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Crescent City

Crescent City travel guide

City in California, United States

Best time to visitJune to September
Nearest airportCEC · 2 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−7
Population6,673

About Crescent City

Crescent City is the only incorporated city in Del Norte County, California, United States, of which it is also the county seat. The city is on the North Coast of California and had a total population of 6,673 in the 2020 census, down from 7,643 in the 2010 census.

Places to visit in Crescent City

  1. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

    Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

    Nature · 6 mi from centre

    Just east of town, this park holds dense old-growth redwood groves along the Smith River. The Stout Grove trail and the unpaved Howland Hill Road are standout ways to see the giant trees.

  2. Redwood National and State Parks

    Redwood National and State Parks

    Nature · 33 mi from centre

    Crescent City is the northern gateway to this group of parks protecting coastal redwood forest, rugged beaches and prairie. Stop at the visitor center in town for maps and trail advice.

  3. Battery Point Lighthouse

    Battery Point Lighthouse

    Historic

    A small historic lighthouse on a tidal island reachable on foot only at low tide. When accessible, tours show the keeper's quarters, and the shoreline is good for tide pooling.

  4. Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

    Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

    Nature · 7 mi from centre

    South of town, redwood forest meets steep coastal cliffs. Trails descend through the trees toward secluded beaches, and the coast views along Highway 101 are dramatic.

  5. Smith River

    Smith River

    Nature · 12 mi from centre

    An undammed river known for strikingly clear blue-green water. Its banks near Jedediah Smith offer swimming holes, kayaking and salmon and steelhead fishing in season.

Where to stay in Crescent City

Popular hotels in Crescent City, out of 20 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Crescent City

Best time to visit Crescent City

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Crescent City is June to September, when average daytime highs are around 62–67°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 42° – 55° 17
Feb 40° – 52° 17
Mar 42° – 53° 18
Apr 44° – 57° 7
May 46° – 59° 4
Jun 49° – 62° 2
Jul 53° – 67° 0
Aug 54° – 66° 3
Sep 54° – 67° 4
Oct 49° – 62° 9
Nov 44° – 56° 15
Dec 43° – 56° 17

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Crescent City weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 56° 47° 5%
  • Thu 22 Oct 65° 46° 1%
  • Fri 23 Oct 71° 44° 0%
  • Sat 24 Oct 71° 47° 47%
  • Sun 25 Oct 73° 50° 40%
  • Mon 26 Oct 76° 54° 14%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/Los_AngelesUTC−7
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Crescent City

These are the airports closest to central Crescent City. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • CEC Del Norte County Airport2 mi (4 km) from the city centre
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Crescent City travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Crescent City?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Crescent City is June to September, when average daytime highs are around 62–67°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.

What is the weather like in Crescent City?

September is usually the warmest month in Crescent City, with average highs of 67°F (20°C). February is the coolest, with average lows of 40°F (5°C). The wettest month is typically March, with about 466 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Crescent City?

Del Norte County Airport (CEC) is the closest airport, about 2 miles (4 km) from the centre of Crescent City.

What time zone is Crescent City in?

Crescent City uses the America/Los_Angeles time zone (currently UTC−7). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

What are the best places to visit in Crescent City?

Top sights in Crescent City include Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Redwood National and State Parks, Battery Point Lighthouse and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. Just east of town, this park holds dense old-growth redwood groves along the Smith River. The Stout Grove trail and the unpaved Howland Hill Road are standout ways to see the giant trees.

Where should I stay in Crescent City?

Popular areas for hotels in Crescent City include Crescent City Area. Well-reviewed options include Holiday Inn Express Klamath - Redwood Ntl Pk Area and Best Western Plus Northwoods Inn.

How many hotels can I book in Crescent City?

Destina Holidays currently lists 20 properties in and around Crescent City, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.