Crescent City

Crescent City is a coastal town in Del Norte County in northern California where the Pacific meets dense redwood forests. Houses spread along a wide bay, and several small harbors sit between rocky headlands.

The official founding took place in April 1854 when gold seekers and loggers settled along this bay. Tsunamis hit the settlement several times in the 20th century and shaped the coastal defenses seen today.

The Tolowa and Yurok maintain their connection to this coastal stretch through annual gatherings where traditional dances and salmon ceremonies take place. Visitors can see basketry and carvings at the local museum that show techniques from several centuries.

The town is reached via Highway 101 that runs along the coast and connects it to Oregon in the north and the rest of California in the south. Heavy fog occurs often between spring and autumn, so take care when driving.

This settlement is the only incorporated municipality in the entire county and sits at the northernmost point of the California Pacific coast. The local lighthouse is among the few on the West Coast still actively operating.

Location: Del Norte County

Elevation above the sea: 13 m

Website: http://crescentcity.org

GPS coordinates: 41.75611,-124.20167

Latest update: December 12, 2025 21:29