Visit Crescent City, California - A Vacationer's Paradise

When looking for the perfect family vacation, the real "away from it all" kind of place most people only dream about, I cannot help but immediately think of my hometown in Crescent City, California.

If you haven't heard of it, it's for good reason. With a population of just under 8,000 people, calling it a city is nearly a falsehood. For people located in Southern California, the common belief is that Sacramento, California is the "northern" part of the state. They would be surprised to hear that there are nearly 300 miles of land between Sacramento and the Oregon border.

What makes Crescent City stand out for me is the scenery. It is located 20 miles south of the Oregon border, right on the coast. If going to the ocean is your thing, Crescent City has it all. From fishing to surfing, crabbing and digging for clams, as well as those long walks we have all heard of, the beaches of Crescent City are well known for being clean, uncluttered, and mostly unpopulated, unlike the stereotypical Californian beaches of Baywatch.

And you can imagine that with a city full of fishermen, the town would have outstanding seafood restaurants. And you would be right in doing so. From more upscale restaurants such as The Grotto and Northwoods to the down-home cooking types like The Chart Room and The Captain's Table, you are in for some amazing surf and turf.

If you are all about surfing, boogie boarding, or skim boarding, however, prepare yourself for some chilly waters. Along with the rest of the beach being a-typical of "Californian beaches" the waters are far colder in Crescent City than in other popular beaches in Southern California. But the surf is worth it, if you can bear the temperatures.

Head just 20 miles south of Crescent City and you are in the middle of a forest of the largest trees in the world, the Redwoods. Popular tourist attractions include the themed park, Trees of Mystery, which includes tours through the Redwoods and a Sky Trail, where tourists can take an elevated tour of the Redwoods. Just slightly south of there, you will find Klamath, which is host to a drive-through redwood as well as some exciting jet boat tours where you will be both entertained and amazed at the wildlife you will come across.

Heading 20 miles north from Crescent City, you will come across the Smith River, one of the cleanest in the world and also California's only watershed that is not dammed. Water sports abound in the summertime, such as kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, and lazing around the sandy beaches of the river. If sightseeing is your thing, you will find dozens of trails leading through the Redwood forest and next to the sparkling river.
Camping is also one of the local favorites, and for good reason. When you can pitch a tent in the middle of a forest and have all the outdoor goodness, but be close enough to Crescent City to run back to town if you have forgotten anything, you pretty much have it made. There are several campsites to choose from, just make sure to call ahead and book early because spaces fill up fast!

So Crescent City is a small little town. Most everyone knows everyone there. It makes for an amazing, relaxing vacation. Staying at the Lighthouse Inn or the Curly Redwood Lodge (Made famous because they made the entire hotel out of one curly redwood!) you will find that short walks to the beach, appetizing restaurants with just the right atmosphere, and the amazing scenery of nature unbridled is exactly what you need for your next vacation.