Best Surf Beaches in Trinidad
Humboldt County, California
Access & safety
Local planning guidance
Trinidad surf forecasts, tide context, access notes, and spot comparisons for the Moonstone-to-College Cove coastline.
Treat posted closures as authoritative. College Cove is not a current surf option while its erosion-related access closure remains active, and every Trinidad-area beach requires cold-water and sneaker-wave awareness.
Surf Report Today
Best Right Now
Moonstone Beach / Little River
Surf score
25/100
Wave
4.2 ft
Wind
Light
Condition
Fair Conditions
Medium-period swell, light winds
View Forecast →All Beaches
| Beach | Height | Wind | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moonstone Beach / Little River | 4.2 ft | Light | Fair |
| Trinidad State Beach | 4.1 ft | Light | Poor |
| Houda Point / Camel Rock | 4 ft | Light | Poor |
| College Cove | 3.4 ft | Light | Poor |
Featured Beaches
4 spots
Houda Point / Camel Rock
IntermediateHouda Point and Camel Rock form a rocky, partially sheltered surf zone north of Moonstone. The land-trust access page identifies lower-tide swell as the established surf opportunity; the representative pin sits in the nearshore surf zone rather than at the bluff parking area.
College Cove
IntermediateCollege Cove is a sheltered cove within Trinidad State Beach, but its access trail is closed because of erosion. The spot is retained for map and closure awareness and must not be recommended or indexed while the closure remains in effect.
Trinidad State Beach
IntermediateTrinidad State Beach is a public cove and beach/reef surf zone below Trinidad Head. West-southwest through northwest swell can reach the cove, while surrounding headlands create meaningful directional shelter.
Moonstone Beach / Little River
IntermediateMoonstone is a public, west-facing sand beach at the Little River mouth. It is one of Humboldt County's most established surf beaches, with shifting left and right peaks that range from approachable on small days to powerful in winter swell.
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Session Timing
Today
Compare the exposed Moonstone shoreline with the more sheltered coves before choosing a spot; swell direction can change conditions over a short distance.
Now
Check wind, tide, and the beach from a safe viewpoint. Lower-tide access and exposed rock can materially change Houda Point and nearby coves.
Weekend
Recheck official access notices before driving. College Cove remains closed for trail erosion and should not be treated as an alternate.
Guides by Intent
Choose the objective that matches your session and we'll filter the best peaks.
Trinidad tide charts — today's highs, lows & surf windows
Tides dictate which banks fire in Trinidad. This breakdown maps upcoming highs and lows to the sandbars, reefs, and piers that flip on with just a foot of variance.
View the full tide timing playbookLive water temps and wetsuit planner for Trinidad
From spring upwelling chills to balmy south-swell summers, Trinidad water temps fluctuate more than the forecast suggests. Use this guide to pick the right rubber and understand when sudden drops are coming.
View the full water temperature playbookBest dawn patrol spots in Trinidad
Early risers in Trinidad are rewarded with glassy conditions and empty lineups. These spots offer the best dawn patrol sessions before the wind picks up.
View the full dawn patrol playbookFrequently Asked Questions
About surfing in Trinidad
- Trinidad has 4 surf spots. They break down by skill level: 3 intermediate.
- The top-ranked surf spots in Trinidad are: 1. Houda Point / Camel Rock, 2. College Cove, 3. Trinidad State Beach. Rankings are based on community ratings, reviews, and recent surf intel.
- Trinidad's surf spots are generally suited for intermediate to advanced surfers. Beginners should check individual spot reports for days with smaller, mellower conditions.
- Water temperatures in the area range from 55-72°F. In summer, spring suit or 3/2mm is typical. In winter, bring 4/3mm.
