Luffenholtz Beach and County Park
Trinidad, CA

Luffenholtz Beach and County Park sits on a bluff just south of Trinidad, with a steep trail and stairs dropping to a pocket beach below that draws a small, dedicated crowd of surfers. Houda Point, just next door, leads to a similar string of small coves along the same stretch of coast.
A real, locally used surf spot, though the steep stairs and tide dependent sand keep it from being an easy beach day for everyone.
How we score beachesCheck the surf and tide before committing to the stairs down, since the beach here narrows fast at high tide and isn't much of a beach at all when the water's up.
Free parking is available in the bluff top lot.
A steep trail and stairs lead from the bluff top parking down to the beach.
Dogs are welcome; check posted signage for specific leash rules.
Winter swells bring the most consistent surf here, while summer mornings tend to start foggy. Water stays cold year round.
More Pacific Coast beaches

Zuma Beach
Malibu, CA · Pacific Coast
A wide stretch of sand backed by the Santa Monica Mountains, with reliable swells that draw surfers year-round and plenty of room to spread out even on busy weekends.

Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Known as Surf City USA, with a mile-long municipal pier, consistent breaks for surfers of every level, and a laid-back boardwalk scene along Pacific Coast Highway.

Main Beach
Laguna Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Tucked between rocky headlands, with tidepools to explore at low tide, calmer coves for swimming, and an arts-town backdrop of galleries and cafes just steps from the sand.
