Crescent City

The variety of things to see and do in the Del Norte County town of Crescent City belies its small size. Visitors come to this coastal community with a seafaring past to explore the redwood forests of various national and state parks, stroll along scenic beaches, whale watch, and see historic lighthouses. 

Where to See Redwoods Near Crescent City 

Crescent City is a gateway to some of the most spectacular redwood parks in the state. Drive northeast of town and in a few minutes you’ll reach Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, renowned for its dense old-growth forests and the picturesque Smith River, and about 10 miles to the south is Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, with its rugged coastal views and lush forested trails. 

Within easy driving distance—about 34 miles to the south, past Klamath—is Redwood National Park and, a few miles further, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Together, these extensive networks protect nearly half of the world's ancient redwoods, providing visitors with opportunities for hiking, camping, river kayaking, and wildlife sightings.

Lighthouses In and Near Crescent City

Only 20 miles south of Oregon, Crescent City is home to the northernmost of California’s lighthouse stations. Overlooking the town’s harbor, the 1856 Battery Point Lighthouse, built with 22-inch-thick slabs of granite, sits on a tiny island that can only be reached on foot at low tide. When the water recedes, visitors walk across the causeway, climb the narrow spiral staircase to the lamp room, then crawl up a ladder and through a trap door for a spectacular 360-degree view. 

A few miles away is Crescent City’s other lighthouse at St. George Reef, 6 miles offshore. It was built after the 1865 shipwreck of the Brother Jonathan, which carried passengers and was rumored to have been holding 1.5 tons of gold coins and bullion when it went down, much of which has never been recovered. See the lighthouse from the public walking trails along the bluffs at Point St. George. Its original first-order Fresnel lens can be viewed at the Del Norte County Main Museum.

Crescent City Waterfront

After getting your fill of lighthouses, wander the Crescent City waterfront and marvel at how this city was entirely rebuilt after a devastating tsunami in 1964 (you’ll see tsunami warning signs all over town). 

At Ocean World Aquarium, sea lions balance balls and play catch with visitors during lively shows, while interactive exhibits let guests touch starfish, meet rescued marine mammals, and learn about the North Coast’s ocean ecosystems. Meanwhile, less than a mile way at the Northcoast Marine Mammal Center, injured elephant seals and sea lions get some TLC and healing time before being released back to the wild. Call ahead to find out the pinnipeds’ feeding time, the most interesting time to visit. 

On the town’s west end is oceanfront Pebble Beach Drive with easy access to Pebble Beach, a great place to search for agates, jasper, and other semi-precious gemstones. It’s especially rewarding after winter storms, when fresh gems are often washed ashore.

Tolowa Dunes State Park

About 10 miles north of the city, Tolowa Dunes State Park offers a quieter, wilder side of the North Coast. The park protects rolling sand dunes, coastal wetlands, and seasonal lakes that are rich with birdlife, especially during migration seasons. Visitors can hike or bike along flat, easy trails, explore the beach, or simply take in the expansive ocean views and windswept landscape. It’s also an important cultural site for the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, adding historical and cultural dimensions to the experience.

Crescent City Fourth of July Celebrations

Every year, Crescent City throws a two-day (July 3–4) Fourth of July celebration at the Cultural Center lawn across the street from Beachfront Park. Typically, visitors can enjoy free hot-air balloon rides, cow chip bingo, live music, and the largest fireworks show on the North Coast with Battery Point Lighthouse in the foreground. The event also features food, a 5K run along the Crescent City Harbor Trail, and a parade.