Situated on the Northern California Coast near the Oregon state line, Crescent City boasts a handful of attractions and outstanding nature.
A perfect stop on West Coast road trips, we are highlighting the absolute best things to do in Crescent City, California to help you plan your visit.
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Why Visit Crescent City, CA?
Crescent City was not originally in our travel plans. However, we were visiting the Oregon Coast when a fellow traveler touted the amazing natural attractions in Crescent City.
Tales of gigantic Redwood trees, long stretches of sandy shoreline and a fun downtown Crescent City brewery enticed us down the coast from Florence, Oregon.
We planned a 2-day itinerary that was packed with the top things to see in Crescent City. Save, Pin or Bookmark our Crescent City Visitors Guide to plan your trip to California!
Best Things To Do in Crescent City, California
Whether just passing through or staying a few days, you can use our list of Crescent City attractions for your trip.
Our tips for things to do around Crescent City, CA are ideal for couples, families, groups of friends or solo travelers!
#1 Visit Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
MAP. One of the best things to do in Crescent City – and what lured us here – is visiting the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
Jointly managed by the National and State Park systems, the site features colossal redwoods that are a sight to behold.
Some of the trees here are known to be 2,000 years old. Several soar to heights of more than 300 feet, and a few have a diameter of 20 feet at their base. Pictures don’t do them justice!
Established in 1939, the dense forest park consists of nearly 10,000 acres of redwood trees and 18 miles of hiking trails.
Located just east of Highway 101, the park is easily accessible from Crescent City – and an absolute must-see for anyone visiting Del Norte County!
#2 Stand in Awe at Stout Grove Crescent City, CA
MAP. Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful Crescent City attractions is Stout Grove.
Part of the Jedediah Smith Redwoods Park, the ancient 44-acre grove of old-growth Redwoods is impressive and inspiring.
A half-mile path loops through thick forest. Look for the short side trail that extends down to the bank of the Smith River, which is a perfect spot for swimming or a picnic lunch. Grab something to go from the nearby Historic Hiouchi Cafe!
#3 Hike to Boy Scout Tree
MAP. When it comes to hiking near Crescent City there is no better trek than the Boy Scout Tree Trail.
The 2.8-mile (one-way) trail takes you deep into the magnificent redwood forest. Towering trees rise to astonishing heights, while banana slugs slowly creep along the forest floor.
The route winds through the forest and over streams to a well-marked side path. Look for the carved arrow and ‘TREE’ sign that leads up to the famed Boy Scout Tree, which is an astonishing 23 feet wide.
The main trail continues a bit further to one of the few waterfalls near Crescent City, Fern Falls, which marks the end of the hike.
Although an out-and-back path, the return trip is equally enthralling. With shifting light, the scenery beneath the treetops is everchanging.
#4 Drive Howland Hill Road
MAP. One of the best ways to see the redwoods near Crescent City without hitting the trails is by driving Howland Hill Road. The unpaved, 10-mile route weaves through massive redwoods for a stunningly scenic drive.
Narrow and sometimes riddled with potholes, it is best to take it slow and savor the beauty along the way. You can also utilize the pullouts to pause and really take in the gorgeous surroundings.
#5 Explore Crescent City
MAP. Downtown Crescent City is well-worth discovering on foot, too. Keep an eye out for informational plaques that share interesting facts on the history of Crescent City – like the tsunami that swept onto shore in 1964.
The city is not that big and very walkable, so you can feel free to wander. However, if you want to seek out some of the top points of interest, don’t miss the next few items on our list.
#6 Drink Local Beer at SeaQuake Brewing
MAP. We love seeking out local craft beer anywhere we visit – so we were excited to visit SeaQuake Brewing right in the heart of Crescent City.
Established in 2016, SeaQuake produces a traditional and experimental line up of tasty brews. We can highly recommend the flagship Citra IPA and the Chocolate Porter!
In addition to the phenomenal brews and tasty kombucha, SeaQuake also ranks as one of the most popular Crescent City restaurants.
#7 Stroll Along Beach Front Park
MAP. Beach Front Park is a great place for a walk along the water. From the Official Crescent City Visitors’ Center, a path follows the shoreline along Crescent Harbor. The park also has a playground for kids and a Disc Golf Course.
The Northcoast Marine Mammal Center, where they rescue, rehab and release marine wildlife (and have a gift shop), is situated next to the park.
As you meander, keep an eye out for ground squirrels that make their home in the shoreline rocks (but please don’t feed them).
#8 Go Fishing on B Street Pier
MAP. The B Street Pier is one of the top things to see in Crescent City. The 900-foot-long fishing pier extends deep into the harbor.
Not only is it ideal for fishing, but for crabbing, too! You can pick up supplies at the nearby Big 5 Sporting Goods store. Either way, we recommend taking a walk out onto the pier for the lovely views.
#9 Enjoy the View Down the Lighthouse Jetty
MAP. Although closed to the public (with a locked gate and dire warning signs), the view down the Lighthouse Jetty remains one of the popular sights in Crescent City.
The Crescent City Jetty dates to the 1920s, but it has been reinforced and extended to a length of 3,400 feet.
You might catch sight of fishermen on the jetty and it does offer a fine vantage point of the lighthouse. Just remember, venturing out on the structure is not allowed, as rogue waves are unpredictable.
#10 Tour Battery Point Lighthouse
MAP. Perched beautifully on a rocky outcrop, Battery Point Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
It was first lit in 1856 and is still operational today. Country music fans might recognize the structure from the Tim McGraw video, Not a Moment Too Soon.
The Crescent City lighthouse is open for tours…but only at low tide when visitors can cross over from Battery Point Beach on foot.
Additionally, the Del Norte Historical Society runs an onsite museum that displays artifacts and furniture from the lighthouse keepers of the 1850s.
#11 See Sea Lions in the Crescent City Harbor
MAP. One of the fun things to do in Crescent City for kids (and adults) is seeing the sea lions lazing around the harbor. While there, keep an eye out for harbor seals and pelicans, as well.
The best place to get a close view of the blubbery creatures is from Anchor Way, near the Coast Guard Station.
A sea lion colony occupies floating docks – and you will likely hear (and smell) them before you actually see them!
#12 Spend Time on South Beach
MAP. Ranking as one of the best Crescent City, CA beaches, South Beach is a prime location for a myriad of activities.
The long stretch of sand – which merges into Crescent Beach – is fantastic for walking. Other top things to do on either is flying kites, searching for sand dollars and building sandcastles.
In the right conditions, you can also go surfing or standup paddle boarding at South Beach. There is a rental shop on Anchor Way.
#13 Walk the California Coastal Trail
MAP. The CCT is a project that is aiming to connect the entire coastline of California – from Oregon to Mexico – with a walkway for non-motorized traffic.
It extends from South Beach along the coast to Battery Point Lighthouse. Hop on a bike, scooter, skateboard, skates – or your own two feet – and follow the blue signs!
#14 Eat at Chart Room Crescent City, CA
MAP. The Chart Room Restaurant is a classic, local seafood joint situated in the heart of the harbor. Although the vibe is casual, the seafood is spectacular – especially the award-winning clam chowder.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with seating indoors and out, Chart Room is the place in Crescent City for seafood.
#15 Pay Respects at the Brother Jonathan Cemetery
MAP. The small but poignant Brother Jonathan Memorial Cemetery is one of the interesting places to go in Crescent City, CA – especially for history buffs.
Originally established as a Masonic Cemetery in 1854, the land became the burial site of those who died in the sinking of the S.S. Brother Jonathan steamship on July 30, 1865.
In the shipwreck, which occurred 4 miles offshore, more than 200 lives were claimed and only 19 survived.
#16 Taste Locally Made Rumiano Cheese
MAP. One of the Crescent City, California attractions for foodies (and anyone who likes cheese, for that matter) is the Rumiano Cheese Factory.
The family-owned cheese company was established by three brothers – immigrants from Italy – in 1919. They created Monterey Dry Jack cheese during World War I and continue to make unique cheeses today.
Although they don’t offer tours, they do have a window where you can watch cheese being produced. Inside the shop, you can purchase cheese made onsite and taste plenty of samples!
Foodie Tip: You can find Rumiano’s fresh cheese curds on the SeaQuake Brewing menu!
#17 Take a Drive on Pebble Beach, Crescent City
MAP. Pebble Beach Drive follows the coastline from Brother Jonathan Park north to Point St. George – and the viewpoints along the way are epic.
From the road, there are numerous access areas that take visitors down to the sandy and picturesque Pebble Beach.
Look for sea life in the tidal pools at low tide or take a hike to the St. George Reef Lighthouse. Also bring your binoculars to search for birds on Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge and to spot migrating whales.
#18 Watch Sunset in Crescent City, CA
Whether looking for romantic things to do in Crescent City or free things to do with the whole family, watching the sunset fits the bill.
Crescent Beach, Pebble Beach, Point St. George and the B Street Pier are all excellent places to watch the sun go down over the Pacific Ocean.
Map of Crescent City Sights
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Crescent City, California map below.
More Crescent City Things To Do
Above we outlined the top attractions in Crescent City that we crammed into our 2-day itinerary. However, we have a few more ideas of what to do in Crescent City that you might want to add to your trip.
Tolowa Dunes State Park
Tolowa Dunes encompasses 5,000 acres of coastal nature. In addition to the ocean and beach, the area is comprised of wetlands, rivers, sand dunes and Lake Earl. Find more info on the official website.
Ocean World
The Crescent City aquarium, Ocean World, offers 45-minute tours, which allow participants an opportunity to get up close and personal with marine life. Get more details on the official site.
Horseback Riding
A unique way to experience Crescent City is by horseback. Crescent Trail Rides offer horseback riding on the beach and through the redwoods.
Rafting the River
Adventurous travelers can spend a day paddling down the Smith River. You can choose from whitewater rafting trips through the redwoods and kayak tours on the ocean with Redwood Rides.
Elk Valley Casino
Experiencing foul weather on your trip? Try your luck at the Elk Valley! With 300 slot machines, table games, bingo and dining options, a night at the casino can provide solid entertainment.
Whale Watching in Crescent City
Gray whales, Humpback whales and even Orcas can be spotted in the waters around Crescent City year-round.
While Pebble Beach is an ideal place from land, you can book whale watching tours by chartering boat.
Del Norte County History Museum
The Del Norte County Historical Society runs a small museum in Crescent City that features the area’s local history.
The displays include interesting artifacts that date to the late 1800s, information about the tsunami and an original lighthouse lens.
Shopping in Crescent City
From surf gear to redwood carvings to unique decor, there are ample opportunities for you to shop for gifts and souvenirs in Crescent City.
Local Boys Surf and Skate Shop, Jed Smith Redwood Burl Co and Johnston’s Gift Garden Home are top picks.
The seafood and summertime farmers markets are two other great places to pick up local fare and products.
Things To Do Near Crescent City, CA
Those planning longer Crescent City vacations may want to add one (or more) of these fun things to do in Del Norte County!
Trees of Mystery
Located 20 miles south in Klamath, California, Trees of Mystery is a nature park that provides an incredible introduction to California’s legendary redwood trees.
In addition to the interpretive trail, museum, restaurant and gift shop, the park features a canopy trail of connected suspension bridges and viewing platforms as well as a scenic SkyTrail gondola ride.
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
Just 10 miles to the south, Del Norte Coast Redwoods Park differs from Jedediah Smith Redwoods Park.
This is because it features both old-growth redwoods and coast redwood trees along an 8-mile stretch of elevated California coastline.
Highway 101 cuts right through the center of Del Norte Coast Redwoods Park, making it easily accessible to visitors. Top trails at the park include Damnation Creek, Last Chance and DeMartin.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
A 30-mile drive south of Crescent City takes you to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
More popular than Jedediah Smith and Del Norte Coast, Prairie Creek features 75 miles of hiking trails, grazing herds of elk and some of the most beautiful redwood trees in California.
Six Rivers National Forest
A wonderful and remote spot for camping, fishing and enjoying the outdoors, Six Rivers National Forest encompasses more than one million acres of land and, indeed, six rivers.
Eureka, CA
Eureka is a California coastal city that sits on Humbolt Bay, about 85 miles south of Crescent City. A hot-spot during the Gold Rush, it is best known today for its abundant nature – especially the nearby redwoods.
However, Eureka itself has quite a few attractions, including history museums, artisan shops and stunningly beautiful Victorian architecture.
Oregon Coast
The Oregon State Line is only 20 miles to the north on Highway 101. The route is one of the most scenic road trips in America. Find the all details of the journey in our Oregon Coastal Drive guide.
Crescent City, CA Restaurants
Besides SeaQuake and the Chart Room, there are numerous other restaurants in Crescent City. We are rounding up the top eateries that were recommended to us during our stay.
Good Harvest Café
A good choice for breakfast in Crescent City, CA, Good Harvest Café is a family-run establishment serving hearty and healthy eats.
Additionally, they have a full bar and a second-story lounge with harbor views.
CC Diner and Ice Cream
A classic small town diner, CC Diner is a fun place to go for a delicious burger and tasty shakes.
The Baconater is the signature burger (and it’s massive) and the milkshakes are made with real ice cream. Plus they offer an array of creative shake toppings.
Java Hut
The Java Hut Espresso Bar is a quaint little spot for a fantastic cup of coffee. Bright and cheerful, they offer everything from a standard cup of Joe to local specialties.
Port O’Pints Brewing Company
We didn’t make it to the other brewery in town, but it’s one of the bars in Crescent City recommended to us by locals.
The classic Irish-themed pub brews their own beer and features bar fare, happy hour and food specials. The Irish Nachos are quite popular!
Traveling to Crescent City, CA
Now that you know what to do, we are going to cover some of the need-to-know travel info – like how to get there and where to stay.
How To Get to Crescent City
You can get to Crescent City, CA by car, plane or bus. Typically, we like to fly (we are JetSetting Fools, after all), but for this trip, we traveled by car.
The good news is that there is a airport…the bad news is that flights to Crescent City are extremely limited.
Currently, Advanced Air is the only carrier serving the area. Flights originate out of Oakland or LA’s Hawthorne airport.
Find the lowest fares on SkyScanner – and use our tips for Booking Cheap Flights. There are car rentals available at Crescent City Airport (CEC), too.
Driving to Crescent City, California
Crescent City can easily be included as a stop on an Oregon State Road Trip or added to a longer California Coastal Drive.
The fastest route from Portland to Crescent City is about 340 miles and will take 6 hours. Before setting off on your journey, be sure to read our tips for Exploring Portland!
Driving the 275 miles from Bend to Crescent City will take approximately 5.5 hours. Be sure to also check out our guide for What To Do in Bend, OR.
Those traveling from San Francisco will need to cover 360 miles on a 6.5-hour drive. Mendocino and Eureka are two excellent places to stop on the way. Read our tips for What To Do in San Francisco!
Where To Stay in Crescent City, CA
For lodging in Crescent City, we opted to stay at the historic Curly Redwood Lodge. Opened in 1957, the Curly was built entirely from a single redwood tree.
The spacious rooms feature comfortable beds and retro décor at an affordable price. Before starting your search, read our guide to Booking the Best Hotels!
Visitors arriving in Crescent City by RV have a handful of options. Shoreline RV Campground and Bayside RV Park get the best reviews.
However, Redwood Meadows RV Resort and Ramblin’ Redwoods Campground and RV Park are good options that are nestled in the forest.
Jedediah Smith Campground and Crescent City Redwoods KOA Holiday offer both cabins and tent sites for those who want to pitch a tent for the night.
What To Pack for Your Crescent City, CA Trip
Okay, it’s time to start packing your backpack or suitcase. Read our packing hacks – then grab your FREE Checklist and let’s go to California!
Walking Shoes
Durable shoes are essential for your trip – especially if you plan to visit any of the area’s state parks.
I wore lightweight travel sneakers and Kris prefers Merrell trail shoes. Read our reviews on best shoes for traveling!
Layered Clothing
The northern California coast weather tends to be cool and windy. Make sure to pack a lightweight jacket or clothing that can be layered for your trip to Crescent City.
That said, a wide-brimmed travel hat and protective sunscreen are also recommended!
Travel Camera
Both the coastline and the redwood forests are absolutely gorgeous! Bring a real travel camera so that you can truly capture the beauty.
We travel with a Canon Rebel and a 18-135mm lens that takes excellent photos. Use our tips for finding the best budget travel camera!
Travel Planner
As you prepare for your getaway to Crescent City, staying organized is key. We recommend using our Trip Planning Printables for your vacation to California!
Start planning your trip to the US! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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