Things to Do & See in Crescent City and Del Norte County, California.

There are very few beaten paths in Del Norte County. The scenery is raw yet relaxed and calls to be explored. Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park is home to some of our planet’s oldest and tallest redwood trees. These imposing yet peaceful giants draw you in to wander the Redwood National and State Park’s many trails, nestle beside them for a picnic, or camp in their glorious quiet.

Just a few minutes down the way from 2,000-year-old redwoods, you’ll soak up miles of breathtaking California coastline. Crescent Beach’s immense cliffs provide a diverse paradise to explore or simply admire from an overlook. If your curiosity calls for more coastline, the scenic drive along Pebble Beach Drive includes stony crags and the swirling Pacific that will quiet your mind yet excite your spirit.

Follow our travel guides to get the most fun from each area of Del Norte County, including Crescent City, Klamath, Smith River, Hiouchi and Gasquet — our small county has a lot to discover between the Oregon border and Humboldt County, California!

Just a few minutes down the way from 2,000-year-old redwoods, you’ll soak up miles of breathtaking California coastline. Crescent Beach’s immense cliffs provide a diverse paradise to explore or simply admire from an overlook. If your curiosity calls for more coastline, the scenic drive along Pebble Beach Drive includes stony crags and the swirling Pacific that will quiet your mind yet excite your spirit.

Follow our travel guides to get the most fun from each area of Del Norte County, including Crescent City, Klamath, Smith River, Hiouchi and Gasquet — our small county has a lot to discover between the Oregon border and Humboldt County, California!

Outdoor Recreation

Outdoors this big make for big adventures. Highway 101 is a cyclists dream and mountain bikers can peddle almost-parallel to the highway on the California Coastal Trail: Last Chance. Diverse trails await both hikers and horseback riders too. “The Forks” hike ambles under shady firs and leads you to the captivating confluence of the middle and south forks of the Smith River. A few steps further the trail boasts an unfrequented shoreline of boulders, welcoming you to a tranquil swim hole. The salty breeze at Tolowa Dunes State Park will invigorate your trot along its many horseback trails.

Cast your line in either the Pacific for some rich lingcod and rockfish, or plunk your (barbless) hook into the emerald spills of the Smith River for trophy salmon and steelhead.

Play and Paddle in Water

If the water calls to you, Del Norte County answers with National Wild & Scenic Rivers plus a historic harbor that serves as the gateway to ocean adventures. Charter a memorable ocean cruise or slide into one of the many boat ramps along the coastline. Connect more deeply with your untamed surroundings with whale watching or a visit to a seal colony.

The northern coast of California is an undiscovered surf gem. Plan a stop to South Beach for an accessible yet gratifying surf experience. Strike a balance on the open sea between physical and tranquil with a sea kayaking or stand-up paddleboard excursion.

With areas of calm currents as well as whitewater flow through the Klamath and Smith Rivers, you can ignite your senses with a guided raft tour or recenter yourself on an easy kayak trip. Generate serious group giggles on a river jet boat tour.

Top Attractions

An independent spirit thrives throughout the area’s many locally owned businesses and attractions. Visit Ocean World aquarium to satisfy your aquatic curiosities with a truly interactive experience. Touch tide pool creatures and pet a shark. Nestle into nature a little deeper – and higher – as you glide through the redwood tree line in a SkyTrail gondola. You’ll discover this ride along with beautiful hiking trails, a museum, and a charmingly ginormous Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox within the Trees of Mystery.

Thirsty explorers will find gutsy craft breweries like Port O’ Pints and SeaQuake Brewing in Crescent City. The culinary quest continues through Rumiano Cheese Factory, an environmentally responsible creamery that is very generous with the samples. Saunter south a ways to Klamath for some of Paul’s Famous Smoked Salmon. Thrills can also be found in the local casinos, including Redwood Hotel & Casino, Elk Valley and Lucky 7.

Points of Interest

From tribal lands to gold rushes to sunken ships, this region is rich with history. The rugged coastline compels lighthouses like Battery Point Lighthouse and St. George Reef Lighthouse to bring ships to safety. Battery Point Lighthouse is a historical wonder, housing shipwreck exhibits and itself withstanding a tsunami that crashed upon Crescent City in 1964.

Hunt for History

Soak up more legacy at the Del Norte County Historical Museum. Once part Hall of Records and part County Jail, you’ll find a few original jail cells along with logging and mining machinery and artifacts from the native Tolowa and Yurok tribes.

Seek Out Art

Roam the sidewalks and enjoy diverse murals that grace the exteriors of many Crescent City businesses. The art will whisper stories of the area’s heritage, wildlife and craft. Art galleries are abundant, balancing your nature adventure with a cultural stroll.

Redwoods National Park in Del Norte County, California and Crescent City - The Redwoods Coast

REDWOODS NATIONAL & STATE PARKS

Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park is home to some of our planet’s oldest and tallest Redwood trees. These imposing yet peaceful giants draw you in to wander the park’s many trails, nestle beside them for a picnic, or camp in their glorious quiet.

Trees of Mystery Sky Trail - Soar Through the Tops of Redwoods in Del Norte County, California - The Redwoods Coast

ATTRACTIONS

Rest your weary feet as a gondola takes you up 570 feet through the redwood canopy. Sample glorious cheese from happy cows. Play a round of cards with your partner in crime at a vibrant casino. Explore beyond the great outdoors.

Points of Interest in Crescent City & Del Norte County, CA - The Redwoods Coast

POINTS OF INTEREST

Experience California’s raw, unsung spirit as you and loved ones cruise scenic, dusty roads. Find legacy and inspiration within the walls of a lighthouse. Explore the docks, roads and shores that have shaped Crescent City’s, Klamath’s and all of Del Norte’s rich history.

Beaches in Crescent City & Del Norte County, California - The Redwoods Coast

BEACHES

Let your spirit wander along endless California coastline. Escape to a quiet cove. Explore craggy shores with waves that crash against mysterious sea stacks. Picnic, surf, beachcomb or just be on the raw yet relaxed beaches of Crescent City and Del Norte County.

Hiking at the Redwoods National Park in Del Norte County, California - The Redwoods Coast

HIKING

Get up close and personal with majestic forests, ancient redwoods, rugged shorelines and alluring flowers. Explore ferny canyons with your partners in adventure. Put your feet to the dirt and let your spirit soar along the trails of Del Norte County.

Biking in Del Norte County, California - The Redwoods Coast

BIKING

Sail along the rugged California coast and listen to the waves crash. Mosey around river bends and through towering redwoods. Pedal in paradise with your bike-mates and then share a beverage after a long, picturesque ride.

Horseback Riding & Trails in Del Norte County, California - The Redwoods Coast

HORSEBACK RIDING & TRAILS

Saddle up your “mane” squeeze for an unforgettable horseback riding trail trek. Chart a course all your own or hire a guide to explore the big outdoors on horseback. A ride through Del Norte County’s unspoiled scenery will make memories worth sharing.

Sea and Wildlife Viewing in Del Norte County, California - The Redwoods Coast

SEA & WILDLIFE

Uncover a charmingly slimy banana slug. Admire the immensity of a migrating whale. Explore a zoo-like variety of wildlife but with the freedom of the raw outdoors. Here in Del Norte County, the wildlife is vibrant.

Guided Tours in Del Norte County, California - The Redwoods Coast

GUIDED TOURS

Expand your opportunity for adventure when you leave the equipment at home and let a professional do the planning. Discover hidden gems with expert guides leading the way. Drift through untapped coves or step into far-reaching forest groves. Arrange a guided tour and kickback, truly enjoying the wonders of Del Norte County.

Water Activities in Del Norte County, California - The Redwoods Coast

WATER ACTIVITIES

Kayak through a lush canyon. Savor your own freshly-caught salmon with fishing buddies. Spy a menagerie of ocean life. The swirling Pacific and wild Smith and Klamath rivers are the launch points for your Del Norte County adventure.

Fishing in Del Norte County, California - The Redwoods Coast

FISHING

Cruise wild and scenic rivers for the ultimate catch. Charter an ocean sportfishing excursion any time of the year. Share the simple joy of crabbing with your family in a historic harbor. Delight in the skill and adventure of fishing throughout Del Norte County’s beautiful and varied waters.

History and Heritage in Del Norte County, California - The Redwoods Coast

HISTORY & HERITAGE

From tribal lands to gold mining to shipwrecks, this region’s heritage is rich. Wander the paths of Del Norte County’s vibrant history, where the land, the water and the people connect deeply and work harmoniously. Learn more and let the spirit of California’s heritage echo throughout your adventures.

Casinos and Gaming in Del Norte County, California - The Redwoods Coast

CASINOS

Feeling lucky? Play some hands or slots at in Crescent City, Smith River and Klamath, California.

Flora & Fauna in Del Norte County, California - The Redwoods Coast

FLORA & FAUNA

Wander lush forests on a quest for rare flowers. Seek out wild rhodys growing among the redwoods coast of California. Let colossal conifers guide your group to secret bogs with distinctive vegetation. Get the unique soils of Del Norte County under your feet to discover a rich collection of blossoming plant life.

Art & Culture in Del Norte County, California - The Redwoods Coast

ART & CULTURE

Explore vivid murals, exceptional galleries and tall tales. Let music feed your soul within an ancient redwoods shrine. The bold and spirited heritage of California breaths life into the arts and culture of Del Norte County. From forests to galleries, inspiration is everywhere.

Shopping in Crescent City and Del Norte County, California - The Redwoods Coast

SHOPPING

Kitschy gift shops, redwood burls, surf apparel, and artist galleries are some of the shopping gold you will find around here. For a taste of Del Norte County, seek out smoked salmon, a seafood market or a handcrafted cheese shop.

VIEW OUR TRAVEL GUIDES

Crescent City California Visitor Guide
Klamath California Visitor Guide - Find Things to Do, Where to Stay and Places to Eat
Smith River California Visitor Guide - Find Things to Do, Where to Stay and Places to Eat
Hiouchi California Visitor Guide - Find Things to Do, Where to Stay and Places to Eat
Gasquet Visitor Guide - Find Things to Do, Places to Stay & Where to Eat

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