Crescent City: The Largest in the County

As you descend out of the redwood forest and bluffs of Highway 101 at night, the lights of Crescent City can be seen hugging the coastal beaches of the Pacific Ocean. The crescent shape reveals how the city got its name.

Events

Crescent City is the largest community in Del Norte County. It’s where you’ll find the Aleutian Goose Festival, Historical Tall-masted Ships Celebration, Del Norte County Fair, Annual World Championship Crab Races, Sea Cruise Classic Car Show and the Noll Longboard Surf Classic. The biggest event is its July 4th celebration that kicks off with a deck party on July 3rd followed by a dance at the fairgrounds. On the morning of the 4^th, the downtown streets are lined with spectators for the parade. Later, everyone goes to Beach Front Park for food, music and a lot of fun. As evening approaches, everyone claims a cozy spot to watch the huge fireworks display over the ocean and Battery Point Lighthouse.

Two Historical Lighthouses

As a coastal community, Crescent City’s attractions are primarily related to the ocean. Near the harbor sits the first of two lighthouses, the Battery Point Lighthouse that celebrated its 150 anniversary in 2006. It’s operated by the Del Norte County Historical Society as a museum and is accessible by foot during low tide.

The Saint George Reef Lighthouse  sits six miles off shore up the coast. The Saint George Reef Lighthouse Preservation Society offers helicopter flights to the lighthouse for one-hour tours October through June, weather permitting. It is also a great place for birdwatching and to see some of the indigenous coastal birds.

Crescent City Harbor

The city also has a large harbor docked primarily with commercial fishing vessels. Visitors can walk the harbor, purchase fresh tuna and crab off local boats, experience the cuisine of several restaurants with ocean views and enjoy the whimsical behavior of local harbor seals and sea lions. Fishing enthusiasts can even reserve charter boats at the harbor for an ocean fishing experience.

Accessible Beaches and Abundant Marine Life

Miles and miles of beaches provide a perfect environment for beachcombing, dog walking, horseback riding, surfing, and kids playing in the sand and surf.

Crescent City has a variety of other entertainment venues for visitors to enjoy. Ocean World  is the place to see 20 different species of fish, wolf eels, octopus, leopard sharks, horn sharks, bat rays, skates and sea stars. Go on a guided tour and experience the touch and feel tide pool, shark petting and sea lion show.

Gaming

For those in the mood for gaming, the 23,000 square foot Elk Valley Casino features Blackjack and Poker tables, a Bingo gallery, and 275 slot machines and video games. This casino operated by the Elk Valley Rancheria also offers a smoke-free gaming room.