01
Best overall pick
Moonstone Beach County Park
Westhaven-Moonstone Shoreline • Laid-Back Surf And Family Beach • Local Favorite For All-Day Hanging Out
A wide, sandy cove with consistent surf, river play spots, and a relaxed local vibe.
At Moonstone, forested hills frame a broad, sandy arc that's as welcoming to beginners on soft-top boards as it is to kids with sand toys. There's usually a mix of surfers, dog walkers, and locals hanging out near the river mouth, but it rarely feels overwhelmed. Expect cool water, shifting sandbars, and the occasional sneaker wave, so dress warm and stay aware of the conditions.
02
Classic state beach day
Trinidad State Beach
Trinidad • Scenic State Beach With Bluffs And Trails • Great For Long Walks And Views
A sweeping, bluff-backed beach that pairs big coastal views with easy access from the edge of Trinidad.
Trinidad State Beach gives you that classic North Coast feel, with a broad strand of sand backed by wooded cliffs and sea stacks offshore. Trails from town drop you onto the sand, so it’s easy to grab a coffee, walk down, and wander the shoreline at your own pace. Low tide opens up more room to roam, but fog, wind, and chilly water are all part of the deal here.
03
Hidden cove feel
College Cove Beach
North Trinidad Headlands • Secluded Cove With Steep Trail Access • Best For Sunset Seekers And Photographers
A tucked-away pocket of sand framed by cliffs, often quieter than the main Trinidad State Beach.
College Cove feels more intimate than the bigger beaches nearby, thanks to its enclosed, amphitheater-like shape and the short but steep trail down. The combination of sea stacks, tide-sculpted rocks, and changing light makes it a favorite for golden-hour walks and photos. It’s not the spot for a quick, stroller-friendly visit, but if you can handle the climb, the payoff is worth it.
04
View-rich roadside stop
Luffenholtz Beach County Park
Between Westhaven And Trinidad • Rocky Pocket Beach With Coastal Overlook • Top Pick For Tidepooling And Picnics With A View
A compact cove below a highway overlook, offering big ocean vistas and rockier exploring at lower tides.
Luffenholtz is the kind of place where you can pull off the highway, grab a picnic table, and feel like you’ve dropped into a postcard. A short path leads down to the small, pebbly beach, where rock formations and pools invite slow exploring when the tide is low. It’s exposed to wind and swell, so think of it more as a wander-and-watch spot than a full-on swimming beach.
05
Big-sky beach wander
Clam Beach County Park
South Of Westhaven Near Mckinleyville • Wide, Windswept Sandy Beach • Best For Long, Uncrowded Beach Walks
An expansive, open beach where you can walk for ages with only waves, dunes, and seabirds for company.
Clam Beach is all about space: long, flat sand, big skies, and room to stretch your legs without weaving through crowds. It’s a go-to for dog walkers, kite flyers, and anyone looking to wander with the surf in their ears and dunes at their back. The trade-off for all that openness is wind and cool temperatures, so layers are your friend even on bright days.