Named for its curved stretch of Pacific Ocean beachfront, Crescent City is located on the far northern coast of California, 20 miles from the Oregon border and close to the soaring redwoods of Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park and rippling waters of Smith River.

Crescent City boasts breathtaking beaches. You can beachcomb for agates and explore the tide pools on windswept Pebble Beach, admiring the sea stacks studding the coastline. The vast coastal plain at Tolowa Dunes State Park encompasses two lakes, forests, wetlands, and 11 serene miles of beach. The Smith River, California’s largest undammed waterway, is a well-loved spot to fish and kayak.

Quaint shops and local eateries dot the downtown area. You can sample cheese from California’s oldest family-owned cheese company, try local craft beer, and savor freshly caught seafood. Wherever you are in town, Crescent Beach’s three-mile stretch of silky sand is never far away.

Because of its location along the northern California coast, Crescent City is one of the coolest parts of the state, with a mild climate and overcast skies throughout the year. In the summer and early fall months, that means the heat never becomes sweltering, and cloud cover is frequent. If you crave summer heat, simply drive a few miles inland. The Klamath Salmon Festival, which typically takes place in August, features a parade, activities honoring the traditions of the Klamath Tribes, and, of course, delicious fish. During the winter, you can expect rain and high winds — though temperatures rarely drop below freezing— so pack a waterproof layer and proper shoes if you’re planning to visit during this time. In December, the city holds its Lighthouse Quilt Guild Christmas Bazaar, where you can find quilts and unique handmade gifts for sale.

Battery Point Light

The historic Battery Point Lighthouse, which has been in service since 1856, perches atop a rocky outcrop at the foot of Lighthouse Way. The Del Norte County Historical Society operates the lighthouse and its accompanying museum, which are both accessible only during low tide, so check the online schedule for times.

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Old-growth redwoods tower over the trails in the densely forested, 10,000-acre Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, minutes northeast of town. The park is home to one of the largest untouched remaining expanses of coastal redwood forest in California. The narrow Howland Hill Road passes through the center of the park, offering a scenic six-mile drive beneath the canopy.

B Street Pier

The picturesque B Street Pier, which stretches along the western wall of Crescent Harbor, extends 900 feet into the Pacific. Take a stroll along the pier for sweeping views of the ocean and Battery Point Lighthouse in the distance. The pier is a popular public spot for crabbing in the fall and winter months, as the waters are abundant with Dungeness crab (you don’t need a license if you’re using one or two crab pots). Occasionally, sea lions lounge near the pier.