Hey again—summer has officially arrived, and around here, that doesn’t mean crowds and chaos. It means long light, salty skin, and the kind of small-town magic that sneaks up on you. This is summer Trinidad-style: slow, sun-dappled, and full of flavor.
1. Festival Season, North Coast Style
Summers around here bloom with funky, homespun festivals that feel more like family gatherings than big events. A few we never miss:
- Westhaven Blackberry Festival (last Sunday in July): This one’s a gem. Held at the volunteer fire department, it’s all about pies, music, and supporting the folks who keep our hills safe. There’s no real advertising—locals just know to show up. Get there early if you want pie (trust me).
- Taste of Trinidad (Solst-ish): A summery spin on the fall favorite, this food fest usually lands close to the solstice. Picture tables full of local bites—from smoked fish to huckleberry lemonade—plus music drifting from Saunder’s Park while kids run barefoot and artists sell driftwood sculptures.
- Trinidad Art Nights (Last Saturdays, April–September): As the days stretch long, these events get even more vibrant. Think music in front of the post office, gallery pop-ups and beautiful art to enjoy. Its wonderful and exactly what we love about summer here.
- Arcata Bay Oyster Festival (mid-June): Not exactly in town, but worth the 30-minute drive. It’s one giant street party for oyster lovers, with shucking contests, local brews, and way too many good smells to resist.
Local tip: Bring cash, a water bottle, and a blanket. Events like these are casual, come-and-go affairs. Let the day unfold.
2. Beach Days & Bonfire Nights
If spring is about quiet beaches, summer is about sharing them—still mellow, but with more laughter, music, and sandy dogs.
Moonstone Beach is the summer MVP. Families picnic by the creek, surfers paddle out, and musicians sometimes bring guitars to the driftwood logs. If the tide’s low, you can walk all the way to the sea caves and back before sunset.
Old Home Beach is our go-to for fires. Driftwood is plentiful (but be respectful—don’t burn anything carved or clearly placed). Bring your own wood, s’mores stuff, and maybe picnic items from Murphys Market.
Luffenholtz and Houda Point offer quieter vibes and stunning views. Perfect for a solo book-and-snack afternoon.
Local tip: Keep an eye on tides and bring a headlamp if you’ll be staying after dark. It gets dark fast once the sun dips.
3. Hikes with a Breeze
Summer’s warmth makes deeper forest trails more inviting.
- Prairie Creek Redwoods: The shade is perfect here. Try Brown Creek Trail or the Big Tree Loop for quiet grandeur without the crowds.
- Sue-meg State Park (formerly Patrick’s Point): Incredible bluffs, meadows with wildflowers, and easy loops. Great spot for spotting seals below and agates in the sand.
- Fern Canyon: Yes, it’s popular—but for good reason. Go early or late, and it’ll feel like a mossy cathedral. Bonus: you’ll sometimes see elk grazing on the approach road.
4. Wildlife & Water Days
Warm weather brings out all the beings—elk, birds, and beachcombers included.
- Elk Prairie in Prairie Creek is prime for watching the Roosevelt elk do their thing—sometimes right by the road.
- Big Lagoon and Stone Lagoon are perfect calm-water paddles. Rent a kayak and glide out to the sand spit with a packed lunch. You might spot otters, herons, or even pelicans overhead.
Local tip: Always pack layers—even in summer, fog can sweep in and drop the temp 15 degrees in a flash.
5. Flavors of the Season
This is the time of year when everything tastes like sunshine.
- The Lighthouse Grill: Home of the infamous mashed potato cone. Yes, really. A savory waffle cone stuffed with rosemary mash, cheese, gravy, and sometimes brisket. Sounds wild, tastes amazing.
- Beachcomber Café: The iced lattes hit different in July. Pair it with their lemon scone and call it breakfast.
- Trinidad Bay Eatery: Fudge. Saltwater taffy. Best Clam Chowder in town and fish and chips! Oysters during the summer.
- Murphy’s Market: Check the back counter for local smoked salmon and fresh crab. Pro move: grab a few deli sides and have a clifftop picnic.
- Farm stands: Just outside town, you’ll find flower bunches, zucchinis the size of your arm, and jars of jam with handwritten labels.
6. The Soul of Summer
Summer here doesn’t speed up. It stretches out—like the light that lingers until 9 PM, or the tide that takes its time rolling in. It’s families chasing dogs down the beach. It’s songs drifting through open windows. It’s barefoot kids in art alley and old-timers sipping cider by the bonfire.
If you’re the kind of person who likes a little dirt under your nails, salt in your hair, and magic that doesn’t come with a price tag—this place will feel like home.
Stay tuned for the next post in this series: Fall for Trinidad: Mushrooms, Mists & Quiet Magic.
See you soon,
Lisa & Taylor
Camp Trinidad
