Top 30 Things To Do In Crescent City, CA

1. Enjoy a picnic at Crescent Beach

The soft, sun-warmed sands of Crescent Beach are the perfect place to enjoy a picnic. This public beach is nestled to the south of Crescent City and offers free visitor parking during the day, as well as public restroom facilities. After a busy morning of surfing, swimming, and beachcombing, sit yourself down at one of the beach’s public picnic tables and sink your toes in the sand during your alfresco meal. After you’ve finished eating, meander along one of the scenic hiking trails or explore the tide pools teeming with aquatic life in the wetland area near Mill Creek.

Crescent Beach

Address: Crescent City, CA 95531, USA

Website: Crescent Beach

Opening hours: 24/7

Price: Free

2. Hike among giant redwoods on the Boy Scout Big Tree Trail

Located within Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, the Boy Scout Big Tree Trail is a wondrous path that winds through groves of towering trees and whispering ferns. As you hike, ancient, old-growth redwood trees span the sky 300 feet (91 meters) above you, and a quiet brook washes away the sounds of city life. This beautiful trail is rated as a moderate-to-strenuous hike, and provides a peaceful escape with spectacular views of the giant trees. The trail can get quite busy during midday and on the weekends, so it’s best to begin your hike early to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the area.

Boy Scout Big Tree Trail

Address: Howland Hill Rd, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA

Website: Boy Scout Big Tree Trail

Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)

3. Go fishing in Six Rivers National Forest

Six Rivers National Forest is a massive natural landscape that spans four counties in Northern California. This beautiful area gets its name from the rivers that run through the forest, which include the Klamath, Smith, Mad, Van Duzen, Eel, and Trinity Rivers, and these water systems are rich with opportunities for the lake, pond, river, and stream fishing. Whether you plan on catching salmon, trout, or any of the other local varieties of fish, all anglers over 16 years of age are required to have a current California fishing license on them. In addition to fishing, there are many other recreation opportunities available in the area, including hiking, whitewater rafting, and ATV trails.

Six Rivers National Forest

Address: Willow Creek, CA 95526, USA

Website: Six Rivers National Forest

Opening hours: 24/7

4. Drive through lush forests along Howland Hill Road

The old-growth redwoods along Howland Hill Road form one of the most memorable landscapes of the area. Follow this 10-mile (16 km) long road from Crescent City to the town of Hiouchi, and enjoy breathtaking views of some of the oldest redwood and sequoia trees in the world. This narrow dirt road creates a stunning scenic drive and is surrounded by the unspoiled forests in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

Howland Hill Road

Address: Howland Hill Rd, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA

Website: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)

5. Surf at Pebble Beach

The connected coves of Pebble Beach are a beautiful place to cool off and surf the powerful breakers of the Pacific. Paddle out from the breathtaking coastline, and feel the rush of catching the perfect wave. In addition to surfing, hiking, fishing, and birdwatching are popular pursuits along Pebble Beach.

Pebble Beach

Address: N Pebble Beach Dr, Crescent City, CA 95531

Website: Pebble Beach

Opening hours: 24/7

Price: Free

6. Snorkel in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

After a busy day of hiking among the redwoods in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Smith River. If you bring a snorkel and a mask with you, you can dive into the tranquil pools and watch as steelhead and salmon swim peacefully around you. In addition to your diving apparatus, you’ll want to make sure you have a wet-suit. Even in summer, the water can be very cold here!

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Address: Howland Hill Rd, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA

Website: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)

7. Go horseback riding with Crescent Trail Rides

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Join an excursion with Crescent Trail Rides and discover the striking landscapes around Crescent City on horseback. This company offers riding lessons and tours to riders of all ages and ability and trips are led by experienced tour guides. Explore the remarkable redwood forests or coastal paths, and visit areas like Tolowa Dunes State Park, Kellogg Beach, and the Yontocket Indian Memorial Site.

Crescent Trail Rides

Website: Crescent Trail Rides

8. Tour the Northcoast Marine Mammal Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This marine center is a non-profit organization that rescues and rehabilitates local wildlife. Since 1984, the Northcoast Marine Mammal Center has been working with volunteers to aid marine conservation and provide education to locals and visitors alike. At the public gift shop and visitor’s center, visitors can learn more about the organization’s efforts to help stranded, sick, and injured marine mammals like seals and sea lions.

Northcoast Marine Mammal Center

Address: 424 Howe Dr, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA

Website: Northcoast Marine Mammal Center

Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm

9. Camp at Florence Keller County Park and Campground

Fall asleep surrounded by magnificent redwoods tree and lush forest flora. The Florence Keller County Park and Campground has 50 campsites that can accommodate both tents and vehicles, as well as guest amenities like a picnic area and outdoor games. Visitors are close to many public beaches and the Redwoods State Park region and can enjoy lovely walking trails through the park.

Florence Keller County Park and Campground

Address: 3400 Cunningham Ln, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA

Website: Florence Keller County Park and Campground

10. See the marine life at Ocean World

Dive into a good time at Ocean World! This brilliant, family-friendly attraction is home to an assortment of aquatic life and features many creatures that call California home. Ocean World offers guided tours that traverse touch-and-feel tide pools and provide fascinating information about the inhabitants of the aquarium. Ocean World is the best of education and entertainment and includes unique experiences like shark petting and performances by the resident seals and sea lions.

Ocean World

Address: 304 Highway 101 South, Crescent City, CA 95531, United States

Website: Ocean World

Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)

Price: 12.95 USD

11. Climb the historic Battery Point Lighthouse

One of the many Crescent City activities that you can do is visit Battery Point Lighthouse. Perched on an island near the shore, the historic lighthouse is an icon of Crescent City and the coastline. The landmark is the northernmost lighthouse in California and was one of the first lighthouses to be built in the state in 1855. During low tide, visitors can make their way across a causeway to climb up the narrow spiral staircase of the lighthouse and marvel at the magnificent 360-degree view.

Battery Point Lighthouse

Address: 235 Lighthouse Way, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA

Website: Battery Point Lighthouse

Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily), tide permitting

12. Enjoy amazing redwood panoramas at Stout Grove

One of the best places to admire the area’s ancient redwoods trees is in Stout Grove. The noise of the outside world fades away as you walk along this remote trailhead in the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and this beautiful grove is rarely filled with crowds. A viewing platform along the track provides stunning panoramas of the stout trees and the spectacularly dense growth of giant redwoods.

Stout Grove

Address: 17 W 4th Ave, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA

Website: Stout Grove

Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)

13. Buy authentic cheese at Rumiano Cheese Company

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Founded by the Rumiano brothers in 1919, the Rumiano Cheese Company has been serving fantastic cheeses across California ever since. The family-owned company has since grown to become one of the largest cheese producers in the state and is still dedicated to producing mouthwatering cheeses made with the best certified kosher, organic, and non-GMO ingredients. Stop by the public visitor store to learn more about the history of the company, and to buy some tasty souvenirs for yourself.

Rumiano Cheese Company

Address: 511 9th St, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA

Website: Rumiano Cheese Company

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat: 9:30am - 3pm (closed on Sun)

14. Look for seabirds at Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge

Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge is a place of outstanding natural beauty and one of the best places to see nesting seabirds in North America. With its craggy cliffs, rocky beach, and lush terraces, this coastal island is a habitat for a wide variety of mammals, fish, and as many as 100,000 seabirds. Scan the skies for species like tufted puffin and Aleutian cackling geese, and admire the stunning vistas of the California coast.

Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge

Address: Pebble Beach Drive, Crescent City, California 95531

Website: Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge

15. Go whale watching at Tolowa Dunes State Park

Named for the area’s indigenous Tolowa people, this state park encompasses brilliant ecosystems like windswept sand dunes, surging rivers, and striking wetlands. Discover spectacular flora and fauna, and enjoy a wide variety of outdoor recreation options including cycling, fishing, and horseback riding. Another popular pursuit at this park is to head onto the water to watch migrating gray whales travel from Alaska on their way to Baja California!

Tolowa Dunes State Park

Address: Kellogg Rd, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA

Website: Tolowa Dunes State Park

Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset

16. Visit the Brother Jonathan Cemetery

This historic cemetery is a memorial to the lives lost during the sinking of the steamer vessel, Brother Jonathan. On July 30, 1865, 170 passengers and crew members went down with the Pacific Mail ship in Point St. George’s Reef, leaving only 19 survivors aboard a solitary life boat. Today, the Brother Jonathan Cemetery has been designated as a historic landmark.

Brother Jonathan Cemetery

Address: S Pebble Beach Dr, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA

Opening hours: 24/7

Price: Free

17. See the exhibits in the Del Norte County History Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Delve into local history at the Del Norte County History Museum. This interesting attraction brims with educational exhibits and displays and includes information about the indigenous tribes, the growth, and economy of the area, and natural disasters. Formerly used as the county jail, the building was constructed in 1926 and is now filled with unique artifacts like basketry from Tolowa and Yurok Indians, mining equipment from early pioneers, and hundreds of historical photographs.

Del Norte County History Museum

Address: 577 H St, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA

Website: Del Norte County History Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)

18. Enjoy a leisure day at Point St. George Beach

The peaceful Point St. George Beach is another splendid area to soak up some sunshine and enjoy spectacular surf. This rocky promontory is located just north of Crescent City and provides excellent opportunities for exploring tide pools and surfing. Sea birds and whales can be spotted along the horizon, and the now-decommissioned St. George Reef Lighthouse juts out in the distance from the Dragon Rocks.

Point St. George Beach

Address: 4355 N Pebble Beach Dr, Crescent City, CA 95531

Website: Point St. George Beach

Opening hours: 24/7

Price: Free

19. Practice your putt at the Kings Valley Golf Course

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

No matter your skill level, the Kings Valley Golf Course is a beautiful place to enjoy a round of golf. It is one of the top Crescent City attractions and is set on a lush, nine-hole course, this executive course is a fantastic place to practice your short game. There is also a terrific driving range, a golf shop, and a small bar on-site.

Kings Valley Golf Course

Address: 3030 Lesina Rd, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA

Website: Kings Valley Golf Course

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

Price: from 14 USD

20. Relax at South Beach

Sink your toes into the soft sands of South Beach, and marvel at the scenic delight of this local beach. With its rolling surf and wide vistas, this beach is a perfect place to relax and unwind. Try stand-up paddle boarding in the picturesque harbor, or rent a board and get surfing advice from South Beach outfitters. For a more relaxed afternoon, simply enjoy a tranquil walk among the drift wood-dotted sand dunes or explore the rocky tide pools that brim with underwater treasures.

South Beach

Address: 245 Anchor Way, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA

Website: South Beach

Opening hours: 24/7

Price: Free

21. Enjoy a meal with a view at the Good Harvest Café

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

For delicious food and a scenic setting, the Good Harvest Café is a fantastic dining option. This family-owned restaurant serves up a menu of brilliant dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, and there are always vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free meal options available. Whether you stop by for brunch, lunch, or dinner, you can expect a tasty meal no matter the time of day! In addition to the mouthwatering cuisine, the Good Harvest Café also offers a full bar and a lounge with harbor views that guests can enjoy in the evenings.

Good Harvest Café

Address: 575 US-101, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA

Website: Good Harvest Café

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7:30am - 9pm; Sun: 8am - 9pm

22. Go rafting with Redwood Rides

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Another fantastic way to experience the beauty of Northern California is on a rafting tour with Redwood Rides! This adventure company offers wonderful excursions and gear rentals for an unforgettable experience in a magnificent landscape. From adrenaline-pumping white water rafting to quiet kayaking tours, there are a wide variety of adventures to choose from. Whether you prefer to float gently along under the shade of giant trees or to head into open water and enjoy the coastal views, these excursions create extraordinary memories.

Redwood Rides

Website: Redwood Rides

23. Listen to live music at Enoteca

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Enoteca is a casual restaurant with delectable dishes, a friendly ambiance, and a rotating round-up of live music events. This laid-back restaurant has a menu brimming with delicious offerings that make the most out of seasonal ingredients and is renowned for its burgers, sandwiches, and salads. In addition to the fantastic dining menu, live music events are typically held every week and feature a variety of performers and music styles.

Enoteca

Address: 960 3rd St, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA

Website: Enoteca

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm (closed on Sun)

24. Sip local beers at SeaQuake Brewing

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

While Californian wines have garnered a glowing reputation, there are also plenty of great places to grab a fantastic beer too! For a sample of what Crescent City has to offer, head to the SeaQuake Brewing and taste the selection of 12 brilliant beers they have on tap. As you sip, enjoy hand-crafted pizzas, snack on delicious appetizers, and feast on mouthwatering entrees. Whatever food you order, you’re sure to find the perfect pairing whether you prefer ales or IPAs. And if you can’t choose just one beer to order, you can always get a flight to sample a variety of brews!

SeaQuake Brewing

Address: 400 Front St, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA

Website: SeaQuake Brewing

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

25. Admire artwork at Crescent Harbor Gallery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Take a break from admiring the scenery, and marvel at the artwork of local artists instead! The Crescent Harbor Gallery is a charming co-op that features the works of local artisans and creators in the area. This hidden gem highlights an assortment of different art types and has a very friendly volunteer staff. Stroll through to admire the unique collection, and pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home with you.

Crescent Harbor Gallery

Address: 140 Marine Way, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA

Website: Crescent Harbor Gallery

Opening hours: 10:30am - 4:30pm (daily)

26. Relish tasty seafood at the Chart Room Restaurant

A fabulous option for a fresh and flavorful seafood meal, the Chart Room has an extensive menu of mouthwatering dishes. This lovely casual restaurant has a menu filled with daily specials, seafood entrees, and grilled steaks, and is renowned for its award-winning clam chowder. As you eat, you can also feast on beautiful coastal views from the Crescent City Harbor. Whether you stop by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the Chart Room always has fantastic dining options.

Chart Room

Address: 130 Anchor Way, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA

Website: Chart Room

Opening hours: Sun, Wed, & Thu: 7am - 7pm; Tue: 11am - 4pm; Fri - Sat: 7am - 8pm (closed on Mon)

27. Bring your kids to Beachfront Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

There are many gorgeous beaches to choose from around Crescent City, and Beachfront Park is another family-friendly option. This recreation area overlooks the ocean and has plenty of kid-friendly amenities to enjoy. With picnic tables, a playground, lush lawns, and an indoor swimming pool, this lovely park is a great choice for a quiet afternoon in Crescent City. Plus, a wonderful sandy beach is only a short stroll away.

Beachfront Park

Address: 901 Front Street, Crescent City, CA 95531

Opening hours: 24/7

Price: Free

28. Hunt for thrift treasures at Maybe This Mall

Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed

Scout out the best-hidden treasures at Maybe This Mall. This consignment store is filled with a plethora of unique goods, including children’s toys, clothing, accessories, house décor, and more! From the perfect piece of jewelry to interesting home ornaments, you’ll never know what you may find at this charming store.

Maybe This Mall

Address: 2361 Lake Earl Dr, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA

Website: Maybe This Mall

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5:30pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

29. Get your Mexican fix at Toreros Famosos

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Toreros Famosos is a casual restaurant that serves Mexican-inspired favorites, as well as meat and seafood entrees. With a wide selection of tasty classic dishes, delicious desserts, and fantastic drinks menu, there is a lot to love at this little restaurant. Opt for house specialties like chile verde or chicken mole enchiladas, and wash everything down with a delicious house margarita.

Toreros Famosos

Address: 400 US Highway 101, Crescent City 95531

Opening hours: 3pm - 9pm (daily)

30. Try your luck at Elk Valley Casino

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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With its table games, slots, on-site dining, and host of weekly events, the fun things to do in Crescent City keeps rolling late into the night at the Elk Valley Casino! This brilliant casino has over 300 Vegas-style slot machines, bingo games throughout the week, and nightly poker tournaments, in addition to special comedy and live music events. The casino also offers an American bar and grill, buffet dinners, and breakfast.

Elk Valley Casino

Address: 2500 Howland Hill Rd, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA

Website: Elk Valley Casino

Opening hours: 24/7

The countless charms of Crescent City

With its quaint downtown, magnificent recreation opportunities, and breathtaking scenery, Crescent City is a captivating destination. From the sandy beaches to the redwood forests, the Californian town abounds with scenic charm. The opportunities for entertainment are as endless and varied as your interests. Start planning your getaway today and add these activities to your Crescent City itinerary!