Crescent City Harbor

Crescent City is the only incorporated city in Del Norte County, California. Named for the crescent-shaped stretch of sandy beach south of the city, Crescent City had a total population of 7,643 including the inmates at Pelican Bay State Prison. Crescent City Harbor serves as home port for numerous commercial fishing vessels and a great place to relax and sun-bathe if you are a sea lion.

Mom and I enjoyed our final meal together at the Chart Room restaurant on the harbor. After parking your vehicle, you step out to a potent smell of fish and sea lion urine (just think on that for a moment). The sea lions climb right up onto a concrete dock that stretches out from the parking lot itself, only feet away from the sidewalk. In fact, special care is required not to accidentally step on a sea lion tail… who knows how they might retaliate to that. With the wildlife so close it made for spectacular photos as long as you can stand the smell.