Discover Crescent City, California: Top Sights, Delicious Bites, and Local Brews

Earlier this year, I embarked on a work and bucket-list adventure to Northern California, driven by a long-held dream to witness the majestic Redwood National Park. After careful research and map exploration, we decided that Crescent City, California, would serve as our ideal base. This proved to be an excellent choice! If you’re planning a trip to this stunning corner of the Golden State, you’ll want to read on for an insider’s guide to the best places to eat and the most compelling things to do in Crescent City.

Back to that initial declaration of falling in love… Did you think I met a person there? Quite the contrary! Even better, I found myself captivated by the ancient, towering trees of the Redwood Forest and the serene beauty of the Pacific Ocean. The rugged, untamed coastline combined with the awe-inspiring grandeur of Redwood National Park truly stole my heart. Northern California, with its natural wonders, left an indelible mark on my soul.

Your Ultimate Guide to Crescent City: 10 Sights, Bites, and Brews You Don’t Want to Miss

1) Redwood National and State Parks: A Journey into Giants

My fascination with the Redwood Forest began in second grade, back in my elementary school in Ohio. My teacher, Mrs. Van Tassel, would play the piano and lead us in patriotic songs every morning, including “This Land Is Your Land” with its iconic line, “…from the Redwood Forest, to the gulf stream waters… this land was made for you and me.” While I captured hundreds of photos, no picture can truly convey the sheer magnificence of the redwoods. You simply must experience them firsthand – see their immense scale, feel the ancient bark, breathe in the distinct scent of the forest floor, and hear the profound silence they command. These natural charmers touched a place deep within me, shifting my perspective in a way I hope never reverses.

All this to say: missing Redwood National Park would be a grave oversight. The area encompasses several national and state park sections, each offering unique perspectives on these ancient wonders. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, located just nine miles east of Crescent City, is an absolute must-see. This park alone preserves a remarkable seven percent of all the old-growth redwoods remaining in the world. I was so enthralled by the Stout Grove area within Jedediah Smith that I visited it not once, but twice. The second time, I was joined by my friend and client, Texas Poet Laureate Karla K. Morton, who is currently on an ambitious three-year National Parks Tour, visiting all 60 national parks with fellow Texas Poet Laureate Alan Birkelback, with a book chronicling their adventures in the works.

Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” – Rachel Carson

Note: I’ll be writing a more in-depth article specifically about the Redwood National and State Parks next, offering detailed hiking guides and lesser-known gems. So, stay tuned for that comprehensive resource.

2) Start Your Day Right at the Apple Peddler

For a hearty and satisfying breakfast, look no further than the Apple Peddler, conveniently located at 308 US-101 in Crescent City. This local eatery consistently delivers hot, fresh coffee and genuinely friendly service. If you, like me, appreciate your bacon extra crispy and your hash browns perfectly browned, you’ll be delighted. They understand the art of a perfect breakfast and are happy to customize your order to your liking, ensuring a delicious start to your day of exploration.

3) Battery Point Lighthouse: A Tidal Island Gem

After immersing myself in the tranquility of the ancient trees, I was eager to explore the dramatic coastline. My drive towards the coast in Crescent City led me to the stunning Battery Point Lighthouse, situated at the foot of A Street. Nestled on a small island, my initial attempts to reach it were met with confusion. A friendly local quickly clarified that this historic lighthouse is only accessible by foot during low tide. This unique feature adds an exciting element of timing to your visit, making it even more memorable.

Armed with this crucial information, I returned another day, timing my visit perfectly with my friends during low tide (Karla K Morton is pictured below enjoying the walk). First illuminated by oil lamps in 1856, the Battery Point Lighthouse has a rich history spanning over 150 years, tended by many dedicated keepers and their families. Today, it stands proudly as a California Historical Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While now primarily a museum, it continues to serve as an active private aid to navigation, a testament to its enduring legacy.

The lighthouse is particularly breathtaking at sunset, offering spectacular photo opportunities as the fading light casts a warm glow over the historic structure and the surrounding ocean. You can delve deeper into the history of the lighthouse and its museum exhibits by visiting www.delnortehistory.org/lighthouse.

4) Port O’ Pints Brewery: Craft Beer & Local Charm

After a day filled with invigorating hikes in the Redwoods, we sought out a local brewery, Port O’ Pints, located at 1215 Northcrest Dr in Crescent City. This establishment quickly became our absolute favorite. With its distinct dive bar feel, it clearly resonates as a local hotspot, but don’t let its humble exterior fool you. Between the fantastic award-winning craft beer (all brewed on-site), the delicious pub food, the lively Irish pub atmosphere, and the inviting cornhole game outside, Port O’ Pints was a clear winner. It will undoubtedly be my first stop for lunch or dinner on any future visits. We started with a beer flight to sample the diverse offerings before committing to a full pint, and choosing was genuinely difficult because we enjoyed every single one.

Ultimately, we each settled on a different favorite: my personal pick was the refreshing Belgian Wit (pictured below), while my companions opted for a classic Irish Red and a rich Amber Ale. As someone who loves beer but often struggles with allergies, especially from bottled or canned varieties, I was particularly impressed. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy the taste of Port O’ Pints’ craft beers, but I also experienced none of the usual stuffy nose and itchy eyes. Learning they sold “grumblers” (half the size of a growler) to go, I didn’t hesitate to take one filled with my favorite Belgian Wit to savor over the next few evenings!

Beyond the brews, we indulged in a delicious bacon appetizer and their unique “Pot O’ Gold Nachos.” These were crafted with house-made corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, fresh tomato, and a rich porter cheese sauce, all served over crispy tortilla chips. Due to my dairy allergy, I focused on the sides and bottom layers, avoiding the cheese, but even without it, they were uniquely flavorful and utterly delicious. My friends, however, enthusiastically confirmed that the porter cheese sauce was truly incredible and elevated the dish to another level.

Rick, the owner, graciously gave us a tour of the brewery, explaining their meticulous brewing process and even allowing us to sample a seasonal brew that hadn’t yet reached its carbonation phase. It was remarkably good, even in its raw form, hinting at the quality and passion that goes into every batch.

5) Coastal Drive and Point St. George: Pacific Views

For a truly scenic experience, navigate to Pebble Beach Drive in Crescent City. This short, picturesque coastal drive offers breathtaking views, with charming homes lining one side of the road and the vast, shimmering Pacific Ocean on the other. I frequently pulled over to watch surfers expertly catching waves, completely immersed in the coastal rhythm. My journey along this drive eventually led me to the stunning Point St. George.

Parking in a small lot with only a few other cars, I ventured up a dirt path, unsure of what awaited me. What I discovered was an absolutely breathtaking vista, a panoramic expanse of the ocean and rugged coastline. The sheer beauty of it caught me by surprise.

I then descended to the secluded beach below, where I was fortunate enough to have the entire stretch of sand to myself, offering a rare moment of solitude and connection with nature.

I wholeheartedly recommend adding Point St. George to your itinerary; it’s a hidden gem that promises unparalleled natural beauty and tranquility when you’re in the Crescent City area.

6) Dutch Bros Coffee: Your Daily Caffeine Fix

As a devoted coffee enthusiast who is also quite particular about my brews, I was thrilled to discover and try Dutch Bros Coffee for the first time. Their standard morning “regular joe” is consistently delicious and robust, providing the perfect kickstart to the day. For an afternoon indulgence, my absolute favorite quickly became their iced coconut milk mocha (pictured below). It’s a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweetness and rich coffee flavor. You can find this popular drive-thru coffee stand at 560 L St in Crescent City, where friendly “broistas” ensure quick and cheerful service.

Tip: While their coffee and iced mochas are highly recommended, I’d suggest skipping the muffin tops they sell for breakfast. We sampled three different flavors and unfortunately, none of them truly impressed us. Stick to their stellar beverages!

7) Raliberto’s Taco Shop: The Gold Standard of Tacos

Located right next door to Dutch Bros, you might almost overlook Raliberto’s Taco Shop due to its unassuming facade (save for its bright colors). Situated at 523 M St., this humble establishment has set a new “gold standard” for tacos in my book, truly redefining what a great taco should be.

Seriously, they serve the best chicken tacos I have ever tasted. Be prepared for a bit of a wait, but that’s part of their secret: they don’t prepare the taco shells until you place your order. This commitment to freshness results in incredibly crispy taco shells that are simply amazing. The shredded chicken filling is another key component of their greatness – it’s incredibly flavorful and tender without being overly salty, perfectly seasoned to create an unforgettable taste experience.

Similarly, their breakfast burritos are equally delicious but also require a bit of time and patience as they are made to order; they don’t even cut up the potatoes until you place your order. Is it worth the wait? Absolutely! Our favorite combinations quickly became breakfast from Raliberto’s paired with Dutch Bros coffee, and for lunch, their unparalleled tacos complemented by iced mocha lattes from Dutch Bros. It’s a winning combination you won’t want to miss.

8) Fisherman’s Restaurant: Seafood Fresh from the Docks

Located at 700 US Highway 101 S, Fisherman’s restaurant came highly recommended by several locals, and their advice certainly didn’t lead us astray. It’s aptly named Fisherman’s because it’s precisely where the local fishermen prefer to eat, which tells you everything you need to know about the freshness and quality of the seafood. You truly can’t go wrong when choosing seafood here!

We all started with a cup of their incredible gumbo, a rich and flavorful stew that I honestly could have devoured an entire pot of. For our main course, we enjoyed the special of the day – a perfectly prepared salmon teriyaki. To complete the meal, we washed it all down with our new favorite local brew, a crisp Port O’ Pints beer, making for a truly satisfying dining experience.

9) Seaquake Brewing: Modern Brews and Comfort Food

After another full day of exploring Crescent City’s natural beauty and attractions, we found our way to Seaquake Brewing, situated at 400 Front St. This brewery and restaurant is one of the newer and larger establishments in town, boasting a contemporary design and an inviting, spacious interior that immediately makes you feel at home.

As is our tradition when visiting new breweries, we began by ordering a flight to sample their diverse range of craft beers. This allowed us to taste-test several options before committing to our favorite. My ultimate choice surprised me – a delicious and smooth chocolate porter, which was a rich and delightful end to the tasting. Their selection caters to a wide array of palates, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

For food, we shared some delectable wings and crispy calamari strips, which were perfect appetizers. After working up an appetite, we moved on to full meals, enjoying their generous portions and comforting pub-style dishes that perfectly complemented their craft brews.

A Glimpse into Crescent City’s Unique Character

Finally, in addition to this comprehensive guide on where to eat and what to do in Crescent City, California, there are a couple of noteworthy things about the town itself that add to its unique character. Originally founded in the mid-19th century as a thriving seaport and crucial supply center for the booming gold mines, Crescent City has a resilient spirit. In 1964, a devastating tsunami tragically swallowed half the town. However, the community bravely rebuilt in the 1970s, which explains why you might notice a distinct ’70s architectural and cultural vibe when you visit. You’ll also observe that many dedicated locals work tirelessly to preserve the precious history that survived this natural disaster.

Another ever-present, yet often initially unnoticed, feature of Crescent City is its iconic foghorn. It took me a couple of days to even register its presence, but once I did, I couldn’t stop hearing it – a consistent, rhythmic blast every ten seconds. This foghorn operates continuously, year-round, for a poignant reason: years ago, over 200 people tragically lost their lives when a boat crashed due to dense fog. The foghorn was erected not long after that devastating incident and has been sounding ever since, a constant guardian against the coastal mist. While often faint, if you happen to notice it, rest assured, you’re not imagining things.

Pin it/Save it! I hope this guide helps you plan an incredible trip to Crescent City. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or suggestions for other hidden gems!