.
2. Turn left when you get to the stop sign on School Road.
3. Walk toward the ocean, on School Road and after a few blocks and it'll dish you right into the trail entrance, where School meets Ocean Drive.
4. It’s that easy - Enjoy!
When the north wind is blowing, you will find a sheltered beach at College Cove. Epic spot.
It's a steep walk down, but there are stairs to use. Our most photographed vista is from this trail overlooking College Cove.
As is common sense these days, don't leave valuables in your car.
Put this address in your GPS
585 Stagecoach Rd
Trinidad, CA 95570
When you arrive, park in the right hand parking area and enter the trail. After about five or so minutes of walking, there will be steps down on the left side. Feel free to ask, "Where's College Cove?" if you think you've missed them. If you don't take the left down, the trail is beautiful and dead ends in another breathtaking spot with a wide view of the ocean and sometimes sea lions - this spot is called Elk Head.
29 habitants recommandent
College Cove Beach
College Cove TrailWhen the north wind is blowing, you will find a sheltered beach at College Cove. Epic spot.
It's a steep walk down, but there are stairs to use. Our most photographed vista is from this trail overlooking College Cove.
As is common sense these days, don't leave valuables in your car.
Put this address in your GPS
585 Stagecoach Rd
Trinidad, CA 95570
When you arrive, park in the right hand parking area and enter the trail. After about five or so minutes of walking, there will be steps down on the left side. Feel free to ask, "Where's College Cove?" if you think you've missed them. If you don't take the left down, the trail is beautiful and dead ends in another breathtaking spot with a wide view of the ocean and sometimes sea lions - this spot is called Elk Head.
Only place in the Prairie Creek National and State Park forest here that you can take a dog!!!!!
It's a road so you're walking on gravel, but you're still amidst the giants! It doesn't have that quiet forest floor involved, but if you have your dog with you, it's a great choice to still get to be in the old growth forest.
Cal-Barrel Road
Cal-Barrel RoadOnly place in the Prairie Creek National and State Park forest here that you can take a dog!!!!!
It's a road so you're walking on gravel, but you're still amidst the giants! It doesn't have that quiet forest floor involved, but if you have your dog with you, it's a great choice to still get to be in the old growth forest.
A 15 minute walk from our house! Dog friendly. Kid friendly.
Directions:
1. Walk out the gate and turn right
2. Follow the trail and in fifteen minutes (by foot) you'll be at Hiller Park.
There is a dog park here, a park for kids, and magical trails that can take you down to the Mad River where you might see otters, herons, and all kinds of birds.
8 habitants recommandent
Hiller Park
A 15 minute walk from our house! Dog friendly. Kid friendly.
Directions:
1. Walk out the gate and turn right
2. Follow the trail and in fifteen minutes (by foot) you'll be at Hiller Park.
There is a dog park here, a park for kids, and magical trails that can take you down to the Mad River where you might see otters, herons, and all kinds of birds.
This is a 10 minute walk from the house.
Directions:
1. Take a left out of the gate.
2. I usually go to the middle of the bridge, look around, and come back home. A 30ish minute walk round trip.
*Once in a while there's a weird guy in a car sitting there cause it's isolated - so I don't go after dark - but have never had a problem.
NOTE:
If you cross the bridge and turn right you can walk to the Mad River beach in another 40 minutes. It will dead end at the beach. It's a narrow, country road with traffic being people going to the beach. It's a relaxing walk, but you do need to stay alert for occasional cars. The walk takes you by cows and the along the river. Lots of birds and wildlife!
Mad River Bridge
Hammond TrailThis is a 10 minute walk from the house.
Directions:
1. Take a left out of the gate.
2. I usually go to the middle of the bridge, look around, and come back home. A 30ish minute walk round trip.
*Once in a while there's a weird guy in a car sitting there cause it's isolated - so I don't go after dark - but have never had a problem.
NOTE:
If you cross the bridge and turn right you can walk to the Mad River beach in another 40 minutes. It will dead end at the beach. It's a narrow, country road with traffic being people going to the beach. It's a relaxing walk, but you do need to stay alert for occasional cars. The walk takes you by cows and the along the river. Lots of birds and wildlife!
You can walk to it from the house! Approx 40 minutes walk.
Directions:
1. Take a left out of the gate
2. Walk for 15 minutes and you'll see.a bridge - cross it.
3. After you cross the bridge, turn right and follow the road - it'll dead end into the beach.
It's a narrow, country road with no sidewalks that meanders along the Mad River. The only traffic is people going to and from the beach which is generally pretty light traffic, but be alert on the road.
Cows and birds - and once I saw a coyote on the river! - are the sights you will likely see.
Mad River Beach
40 California 124You can walk to it from the house! Approx 40 minutes walk.
Directions:
1. Take a left out of the gate
2. Walk for 15 minutes and you'll see.a bridge - cross it.
3. After you cross the bridge, turn right and follow the road - it'll dead end into the beach.
It's a narrow, country road with no sidewalks that meanders along the Mad River. The only traffic is people going to and from the beach which is generally pretty light traffic, but be alert on the road.
Cows and birds - and once I saw a coyote on the river! - are the sights you will likely see.
If you go to Trinidad, take this route!
Instead of taking the Trinidad exit which is what a GPS will tell you to do, take the beautiful route - only 10 minutes longer.
Directions from the house:
1. 101 North
2. Westhaven Exit
3. Left @ stop sign
4. Right @ stop sign
5. Enjoy the drive and views - you’re on the scenic drive to Trinidad!
Take it slow. Sometimes it’s one way traffic. Many outlooks/pull outs.
It will end in the town of Trinidad.
Scenic Dr, Trinidad, CA 95570, États-Unis
If you go to Trinidad, take this route!
Instead of taking the Trinidad exit which is what a GPS will tell you to do, take the beautiful route - only 10 minutes longer.
Directions from the house:
1. 101 North
2. Westhaven Exit
3. Left @ stop sign
4. Right @ stop sign
5. Enjoy the drive and views - you’re on the scenic drive to Trinidad!
Take it slow. Sometimes it’s one way traffic. Many outlooks/pull outs.
It will end in the town of Trinidad.
Dog friendly. The beach has a dead end so that can be reassuring to dog owners. You park and there's the beach! No big stairs , just a couple steps down and you're on it. Pretty darn beautiful.
12 minutes drive north - take Westhaven exit. Turn left at stop sign. Turn left again and next stop sign and after about 30 seconds, turn right and drive down to the water.
49 habitants recommandent
Moonstone Beach
Dog friendly. The beach has a dead end so that can be reassuring to dog owners. You park and there's the beach! No big stairs , just a couple steps down and you're on it. Pretty darn beautiful.
12 minutes drive north - take Westhaven exit. Turn left at stop sign. Turn left again and next stop sign and after about 30 seconds, turn right and drive down to the water.
This is something we've been wanting to do for a long time - Kayak Trinidad! It looks like a beautiful, safe, and easy way to get out and kayak the area since this company takes care of everything!
At certain times of the year people see whales on the outings - that's what draws our attention! We've heard great things about this outfit and someday hope to join one of their trips; until then, we love catching the gorgeous trips on their social media. :)
Kayak Trinidad
322 Bay StThis is something we've been wanting to do for a long time - Kayak Trinidad! It looks like a beautiful, safe, and easy way to get out and kayak the area since this company takes care of everything!
At certain times of the year people see whales on the outings - that's what draws our attention! We've heard great things about this outfit and someday hope to join one of their trips; until then, we love catching the gorgeous trips on their social media. :)
Food scene
One of the best things about living here is all of the local farmers.
Check out the farmers market on the Arcata Plaza, Saturdays from 9 AM till the early afternoon and enjoy live music, food, flowers, plants, happiness.
43 habitants recommandent
Arcata Farmer's Market
8th StreetOne of the best things about living here is all of the local farmers.
Check out the farmers market on the Arcata Plaza, Saturdays from 9 AM till the early afternoon and enjoy live music, food, flowers, plants, happiness.
In Arcata.
It’s cute and it’s delicious. It can be busy so get there a little early to get your name on the list.
https://www.renatascreperie.com/
63 habitants recommandent
Renata's Creperie
1030 G StIn Arcata.
It’s cute and it’s delicious. It can be busy so get there a little early to get your name on the list.
https://www.renatascreperie.com/
Old Town, Eureka.
Historic Victorian recently restored and revamped in the inside. Owned by some cool cat locals. It feels like New Orleans inside and has speciality drinks/cocktails and fun small plates. By the time you see this, their new restaurant on the same block will have opened. I think it's going to be called The Tavern.
15 habitants recommandent
Phatsy Kline's Parlor Lounge
129 2nd StOld Town, Eureka.
Historic Victorian recently restored and revamped in the inside. Owned by some cool cat locals. It feels like New Orleans inside and has speciality drinks/cocktails and fun small plates. By the time you see this, their new restaurant on the same block will have opened. I think it's going to be called The Tavern.
Located about 9 minutes away, we usually get the fish burrito and margarita with tajin.
Fiesta Grill & Cantina
3525 Janes RdLocated about 9 minutes away, we usually get the fish burrito and margarita with tajin.
In Arcata. Longtime vegetarian and vegan restaurant.
23 habitants recommandent
Wildflower Cafe & Bakery
1604 G StIn Arcata. Longtime vegetarian and vegan restaurant.
I like sitting outside on the patio at the Marina and enjoying the relaxing vibe of the boats at the dock and walking around the boat area after we eat. I can't say that this place is known for its food - it's traditional and not farm to table or ethnic as we generally like to eat - but for some people, it's what they like and anyone would like the boat/chill mood, especially on a sunny day.
16 habitants recommandent
Cafe Marina & Woodley's Bar
601 Startare DriveI like sitting outside on the patio at the Marina and enjoying the relaxing vibe of the boats at the dock and walking around the boat area after we eat. I can't say that this place is known for its food - it's traditional and not farm to table or ethnic as we generally like to eat - but for some people, it's what they like and anyone would like the boat/chill mood, especially on a sunny day.
Cult classic! It's pretty much the only place open after 9:00. We love their vegetarian South East Asian sandwich on dutch crunch with avocado w/no mayo and we've heard their pizza is good. They also have fresh donuts.
6 habitants recommandent
Don's Donuts Pizza & Deli
933 H StCult classic! It's pretty much the only place open after 9:00. We love their vegetarian South East Asian sandwich on dutch crunch with avocado w/no mayo and we've heard their pizza is good. They also have fresh donuts.
There are actually three sushi places we go to. The closest, in McKinleyville is The Sushi Spot, but in Arcata you can go to Tomo or The Sushi Spot and they are super duper close to each other so if one is booked up you can walk some steps and try the other.
32 habitants recommandent
Tomo Japanese Restaurant
708 9th StThere are actually three sushi places we go to. The closest, in McKinleyville is The Sushi Spot, but in Arcata you can go to Tomo or The Sushi Spot and they are super duper close to each other so if one is booked up you can walk some steps and try the other.
1. We like this place because it’s five minutes away.
2. It’s a taproom - They have a big selection of beer and some cider.
3. They have rotating food trucks so check their website to see what food they are offering.
4. In the summer, they have an outdoor area, often with live music. 
5. You can bring your dog in!!!
The Bigfoot Taproom
1. We like this place because it’s five minutes away.
2. It’s a taproom - They have a big selection of beer and some cider.
3. They have rotating food trucks so check their website to see what food they are offering.
4. In the summer, they have an outdoor area, often with live music. 
5. You can bring your dog in!!!
This place also has houses a cider bar. Popular spot with the college students and all ages. Yummy little pot pies and empanadas as well as sweet pies. Some indoor seating, as well as outdoor seating. 
36 habitants recommandent
Slice Of Humboldt Pie
828 I StThis place also has houses a cider bar. Popular spot with the college students and all ages. Yummy little pot pies and empanadas as well as sweet pies. Some indoor seating, as well as outdoor seating. 
City/town information
My mom's favorite town. About 25 minute drive south of our house.
Nestled between the California Redwoods and fabled Lost Coast, the Victorian village of Ferndale is a hidden oasis of small town charm, spectacular architecture, and enchanting natural beauty. It's a fusion of of old-fashioned Americana (lots of pastures and cows!) and modern quirkiness.
We love the Ferndale Pizza Factory (it's an Italian restaurant) and have heard that Tuya's Mexican is good (no liquor license). No Brand Burger bar is is one of our favs. O, and for coffee/pastries - Mind's Eye Manufactory & Coffee Lounge!
Centerville beach is also there. Go through town on Main Street and turn right onto Centerville Road and it will wind along pastures and homes and after about 10 minutes you'll be at the beach. In town there is also a neat old cemetery with a trail.
63 habitants recommandent
Ferndale
My mom's favorite town. About 25 minute drive south of our house.
Nestled between the California Redwoods and fabled Lost Coast, the Victorian village of Ferndale is a hidden oasis of small town charm, spectacular architecture, and enchanting natural beauty. It's a fusion of of old-fashioned Americana (lots of pastures and cows!) and modern quirkiness.
We love the Ferndale Pizza Factory (it's an Italian restaurant) and have heard that Tuya's Mexican is good (no liquor license). No Brand Burger bar is is one of our favs. O, and for coffee/pastries - Mind's Eye Manufactory & Coffee Lounge!
Centerville beach is also there. Go through town on Main Street and turn right onto Centerville Road and it will wind along pastures and homes and after about 10 minutes you'll be at the beach. In town there is also a neat old cemetery with a trail.