Location: Crescent City
Top Things to do in Crescent City
The 10 Best Things to do Good for Kids 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. Smith River Kayaks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Smith River Kayaks is conveniently located near the mouth of the Smith River. An ideal opportunity to experience the Wild Rivers Coast, their estuaries, and coastal lagoons from the water, we offer 14 different half day and full day self guided kayak touring and fishing destinations.
3. 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.
4. Crescent Trail Rides
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 268 reviews
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
Reviewed By patriciacK828QZ
We had a blast today! Was in town for My birthday weekend and been wanting to go horseback riding and we chose this awesome company. family friendly took my kids ages 11-24 they absolutely loved it.the hour and half ride was perfect . Staff was amazing! We will be back to do the redwoods ride next . Definitely recommend. It’s a must do.
5. 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.
6. Redwood Sightseeing Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 69 reviews
Redwood Sightseeing Tours is designed to maximize your time at Redwood National and State Parks. We offer everything from half day (3 hours)tours that are fully narrated while visiting some of the most popular sites, to full day(4-5 hours) tours that visit all of the must see sites the park has to offer. Come see the majestic Redwoods aboard our open air van with a glass rooftop. Visit top sites including, the largest concentration of old growth redwoods in the National Park, a drive thru tree, 3rd largest redwood in the world, beach overlooks, tidepooling, the last undammed river in California, world war 2 radar stations, Howland Hill Rd, and much more!
7. Battery Point Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 700 reviews
Museum that houses many artifacts and documents related to local history.
Reviewed By Cruz43 - Minnesota, United States
We walked to the Battery Point Lighthouse during low tide and had a wonderful little tour of the lighthouse ALL the way up to the top and enjoyed the view from the light area that holds six-eight people. Very well maintained lighthouse with knowledgeable guides to provide interesting history information, as well. You can walk and visit the grounds on your own during low tide, but spend the few dollars to go inside for the tour - the funds collected goes towards the preservation of the lighthouse by the local historical group.
8. 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.
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!
10. Howland Hill Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 441 reviews
Reviewed By matthewaS4227WD - Bellevue, United States
As this unpaved road winds through the redwood forest, you will be amazed by the size and height of the trees. However, the middle four miles of the road is closed for restoration by the park service until December 31, 2020. It is off-limits to visitors. To visit Stout Grove, you need to enter Howland Hill Road from the north side. Howland Hill Road is open to the Stout Grove trailhead parking lot.
