Perched along the Northern California coast, Trinidad draws more than a million visitors each year to a town small enough to walk across in minutes.
The city, about 80 miles south of the Oregon border, covers just 1 square mile and has roughly 350 residents, making it California’s fourth-smallest incorporated city. Yet its dramatic ocean views, trails and beaches have made it a major destination.
Mayor Cheryl Kelly, a former high-tech professional, described Trinidad as having a “front-row seat" to the Pacific Ocean. Attractions range from the 1.5-mile trail at Trinidad Head to the Lighthouse Grill’s mashed potato cones, waffle cones filled with mashed potatoes and gravy.
But managing Trinidad's popularity requires balance, Kelly said.
Kelly said one of the city’s biggest challenges is preserving Trinidad’s character while continuing to welcome tourists.
Despite its size, Trinidad faces challenges more commonly associated with larger communities. Aging water infrastructure and emergency planning are among the city council’s top priorities.
“Communities just don’t run on autopilot,” Kelly said. “You have to wrestle with budgets and infrastructure to keep things functioning.”
Kelly also highlighted the town’s relationship with its Indigenous neighbors, including the Yurok Tribe and the Trinidad Rancheria, as the city works to return historic land to Native stewardship.
For Kelly, local government is about making a visible difference.
“Every decision is quite tangible," she said. "You can really see the impact of local government in people’s daily lives."
As she nears the end of her term, Kelly said her vision for Trinidad remains rooted in stewardship and community connection.
“Small towns still matter, local government still matters, and community still matters,” she said.
Guest
- Cheryl Kelly, mayor, Trinidad, California
