About
Trinidad is a very small town in California. It is now a national landmark. In this very small fishing village is the Trinidad Head Lighthouse Memorial. While the lighthouse may not seem all that interesting, it is quite a beautiful spot to sit and visit if you are in the area. If possible, visit when the sun is rising for a spectacular view that is simply hard to beat.
The Trinidad Head was first operated in 1871 and built by the U.S. government. The head spans more than 42 acres of land and is still maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. It was original until 1946 with a keeper but then automated in 1946. It continues to operate each day.
The Trinidad Memorial was built by the city’s civic club and continues to be maintained by it. It is a replica of the original. The bell was moved to the Trinidad Bay Memorial Park in 1949 and continues to remain.
Around the Lighthouse
When we visited the area on a beautiful blue-sky day, we were able to explore the entire region. The Head, as it is called, juts out into the water with massive towering components of the mountain n on either side. It seems to go off forever in that direction and is nothing short of stunning. It’s possible to walk along this area, take pictures of the water and sea itself, as well as take in the lighthouse. It’s easy to imagine someone standing there, watching to be sure the light always flickered so that ships knew where land was.
In many areas, we could peer into the water and see the fish below. The waters are clean and beautiful. There are ample birds in the area as well, likely looking to grab something out of the water to eat.
We stopped at a small Crab Shack while there to grab something to eat. There are a few of these areas nearby, with fishing boats and marinas. The city and the region as a whole have a long history of being an important fishing town. It’s also possible to walk onto the water. It’s a very rocky coastline, so not ideal for swimming, but people come to fish and relax under the stars.
The lighthouse itself is so interesting since it is so small compared to others we’ve seen. It’s been updated over time, as needed, but it maintains its charm. Be sure to be there when the bell rings at noon each day. It is a few seconds of somber and peace, especially as you consider all that has been lost to the sea in this area. It’s quite the history lesson and the ideal place for lighthouse lovers.
History and Significance of Trinidad Memorial & Lighthouse
Located at the top of a mountain, the Trinidad lighthouse was very small when it was first built. Yet, it provided light from 1871 when the fourth-order Fresnel lens was first lit. A lightkeeper’s residence was later built in 1898, and a 4,000 pound bell was positioned to provide warning. However, the bell was so loud that it fell into the sea when the ringing mechanism snapped. Throughout the years, it provided a wide range of warnings and survived a number of storms.
What you can visit now is the Trinidad Lighthouse memorial, which includes a replica of the lighthouse as well as numerous other artifacts from it. The bell is also there. All of this was donated to the Trinidad Civil Club to put on display. The Trinidad Bay Memorial Park and Memorial Lighthouse were specifically dedicated to the people that were lost and buried at sea.
Today, the bell rings each day at noon and is meant to honor those who have passed. It has been in place providing that service for decades. For those that wish to visit, it is possible to do most of the time. Also, it is possible to visit the Original Trinidad Head Lighthouse on the first Saturday each month and throughout the Fish Festival that happens in June. You can tour it and walk through the area.
When we visited, it was not open for a tour, but we were able to see it by staking on a platform that’s built just off the Trinidad Head trail. Along this trail is also a beautiful granite cross. It was placed as a way to honor the 1775 landing of the Spanish in the area.
How To Get To Trinidad Memorial & Lighthouse
There is no cost to come to and visit the Trinidad Memorial. It is available 24 hours a day to do so. To get there (to the Trinidad Head), you will need to get to the southwest facing cliff located off the Trinidad Head. The Coast Guard Station is located here, too. Once you are there, the Trinidad Memorial is in Memorial Park, at the corners of Trinity and Edwards Streets.
Local Tips
- If you want to take the scenic hike route to the lighthouse, go to the Trinidad Head Trail.
