Westhaven-Moonstone is where redwoods meet the Pacific
Westhaven-Moonstone stretches along the Northern California coast in Humboldt County, where the Pacific Ocean meets rugged headlands and secluded coves. The area's dramatic shoreline draws surfers, kayakers and beachcombers throughout the year. Rocky tide pools and sea caves appear at low tide. The Little River flows into the ocean here, creating a calm swimming area near the shore. Beyond the coast, homes here sit near towering old-growth redwood forests, giving you easy access to both ocean and forest landscapes. “You move here for the beach or privacy,” says Andy Parker, a Broker with Azalea Realty who lives in the region. "Moonstone is probably one of the nicest beaches around here."
Beach cottages and tree-lined streets in Westhaven-Moonstone
Homes on the west side of Route 101 tend to be close together and closer to the beach. Properties in this part of the neighborhood tend to have 3 bedrooms, 2 bathroom and 1,200 to 2,300 square feet. They sell for $800,000 to $1.5 million and have views of the Pacific Ocean. Houses on the west side of the 101 are 1,600 to 2,700 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 or more bathrooms. They sell for $550,000 to around $975,000 and typically come on larger lots of land and experience a slightly different climate than east-side homes. “The farther east you go, and the higher elevation you have, the warmer it is,” says Parker.
Beaches to visit, trails to hike and waves to surf
This coastal neighborhood has a few options for a beach day, like Moonstone Beach. While it’s known as a surfing spot, it’s not overcrowded. Trinidad State Beach is about 3 miles north and Clam Beach is 5 miles south. Both of these beaches have sandy shores and are mostly used for relaxing in a beach chair. The water in this part of the state is much colder than in southern California. The coast also has hiking trails to explore, like the Tsurai Trail, which is located next to Trinidad State Beach and leads up to an overlook with views of the Pacific Ocean.
Eating in Trinidad, shopping in Arcata
Moonstone Grill offers upscale dining with views of the Pacific Ocean and is the only restaurant in the neighborhood. Trinidad, a small city that's adjacent to the neighborhood, is home to restaurants and shops, along with Murphy’s Market and Deli, a grocery store. The Lighthouse Grill offers pub fare in a casual setting and Seascape Restaurant serves seafood on the Trinidad Pier. For shopping, Arcata also offers shopping and dining. Downtown Arcata is home to restaurants like Los Bagels and Arcata Pizza & Deli as well as women's clothing stores like like Daydream and Shipwreck which are about 12 miles away.
Annual fundraising events in Trinidad
Trinidad hosts two big annual events that raise money for local causes. The Fish Festival, held every June, began as a $1 all-you-can-eat crab event in 1957 and has grown to include a whitefish and salmon dinner, live music and an arts & crafts street fair. The Trinidad to Clam Beach Run draws runners to the city at the end of January or the beginning of February -- the exact date changes with the tides. The route crosses the Little River at Moonstone Beach, so the race can only kick off if the tide is low enough.
Schools near Westhaven-Moonstone
Trinidad Union School, which serves grades kindergarten through 8, has a B-plus rating on Niche. McKinleyville High School also has a B-plus rating and offers a variety of after-school programs, such as debate, tabletop gaming, and crochet clubs.
Getting around Westhaven-Moonstone
The area is served by the Redwood Transit System, which has stops at the Westhaven Post Office and Moonstone Beach. Route 101 leads to The California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport is about 6 miles away. Mad River Community Hospital, about 10 miles away, is the nearest medical center.
