Location: Crescent City
Top Things to do in Crescent City
The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Crescent City, California (CA)
Crescent City (Chetco-Tolowa: Taa-’at-dvn, Yurok: Kohpey, Wiyot: Daluwagh ) is the county seat of, and only incorporated city in, Del Norte County, California. Named for the crescent-shaped stretch of sandy beach south of the city, Crescent City had a total population of 7,643 in the 2010 census, up from 4,006 in the 2000 census. The population includes inmates at Pelican Bay State Prison, also within the city limits, and the former census-designated place Crescent City North annexed to the city. The city is also the site of the Redwood National Park headquarters, as well as the historic Battery Point Light. Due to the richness of the local Pacific Ocean waters and the related catch, and ease of access, Crescent City Harbor serves as home port for numerous commercial fishing vessels.
Restaurants in Crescent City
1. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,545 reviews
Part of the Redwoods National and State Parks system, this state park was established in 1929.
Reviewed By dunadan - Lynnwood, United States
We had two full days in Crescent City, and after consulting with the excellent staff at the park visitor's center, we made a full circuit of JSR State Park, making several stops and going on the recommended hikes. The information was spot-on, and made our visit to the park the highlight of our road trip (so far). What else to say about the redwoods and their environs that hasn't already been said in these reviews a thousand times? I can repeat all of the superlatives you've already likely read: majestic, incredible, awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping, mammoth, immense. They don't do the experience justice, and craning your neck up at a 300-foot giant that has existed since before the start of the Gregorian calendar will most likely just leave you slack-jawed. Take your time with the drive, and use the pull-outs: they will keep you, and other drivers, in good humor. As you walk the trails, pause and listen to distant fog horn and (hopefully) nothing else. Enjoy the views, and the presence of these magnificent sentinels, and maybe think about making a few changes in your personal habits back home to improve the living conditions for others on this planet. You don't have long in this world, unlike the redwoods, which will be here long after you are gone. :)
2. Stout Grove
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 717 reviews
Reviewed By Bay_Arean2 - Richmond, United States
The Stout Grove loop trail is a very easy hike. In the summer you can access the grove from the Jedediah Smith State Park by crossing the river via a footbridge. I would also recommend pairing a visit to Stout Grove with a drive through the Jed Smith Park on Howland Hill Road.
3. Boy Scout Big Tree Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By WiseFamilyadventures
Great views and semi challenging trail. I have for kids so made about a mile up hill and we’re toast. If you have small kids check Mill creek trail it’s about .15 miles to west on Howland rd.
4. False Klamath
5. Crescent Beach Overlook
6. Redwood National and State Parks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By DoloresJacoby - West Palm Beach, United States
A forest ranger at the Hiouchi Station explained to me that the Redwood National Forest encompasses several state parks to include: Smith River Recreation Area Tollwah Dunes Patrick’s Point Jedediah Smith Prairie Creek Redwoods Del Norte Coast Redwoods Humbolt Lagoons State Park Fort Humbolt Trinidad State Beach Pelican State Beach Little River State Beach Azaelea State Natural Reserve AND probably other areas I’ve missed. With good maps in hand, lots of visits to ranger and visitor stations and a dose of courage, I managed to visit and enjoy each area! I visited in August driving through and returned for September deep exploration. What an amazing trip. Be sure to take enough time to soak it in deeply. Get lost, explore. It was a lifetime experience that will last forever in my memories!!!
7. Crescent Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 270 reviews
A coastal state park which offers tours to a nearby lighthouse.
Reviewed By paulcE3081NI
A wonderful, long, sandy beach that is great for flying a kite or watching the waves. Surfing is good as the beach is sandy and wide, can be small waves. A lot of kite flying here, good parking, easy access, near food and mostly clean.
8. Six Rivers National Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By J9300DBsuel
Drove through this National Forest as we continued our journey on vacation. The trees were tall and lots of vegetation. Great way to travel.
9. Ocean World
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 415 reviews
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.
Reviewed By LizV711 - Oregon, United States
Had a great time vising here with two of our grandson. Staff here was friendly. Tour was awesome. Much more then we expected. Grandsons got to hold some starfish, touch a cool shark, see many other sea life along with a show of a sea lion doing some awesome tricks!
