Things to do & places to visit in Crescent City, California, United States

Crescent City city in California, United States. Timezone: America/Los_Angeles, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 15:29.

Top things to do (21)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (1.587 reviews)
- Absolutely unbelievable trees, you must go
State Parks

Part of the Redwoods National and State Parks system, this state park was established in 1929. See more..
5.0 Stout Grove (746 reviews)
- Very Nice Trail
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails

This area is separated from the bulk of the Redwood National Park. It’s definitely worth the extra drive time, though, and is easy to find. The last few miles of the drive to the trailhead are on a dirt road. People park everywhere but the parking lot is fairly large. I recommend driving to the parking lot first to see if there are any spaces before parking elsewhere. The hike is pretty short (less than a mile):and is easy. The area is very scenic as it consists primarily of ferns and redwoods. There are few non-Redwood trees in the area. The bulk of the trail is a loop. Pay attention to the signage when you enter the loop. There is a similar sign elsewhere on the trail which caused us (and a lot of other people) to mistakenly take a wrong trail. Highly recommended. See more..
5.0 Crescent Trail Rides (391 reviews)
- Great beach trail ride
Spent 1-2 hours Horseback Riding Tours

We offer guided horseback rides in Redwood National and State Park and Tolowa Dunes State Park. We have rides to the beach and redwood forest. Beach Ride (Tolowa Dunes State Park) Ride through the dunes along the beach and back among the pine trees and meadows. Redwood Ride (Redwood National and State Park) This ride takes you through the forest to Mill Creek and a section of old growth redwoods. Rides are by reservation. 1.5 hours - 3.5 hours in length. -Riders must be at least 6 years old -Cool coastal climate: wear layers -Long pants and closed toe shoes required -Book online for live availability See more..
5.0 Boy Scout Big Tree Trail (68 reviews)
- Pluses over minuses
Spent 2-3 hours Hiking Trails

Leaving a 4 not a 5 for a few technicalities. First the sign says 2.8, gps gave 3.45. Also the trail isn’t difficult in grade but the roots and mud make it more treacherous, that’s nature. Beautiful groves with sunlight streaming through the canopy. The falls aren’t that impressive but it’s the end game so go the extra 1/4 mile from Boy Scout tree. The parking lot was full at 9:45 am and when we finished at 3hrs 15, it was overflowing but it doesn’t feel crowded on the trail. See more..
5.0 Redwood National and State Parks (35 reviews)
- Great three day tour through the Redwoods National and State Parks
Hiking Trails

I tried to plan our itinerary for a few years because it seemed confusing to look at the maps when planning to see the many Redwoods State and National Parks. In actuality, the Howland Hills Road in Jedediah Smith and Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway are part of the trip and easy to follow. We stayed at Jedediah Smith Campground, which was beautiful, then Gold Bluffs Beach with convenient access to Fern Canyon, then Humboldt Redwoods State Park campground. Trees of Mystery is an entertaining stop with a great museum. Lady Bird Johnson Grove is stunning. Bicycles are fun to have. The Redwoods are not to be underestimated. They are just awe inspiring, and the Northern California Coast is pristine and mesmerizing. See more..
5.0 Crescent Beach Overlook (12 reviews)
- Nice view of the pacific coastline.
Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Beaches

Nice spot to take pictures. The coast is beautiful there making for a picturesque view. Spent some time there enjoying the view and taking pictures. See more..
5.0 False Klamath (4 reviews)
- Beautiful view
Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Beaches

We looked at this from the shoreline near Crescent City. It was beautiful and seemed so peaceful. A definite must to see in the area. See more..
5.0 Alexandre Family Farm (3 reviews)
- Best milk on EARTH!
Farms

I wanted to see where the cows grazed that made this incredible milk. Pure rich creamy milk that most have never tasted, ever. This is pure milk, before industry got ahold of milk milk. Seek it out! At the tiny store we finally arrived at I purchased as much as I could reasonable keep cold. There were flavors I hadn't seen before, and I heard about other limited runs. The flavored milks all taste like melted ice cream. Mind you, no sugar added, pure milk. Breath the fresh air. See more..
5.0 Simpson-Reed Trail (3 reviews)
- Beautiful trails
Scenic Walking Areas

We took the Simpson reed trail and it ran into the Peterson trail and it was a very nice and easy walk into a well paved jungle type forest. Loved the signs along the trail with interesting facts. After finished we drove a little further up the road and discovered another trail called the leiper trail. Very fun well paved trail with some benches along the way to stop and relax. Someone also had placed some cute green painted rocks with googling eyes up in the fallen tree roots along the path. It was fun when you found one. We counted 4 but may have missed some See more..
4.5 Battery Point Lighthouse (727 reviews)
- Northern Coast Trip - Crescent City
Speciality Museums • Lighthouses • History Museums

Museum that houses many artifacts and documents related to local history. See more..
4.5 Howland Hill Road (451 reviews)
- Magnificent Drive
Scenic Drives

After visiting the Stout Grove from Hiouchi, I continued on to Crescent City via Howland Hill Road. I thought it would be like the Avenue of the Giants, but it's really so much better. Traffic is sparse, so there is no pressure to drive very quickly. In fact, I don't think I topped 20 mph. Make plenty of stops or you'll miss subtleties of the forest (see my photos of the sunlight filtering through the trees). It felt like being on the moon of Endor (Star Wars), but instead of zipping in the air through the trees on speeders, you're on the ground. It's a one-lane road with plenty of turn outs to let other vehicles by. This really is a must do activity if you're in the area. See more..
4.5 Ocean World (428 reviews)
- Worth a Visit!
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Aquariums

Ocean World – A Crescent City Jewel for Three Generations Since 1964, Ocean World, formerly Under Sea Gardens, was located in the Crescent City harbor small boat basin. It was a barge built specifically as an aquarium in Seattle and floated down to Crescent City. Visitors would descend below deck of the barge and view sea life through under-water observation windows. In 1985 the barge was moved to dry land and now consists of sea-life environments housed in tanks containing over half a million gallons of water and an abundance of sea life, including sharks, seals, sea lions, and rays. Visitors are able to enjoy a true hands-on experience with interactive tide pools, shark petting, as well as a high-flying sea lion presentation of behaviors; truly something for the whole family. See more..
4.5 Crescent Beach (278 reviews)
- Lovely beach!
State Parks

A coastal state park which offers tours to a nearby lighthouse. See more..
4.5 Crescent City Harbor (206 reviews)
- Amazing
Friday: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks

It was so much fun watching the sea lions. There were probably 100 laying around any open space. You are suppose to stay 125 feet from the sea lions BUT too many people kept getting close to take a photo. Very new, clean harbor. See more..
4.5 Beachfront Park (85 reviews)
- A great place to visit in Crescent City
Parks

Beachfront Park is a large grassy park with a great ocean view! There are lots of things to do and see here: Acres of nice grass where you can walk, run or just relax. A covered picnic area with barbeques. An interesting huge hollow redwood log. A gazebo. The SS Emidio memorial - a ship sunk by a Japanese sub in December, 1941. A very large children's playground. An indoor swiming pool. The Crescent City Visitor Information office. A cute carving of a bear. A dolo - the concrete things that are used to protect jetties. On a nice sunny day you and your family could spend the whole day here :-) See more..
4.5 Del Norte County History Museum (53 reviews)
- Too Much to Take In
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM History Museums

Phone: 707-464-3089 See more..
4.5 Pebble Beach (37 reviews)
- Spectacular Pacific Views
Spent 1-2 hours Beaches • Scenic Drives

Pebble Beach Dr. extends from the Brother Jonathan Cemetery and Pt. St. George Park at 8th St. north to Washington Blvd where the Pt. St. George Heritage area begins. Named for the tumbled agate stones washed out of the mountains ages ago. you can walk, bike or drive along the road, as well as access the beach at numerous points. Lots of locals scour the beach after big storms looking for exposed agates. But be careful on beach walks. The incoming tide can leave the unsuspecting trapped on the beach against a cliff wall with no easy exit. Several parking overlooks contain information signs for local flora, fauna and history. Surfers (when conditions are right), sea lions, harbor seals and lots of birds can be found all along the beach. A favorite spot for picnicers, Pebble Beach Dr. provides many spectacular photo opportunities, especially for sunsets and during stormy winter days . See more..
4.5 Crescent City - Del Norte County Visitor Center (35 reviews)
- Great information - worth it to stop in and visit
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

Marj Niebauer greeted us with a smile -- even though she was wearing a mask we could tell —and a sparkle in her eye. She has a wealth of information about Del Norte county. We really appreciated all the time she spent with us, sharing some hidden secrets of the area and providing us with all the brochures to make our visit enjoyable. It definitely was worth our time to stop in and visit this Visitor Center See more..
4.5 Point St George Park (29 reviews)
- Fun evening stroll at sunset
Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Beaches • Hiking Trails

We were tired from a day of traveling and just wanted to take a walk. We strolled down the pier to the lighthouse and along the breaker barrier. What a great experience. The weather was a little overcast and breezy, just what we expected. Love it. See more..
4.5 Castle Island (22 reviews)
- Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge
Islands

This is a beautiful island that is restricted to non-human wildlife. In June the Common Murre nests here and you can see up-close video in real time if you go to the National Park Information Center at 1111 2nd St. in Crescent City where a large screen displays activity being recorded by a camera on Castle Rock. See more..
4.5 Northcoast Marine Mammal Center (19 reviews)
- Really Special
Spent < 1 hour Nature & Wildlife Areas

It was really special to be able to see that animals of the sea getting help up close. There were only two when we visited, but they are going to Texas together as they can't be released back into the wild. The gift shop attendant answered all of our many questions and even stayed open a few minutes past closing time so we could make a few purchases. This is definitely worth a stop, they are doing really amazing work here that shouldn't be overlooked. Thanks to the awesome volunteers who make this program happen. See more..
4.5 Six Rivers National Forest (17 reviews)
- Six Rivers National Forest a California gem
Forests

While the name gives a lot away as to what kinds of recreational fun you can have in this large forest, what some might not know is that it is home to some of the tallest trees in the world. There are amazing trails throughout the Forest, and some trails and roads wind through large stands of redwoods. See more..
4.5 Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Visitor Center (15 reviews)
- Make sure you drive Howland Hill Rd and hike Stout Grove!
Visitor Centers

Make sure you drive Howland Hill Rd and hike Stout Grove! Those two activities summarize the majesty of the redwoods. See more..
4.5 Point St. George Beach (14 reviews)
- Au Natural
Spent 2-3 hours Beaches

One of my favorite spots growing up in Crescent City. This is a windblown promontory at the NW edge of Crescent City, land's end. The beach is long and wide, great for dog runs. The best exercise walking the beach. See more..
4.5 Lagoon Creek (9 reviews)
- Access to the coastal trail
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails

The northern end of a family hiking path along the coast trail in Redwood National Park. See more..
4.5 The Gallery Arts & Culture (8 reviews)
- Excellect local artists.
Art Galleries
Many art galleries in smaller towns have little to wow the visitor. The Gallery, near the harbor in Crescent City is an exception. There are several painters featured that I'd consider world class. The photography is outstanding, and there is some good sculpture. Barbara, the art director is a great source of local art information. See more..
4.0 B Street Pier (60 reviews)
- Great place to watch sea lions swimming in groups ...
Piers & Boardwalks

We could see over a hundred sea lions swimming in groups near the pier. It was a really cool experience. Not always, but we got a good chance to visit it when we went there. It was the greatest luck of my life. It is definitely a place you want to go again. See more..
4.0 Tolowa Dunes State Park (29 reviews)
- A beautiful and mostly empty state park.
State Parks • Parks

There are two sections, north and south of lake Earl, with a beach walk of 11 miles between. This park has variety: forests, wetlands, ponds, sloughs, sand dunes and meadows ablaze in wildflowers, and you rarely share a trail with others. See more..
4.0 Florence Keller County Park & Campground (29 reviews)
- Awesome campground!
Spent More than 3 hours Parks

We pulled in not expecting to find a spot on Memorial Day weekend. Most were tamed but we found a few in the back. Plenty of privacy and quiet . The camp host was really hospitable and sells firewood. Buy some as he volunteers here for the county. Def will stay here on the next trip. See more..
4.0 Brother Jonathan Cemetery (28 reviews)
- Perfect Whale Watching Spot!
Cemeteries

Bring your binoculars and a cup of coffee and watch pods of whales retiring north for the season. March and April are the best months for catching the returning migration. Usually on the weekends there are Park Rangers to help spot the whales! See more..