Northern California, Things to Do
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Top places to see and things to do
Pristine, uncrowned beaches offer spectacular surf, sand and tidepools:
- Pebble Beach Drive, in Crescent City, a popular spot for surfing, offers an oceanfront drive that’s open to the public and varies from rocky to sandy, all easily accessible from Highway 101.
- South Beach is the curving, crescent-shaped shorefront that gives Crescent City its name. It’s a popular spot with surfers, located just south of the Best Western Northwoods Inn and within walking distance! This is a great spot to take the kids, it's sandy and safer to swim in, as well as perfect for long walks and hunting for sand dollars.
- Endert's Beach and Vista Point (Crescent Beach Overlook) south of Crescent City, is a well-kept secret beloved by locals and often missed by tourists. This beautiful spot looks out toward the Crescent City Harbor, offering a panoramic view of the town that’s also ideal for spotting and photographing migrating whales. Ask our staff for directions. [Top]
Tidepooling
Point St. George is a rocky outstretch of rock and beach is located north of Crescent City, a mere brief drive away. It’s highly recommended for tidepooling and exploring the rocky surface of an ever-evolving coastline. Random rough waves and strong currents make the “buddy system” a must! The sea life is extraordinary—simply ask the Best Western staff for directions. [Top]Local events give Crescent City its unique flavor:
- World Championship Crab Races: Mid-February. A colorful and popular Crescent City annual event. For information call (707) 464 3174.
- Aleutian Geooe Festival: Late March. The three-day Aleutian Goose Festival attracts bird-watchers from around the country and features 65 workshops held by bird enthusiasts. Attendees take river drift trips and canoe trips on Lake Earl, travel into old growth forest, and watch wild spotted owls snatch food from an outstretched hand. For more information call (707) 465-0888.
- Gasquet Raft Races: Mid-July. Sponsored by the mountain town of Gasquet on Highway 199. For information call (707) 457-3064
- Jammin' at Jed: Late September, this all-day concert beneath the redwoods at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. For information call (707) 464-8311
- Noll Longboard Surf Classic: October. Northern California's largest surfing contest. For information call (707) 465-4400.
- Whale Watching: Gray whales are best seen from an elevated spot close to the shore. Great spots to go to best view the migrating whales are the Crescent Beach Overlook, Enderts Beach, Battery Point Lighthouse, Point St. George and Klamath Overlook. Instructions on how to get to all of these places can be obtained by our helpful staff. March, April and May are the best months to view the migrating whales through the crescent city area. Call and reserve ahead of time during these months!
- Sea Cruise: October. This Sea Cruise classic car show attracts more than 500 classic cars and their owners to Crescent City and Beachfront Park. The two-day party features a concert, dance, dinner and poker run. For information call (707) 464-3174. To be sure you have a place to stay during this busy weekend please call and make reservations!
- Battery Point Lighthouse: First lit on December 10, 1956, the Crescent City Lighthouse, now known as Battery Point Lighthouse, is the fifth oldest lighthouse on the West Coast. Take a tour during the summer tourist season, docented by lighthouse keepers. Crescent City is planning to have a year long birthday party in 2006 when the lighthouse turns 150. For information call (707) 464-3089.
- St. George Reef Lighthouse: This landmark stands several miles offshore. At 140-feet, it is the tallest and most expensive American lighthouse ever constructed costing $704,000. For helicopter tours to the restored off-shore lighthouse, call for reservations (707) 464-8299. [Top]
Redwood Parks and Forests:
For 20 million years, mighty redwoods have thrived in Del Norte County. Four major Redwood forests beckon you to experience the beauty and majesty of these enduring giants. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Since 1929 this 10,000-acre predominately old-growth park has been delighting and astounding visitors.[ The famous Smith River flows through this World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. Abundant wildlife includes black bear, deer, coyote, bobcat, mountain lion, skunks, fox, beaver, river otter, squirrels, and chipmunks, while birders can watch for bald eagles, spotted owls, pileated woodpeckers and marbled murrelet. Located 9 miles east of Crescent City on Highway 199 at 1375 Elk Valley Rd, Crescent City, CA 95531 Telephone: (707) 464-6101 ext. 5112 or 5064.
Stout Grove
The Redwood National and State Parks are both home to some of the world's largest trees, a beautiful example of what the world once was like in this area. Immense redwoods, lush ferns covering the underbrush. Howland Hill Road is the way to Stout Grove. Phone: 707-464-6101 ext. 5064.
The Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
This famous park offers 6400 acres with approximately 50% old growth coast redwood and eight miles of wild coastline. The rugged terrain includes steep cliffs adjacent to the Pacific Ocean. Access to the rocky sea coast is by Damnation Trail and Footsteps Rock Trail. Wilson Beach or False Klamath Cove offer 1/2-mile of sandy beach that are meant for strolling and tidepool viewing at low tide. It is not safe for swimming due to the steep beach slope, rocks, rough seas and cold water. Telephone: (707) 464-6101 ext. 5120
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Preserved since the early 1920’s by the people of California and the Save-the-Redwoods League, Prairie Creek is 14,000 acres of old growth coast redwood. You’ll find this area is ideal for hiking, nature study, and picnicking. Be sure to stop by the visitor center and nature store. The park is 50 miles north of Eureka and 25 miles south of Crescent City on Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway off of Highway 101.
The visitor center and Elk Prairie Campground are located at the southern end of the Parkway. Telephone: 707-464-6101 ext. 5301 [Top]
Fishing
Crescent City is part of California’s famed Wild Rivers Coast. Here, the Smith and Klamath Rivers offer first-rate salmon and steelhead fishing. The coast also provides many additional freshwater and saltwater sites for angling.
The Smith River is close to ideal for its clear water, scenic magnificence and trophy-quality catches, and offers several drift boat launching sites. Giant king salmon begin returning in the fall; later in December or early January, you ca fish for steelhead.
The Klamath River has its source in Southern Oregon, where in late summer through Labor Day, salmon attract enough anglers to line the banks.
More popular fishing spots: The seven-mile stretch of water between Highways 101 and 199 offers outstanding sport fishing, with deep holes that attract both steelhead and salmon. A road along the south bank turns off at the south end of the 101 bridge. Access to Early Hole and Walker Hole is reached from Walker Road off Highway 199. Travel on 199 through the town of Hiouchi for about ½ mile, turn south on road that crosses "Slant Bridge". After crossing the bridge, watch for a river access road to your right. [Top]
River Rafting
Crescent City is conveniently close to some of the most spectacular and exciting river rafting in the north coast. Best Western Northwoods Inn is an ideal destination to begin your experience—and a snug place to relax after an exhilarating day on our beautiful rivers.
Klamath River Jetboat, 1-800-887-5387
Mail Boat Hydro Jets, 1-800-458-3511
Jerry's Rogue Jets, 1-800-451-3645
Bigfoot Rafting, 1-800-722-2223 [Top]
Hiking
Howland Hill
Spend an unforgettable day hiking through some of the most beautiful trees in the world. On the way to Stout Grove, you’ll see signs naming trails and the miles they represent. We cannot caution enough to stick to marked trails—for they go through real forests with wild animals, and safety is always first. [Top]
More attractions
Ocean world
Guided tours beneath the sea, sea lions performances, a shark-petting tanks, unique gift shops, and guided tours beneath the sea, 304 Highway 101, Crescent City. Phone: (707) 464-4900. Stay with us and get 20% discount for Ocean World tickets. Visit www.oceanworldonline.com
Trees of Mystery
This “must-see” attraction features awesome rare coastal redwoods. Take the mile-long wilderness trail or ride the Sky Trail Gondola on a breathtaking round trip journey through the forest canopy. Visit the Native American museum at the end with its exceptional private collection. 15500 Highway 101 North in Klamath, CA. For information: (800) 638-3389. Please ask the front desk for a special package price.
Klamath River Jet Boat Tours
Three exhilarating daily trips up the famous Klamath River. Captain and narrator will describe the River's rich history and see the thriving wildlife, Bear, blacktail deer, elk, soaring osprey, eagles, hawks, otters, and many other varieties of wildlife.
Del Norte County Historical Society Museum
Exhibits trace the history of the entire Del Norte County area. Open 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 577 H Street, Crescent City. Phone: 707-464-3922.
Marine Mammal Center
Visit one of the three California Rescue and Rehabilitation Centers for seals and sea lions. Self guided tours are available. 424 Howe Drive, Crescent City, CA. Phone: (707) 465-MAML.
North Coast Nature Center
Visit a discovery museum where there are unique collections of small creatures like jelly fish, hawk, snakes, bearded dragon and many more. This is a educational and fun place for both grown ups and kids. 1279 2nd Street, Crescent City, CA. Phone: (707) 464 3633.
Fun Bus Tours
FunBus offers the Redwood Coast's favorite adventure tour because it takes you where others can't. This is a unique tour of State and National Redwood Parks, including visit to historic gold beach bluff, amazing Jurassic Park's Fern Canyon, Famous "Big Tree" giant Redwood Grove, Coastal Drive along 1860's wagon road, Klamath River Mouth Southern Overlook, Yurok Tribal ceremonial grounds and site where Wild Roosevelt Elk herd habitat. Phone: 1-888-FunBus2.
Crescent City Harbor: This picturesque harbor shelters a large commercial crab and bottomfish boat fleet, as well as a sport fishing launch facility and cleaning station. Many sea lions call the harbor home. Pier, ramp, charter boats, tackle, RV park, restaurants, commercial docks. Located at south end of town on Highway 101. For information: (707) 464-6174.
Elk Valley Casino: This Native American Casino is right here in Crescent City, open 24 hours. 2500 Howland Hill Road, Crescent City. Phone: 888-574-2744. [Top]
Lighthouses
- St. George Reef Lighthouse : This landmark sits eight miles off the coast just north of Crescent City. For helicopter tours to the restored off-shore lighthouse, call for reservations (707) 464-8299.
- Battery Point Lighthouse: First lit on December 10, 1956, the Crescent City Lighthouse, now known as Battery Point Lighthouse, is the fifth oldest lighthouse on the West Coast. Take a tour during the summer tourist season, docented by lighthouse keepers. Crescent City is planning to have a year long birthday party in 2006 when the lighthouse turns 150. For information call (707) 464-3089.[Top]
More attractions
Ocean world
Guided tours beneath the sea, sea lions performances, a shark-petting tanks, unique gift shops, and guided tours beneath the sea, 304 Highway 101, Crescent City. Phone: (707) 464-4900. Stay with us and get 20% discount for Ocean World tickets.
Trees of Mystery
This “must-see” attraction features awesome rare coastal redwoods. Take the mile-long wilderness trail or ride the Sky Trail Gondola on a breathtaking round trip journey through the forest canopy. Visit the Native American museum at the end with its exceptional private collection. 15500 Highway 101 North in Klamath, CA. For information: (800) 638-3389. Please ask the front desk for a special package price.
Klamath River Jet Boat Tours
Three exhilarating daily trips up the famous Klamath River. Captain and narrator will describe the River's rich history and see the thriving wildlife, Bear, blacktail deer, elk, soaring osprey, eagles, hawks, otters, and many other varieties of wildlife.
Del Norte County Historical Society Museum
Exhibits trace the history of the entire Del Norte County area. Open 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 577 H Street, Crescent City. Phone: 707-464-3922.
Marine Mammal Center
Visit one of the three California Rescue and Rehabilitation Centers for seals and sea lions. Self guided tours are available. 424 Howe Drive, Crescent City, CA. Phone: (707) 465-MAML.
North Coast Nature Center
Visit a discovery museum where there are unique collections of small creatures like jelly fish, hawk, snakes, bearded dragon and many more. This is a educational and fun place for both grown ups and kids. 1279 2nd Street, Crescent City, CA. Phone: (707) 464 3633.
Fun Bus Tours
FunBus offers the Redwood Coast's favorite adventure tour because it takes you where others can't. This is a unique tour of State and National Redwood Parks, including visit to historic gold beach bluff, amazing Jurassic Park's Fern Canyon, Famous "Big Tree" giant Redwood Grove, Coastal Drive along 1860's wagon road, Klamath River Mouth Southern Overlook, Yurok Tribal ceremonial grounds and site where Wild Roosevelt Elk herd habitat. Phone: 1-888-FunBus2. [Top]
Lighthouses
- St. George Reef Lighthouse : This landmark sits eight miles off the coast just north of Crescent City. For helicopter tours to the restored off-shore lighthouse, call for reservations
(707) 464-8299.
- Battery Point Lighthouse: First lit on December 10, 1956, the Crescent City Lighthouse, now known as Battery Point Lighthouse, is the fifth oldest lighthouse on the West Coast. Take a tour during the summer tourist season, docented by lighthouse keepers. Crescent City is planning to have a year long birthday party in 2006 when the lighthouse turns 150. For information call (707) 464-3089.[Top]
Visit TripAdvisor
Best Western Northwoods Inn,
655 US Highway 101 S, Crescent City, CA 95531-4416
Phone: 800-485-0134 Fax: 707-464-9461
Email: info@bwnorthwoodsinn.com
