Looking for a nature-filled adventure for the whole fam? You really can't go wrong with a Northern Humboldt vacation, but here's what we would recommend doing! Day 1 Morning: Why not start your visit off right with a walk on the beach? Head up to Big Lagoon County Park
To do some beachcombing. Explore the lagoon and head over the dunes to watch the waves crash onto the shore. Afternoon: If the sun is still shining, schedule a tour on horseback through the Redwood Forest with the Redwood Creek Buckarettes (1000 Drydens Rd). They’ll take you on an adventure through the majestic redwoods while you experience a memory of a lifetime. Day 2
Morning: Slow start? Get your caffeine fix at The Beachcomber (363 Trinity Street) and some delicious baked goods. Once you're perked up, wander down the hill to Trinidad State Beach. And take a hike up to Trinidad Head. Redwood Adventures has a printable "Quest" to help your kids learn more about the region and its history.
Afternoon: Head to the Humboldt State University Marine Lab (570 Ewing Street) for a guided or self-guided tour which includes a touch station where kids can get up close with sea cucumbers, anemone and more!
Day 3
Morning: Prepare for a trip to the sacred Yurok Village of Tsurai by visiting the Trinidad Museum (400 Janis Court) to learn more about the region's native culture and history. Then head to the junction of Trinity and Edwards Streets and head down the Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail. Just inside the forest at the bottom of the beach is the Tsurai Village. Make sure everyone's ready for a hike—it's two hundred steps back to the top!
Afternoon: Interested in the local art scene? Stop by the Trinidad Art Gallery (490 Trinity St), and look at some of Humboldt County’s finest creators of jewelry, ceramics, paintings, photography, prints, mosaics, and much more. Located right in the heart of Trinidad, the gallery is the perfect place to discover unique gifts.
Day 4
Morning: If you want a taste of those giant redwood trees, but know someone's little legs can't handle a major hike in Redwood National Park? Drive over to Ladybird Johnson Grove. This 1.4-mile nature trail is perfect for younger hikers, and close to the Kuchel Visitor Center, which has great exhibits and activities for kids.
Afternoon: Ready to see some wildlife up close? There's usually a herd of Roosevelt Elk next to the Little Red Schoolhouse (265 Idlewood Lane) and off the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. Drive slowly. The Prairie Creek Visitor Center offers interpretive walks and a Junior Ranger program.
Day 5
Morning: Get a solid start with a big breakfast at Trinidad Bay Eatery. If it's your last day in town, pick up a locally made souvenir at the restaurant's gallery.
Afternoon: Say one last goodbye to Trinidad State Beach. And there you'll find the boat launch and a kid-friendly beach. For some added fun, consider picking up a kite to fly at Windansea (410 Main Street).
Photo Credit: Sherry Vanderpool