Elk Country And The Trinidad Inn

Trinidad Inn in California

I had a list of 100 things I wanted to do and see on our summer road trip through Redwood National And State Parks, Patrick’s Point State Park, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, and Avenue of the Giants — and that was after we explored the scenic viewpoints and trails of Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park. Our itinerary was jam-packed, but thankfully, we never felt rushed.

After spending a full day exploring Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and a full day exploring Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, we were wiped out and ready for a good night’s sleep. We couldn’t wait to reach our next hotel for the trip, the Trinidad Inn, and apparently the nice woman at the front desk couldn’t wait for us to arrive either! When finally reached an area with decent WiFi, my husband had a couple of messages from her asking when we would arrive so she could go home!

Unfortunately, we received her messages while parked alongside the highway deep in Elk Country and we weren’t going to be hopping back in the truck for a while because herds of elk were eating and roaming on both sides of the highway!

The quaint seaside town of Trinidad is one of California’s smallest incorporated cities by population and the Trinidad Inn, with its pretty flowerbeds, white gazebo, and open grassy play area, is charming and super cozy.

The inn has only 10 rooms. Our room was on the end of the motel block, at the front of the property, which was really convenient for unloading and loading the truck. Our room had a full kitchen, a decent bathroom, two queen beds, cable television, and fluffy down comforters that were like heaven.

Just outside across the drive, was a beautiful little gazebo adorned with white twinkle lights. In the morning, a continental breakfast of pastries, cereal, coffee, hot cocoa, juice, bagels and cream cheese, etc. was served. Apparently, this is only offered during peak season.

We were so busy exploring the area beaches, parks, food, and trails — visiting the Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse, eating at The Lighthouse Grill, collecting agates at Agate Beach, taking in the views from Wedding Rock, and walking Trinidad State Beach — that we didn’t spend too much time at the inn. I’d love to stay there again if we’re ever up in the area in the future.

Know Before You Go

  • Trinidad Inn is located at 1170 Patricks Point Drive, Trinidad, California 95570 in Humboldt County. It is minutes from the coast, the main town area of Trinidad, and Patrick’s Point State Park, and just 8.0 miles north of the Arcata-Eureka Airport, and 15 miles north of Arcata.
  • There are only 10 rooms and reservations can only be made by phone.
  • The WiFi struggled A LOT and the water pressure isn’t that great but everything else was great and the staff were very friendly!
  • Parking is free.
  • Pets are allowed with a fee and manager’s approval.
  • There is a picnic area with outdoor furniture, a horse shoe pit, a half basketball court, fire pits, and gas and charcoal BBQs available for guests to use on site.

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