Crescent City may very well be one of the least visually appealing cities on the California coast. This port town is tucked away on the far reaches of the state’s northern coast, where fog and drizzle are constants. It can be hard to find the charm here, with chain restaurants and a bland 1960s-era downtown. But if you look below the surface, there’s plenty to see and do in town and around the area. $100 will go far in Crescent City.
Start your morning with a big omelet at Mattie’s Pancake and Omelette, a casual spot that’s a local favorite technically in Oregon, but close enough to be worth the short drive. Fill up for around $10.
The big draw here is the Redwoods National and State Parks, so head there next. Your best bet is to drive the dirt road through Jedediah Smith State Park, called Howland Hill Road. You can’t go wrong with any of the hikes along this scenic drive, which passes scores of enormous trees.
Head back to Crescent City for lunch at Hensel’s Seafood and Deli, where the fish in the tacos is plucked from the ocean that morning. $15 should do it.
Next, head to the scenic Battery Point Lighthouse, which you can walk to at low tide. Cough up all of $3 for a tour. Depending on time and the weather, you might check out the North Coast Marine Mammal Center, which requests donations to view the facilities where injured seals, sea lions and dolphins are rehabilitated. Or you can spend some time at the beach if the weather is nice. Beachfront Park is large and has calm surf.
Dinner should be spent at the Chart Room, with its excellent fish and chips and plenty of locals to chat with. Good Harvest Café is another great option, with vegetarian options galore and a fireplace for lingering. Your remaining budget will go far at either spot.
Read This Next
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDining/Entertainment
Nov 20, 2024Experience the Only Restaurant Made Entirely of Ice in America
You’ve heard of ice hotels, but what about ice restaurants? When ice Hôtel de Glace de Québec opens in January 2025, it will be home to the only restaurant made entirely of snow and ice in America thanks to a partnership with Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Favorite Worldwide City
Seoul is the place for your next bleisure destination.
Destinations
Nov 20, 2024What Destinations Are Trending in 2025?
Luxury travel company Scott Dunn looks ahead to 2025 with predictions of hot destinations to visit. These focus on under-explored locations, sustainable tourism and exclusive experiences.
Destinations / Europe
Nov 20, 2024Where to Find the Best Stargazing Spots in Ireland
This year, the Northern Lights put on quite the display across Ireland, but don’t think these lights are the only thing you can see in Ireland. In fact, many spots across the country provide some of the best opportunities to stargaze thanks to low levels of light pollution. Ireland has three International Dark Sky Parks and even more spots which, although not accredited, are worth a visit for anyone wishing to see the sky in its unfiltered form.
Sponsored Content
Discover Greece’s Tower Towns: A Journey Through History
Greece's tower towns offer a captivating blend of history, architecture and stunning landscapes that make them perfect for curious travelers. These towns, particularly found in the Mani region of the Peloponnese, are defined by stone towers built during the medieval period. Constructed for both defense and as symbols of family pride, the towers stand as a testament to the region's turbulent history and its residents’ resilience.
Hotel
Nov 19, 2024A New Ritz-Carlton Comes to Cancún
After a hiatus, The Ritz-Carlton brand is coming back to Cancún, with the 2027 opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Cancún, Punta Nizuc.
ShareThis