College Cove Beach

Beautiful College Cove Beach is one of the finest beaches in North California. This public beach is near Trinidad, about 75 miles south of the California/Oregon border. College Cove Beach is the northern cove of Trinidad State Beach and has a more secluded atmosphere. It is separated from the main state beach by “The Portal”, a natural arch through the rocks.

The beach looks out to Pewetole Island, a tree-covered rock just off the southern end of the cove. The north end of the beach is good for surfing and summer visitors enjoy swimming, although the water is pretty chilly.

Due to its quiet location, College Cove is a naturist beach.

There is a free parking lot from Stagecoach Road on a road signed to College Cove and Elk Head. Facilities are basic but include toilets and picnic tables; dogs are allowed on a leash.

A steep narrow trail descends to the beach while the main trail heads along the clifftop to Elk Head. The beach is a good spot for seeing wildlife including seals and sea lions. In winter, you may spot migratory grey whales and orcas heading south to Baja California while humpbacks and blue whales visit in summer.

Backed by pine trees and Sitka spruce, the beach has rock pools that trap starfish, sea urchins. mussels and clams.