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Home City Guides Davenport, California Travel Guide: 12 Fun Things To Do Along This Hwy 1 Town
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Davenport, California Travel Guide: 12 Fun Things To Do Along This Hwy 1 Town

  • Kara
  • March 27, 2023
  • Contains Affiliate Links

I think I gasped when I saw Shark Fin Cove with my own eyes. It really looks exactly like a shark fin!!

Davenport California is a tiny town on Hwy 1 that I’ve driven past countless times on my way to Santa Cruz over the years. Finally, I started making it a habit to stop in town, whether it’s to pick up fresh strawberries, grab lunch or take a quick beach-side hike. 

Keep reading for my Davenport travel guide where I’m sharing my favorite places to eat, fun things to do in the area and more travel tips to help your visit to this charming Hwy 1 town be as wonderful as possible! 

The Interesting Whaling History Of Davenport

Before we kick off fun things to do, I want to tell you a quick history of the area (because it made my giggle to be honest.)  Now it’s a sleepy town in Santa Cruz County along Hwy 1, but Davenport used to be a bustling whaling village.

It was established in 1867 by a whaling captain named John Pope Davenport & back then it was known as Davenport Landing Beach.

BUT they built their wharf in an area called Muddy Creek and it was SO dang muddy it clogged the port and steamers to the point it forced them to close. John Pope Davenport went bankrupt and moved to Santa Cruz, leaving behind a tiny town that still reflects that history with its architecture. 

How To Get To Davenport

From San Francisco – About 1 hour 20 minutes, south on Pacific Coast Hwy 1
From Monterey Bay – 1 hour North via Highway 1
From San Jose – 1 hour on Highway 17 South
From Santa Cruz – 15 minutes North via Highway 1

If you can swing it, I recommend coming to the area on a weekday rather than a weekend. It gets crowded on a sunny warm summer weekend! 

Our Ultimate Davenport, California Travel Guide: What To Do, Where To Eat & More Travel Tips!

1. Shark Fin Cove Beach

One of the main attractions of Davenport is the famous Shark Fin Cove beach! This has to be one of the coolest beaches in California in my opinion. 

You park up top off the side of Hwy 1. Look for a large dirt flat area that you can safely pull off at. It’s a short (but steep) hike down to the beach. You can do with sandals on just be careful and take your time! The cove is actually pretty large and has plenty of space to spread out with a blanket if you want to bring a picnic.

Or, if it’s a hot day, take a dip in the ocean! 

There are some trails up top of the bluff that are fun to walk. This area is especially beautiful in the evening when the cove floods with stunning golden hour light.

2. Davenport Swing At Davenport Pier

The Davenport California swing is made up of what I *think* was the old whaling wharf pier… you know, the only that got so muddy it bankrupted everyone.

This is a swing that I haven’t personally been to because the hike down is scary AF and I’m wildly out of shape. It’s on my bucket list! 

Like all the swings in California, they are sometimes cut down or removed for safety reasons (mud????) so it may or may not be intact when you visit. But it’s worth a shot! 

3. Visit Swanton Berry Farm

Swanton Berry Farm is like, the CLASSIC U Pick spot along highway 1. Families have been coming here for years each summer to pick strawberries and grab freshly made pies.

Take it from me and learn from our mistakes: get a slice PER PERSON because they are so good you won’t want to share! 

We visited during 2020 (aha the pandemic year) so they didn’t have U Pick available but we were able to pick up fresh strawberries and pie.

I can attest that this fruit is AMAZINGLY tasty and worth a drive down from the city alone. Next summer we’ll be coming back to pick. 

Pro-tip: There are a lot of fresh fruit stands in the area along Hwy 1, and you’ll probably spot a few driving down. Hold off on buying strawberries until you get to Swanton Berry Farm. 

4. Grab Food At Davenport Roadhouse Restaurant & Inn

Wondering where to eat in Davenport? Well, there aren’t many restaurants in Davenport but the Roadhouse is like, THE spot. Seriously – it’s the place everyone loves to recommend along the Pacific Coast Hwy.

They have a large menu and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s standard American fare (with a Taco Tuesday) so you’re sure to find something you love here! 

They also have a hotel here! I think it’s the only hotel in Davenport so if you are looking to stay in town proper, this is the place. Otherwise, I’d recommend finding a nearby Airbnb or lodging in Santa Cruz or Half Moon Bay instead. 

5. Whale City Bakery

If you’re coming to town early in the morning, you’ll want to swing by Whale City Bakery! They open up at 6:30am and close at Noon each day. Everything from avocado toast to eggs benedict, this is the best early morning breakfast spot in Davenport! 

6. Wine Tasting at Bonny Doon Vineyard Tasting Room

Alas, another spot that wasn’t open for tastings due to pandemic closures but it’s high on my list to try in person! The Bonny Doon Vineyard is next door to the Roadhouse and their tasting room looked super cute.

Their vineyards are further inland but they have a tasting room where you can sample and shop their French-style wines right on Hwy 1!

Pigeon Point Lighthouse
Flower Farm in Pescadero

Other Fun Things To Do Near Davenport

Ahh, so this chunk of the Pacific Coast Highway has SO MANY cool gems! If you’re looking for more fun things to do in the area, check these out:

  • Pigeon Point Lighthouse (it’s free!) 
  • The cute town of Pescadero complete with a flower farm, a cute coffee shop and a goat farm where you can pet baby goats in the springtime and buy allll the cheese you could ever want. There’s actually a lot of fun things to do in Pescadero after your sunrise Shark Fin Cove visit! 
  • Bluff hike in Half Moon Bay
  • Pie Ranch, a cute barn selling pies and fresh berries! I recommend the lime pie, it’s amazing. 
  • Hike Big Basin Redwood State Park
  • In October you can visit the pumpkin patches in Half Moon Bay or the U-Pick Sunflower Fields! 
  • Swing by Scotts Valley for Redwood forest hikes
@whimsysoul One of the best beaches in California & always worth that early wakeup call to see Shark Fin Cove empty & serene like this for sunrise #sharkfincove #davenportcalifornia #california #californiahiddengems #sanfranciscolife #whimsysoul #wildflowers #hwy1 #californiabucketlist ♬ Acoustic Folk Instrumental – Yunusta

I hope this helps you find fun things to do while you stop in Davenport! Hwy 1 is always so beautiful no matter the time of year or day. 

If you have tips to add, leave a comment below so everyone can see. Got questions? Comment or DM me on Instagram @thewhimsysoul and I’ll be happy to help!

Other Posts You May Like

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  • All the Best Santa Cruz Mountain Wineries
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Kara

I'm the founder of Whimsy Soul (this blog you're reading!) I'm a type 3 enneagram cat lady who lives in San Francisco and loves to find everyday magic to share with others. You can probably find me hunting down hot springs with girlfriends, kayaking, cooking with my husband, petting strangers' dogs or watching like, all the things on Netflix. Follow me on Instagram for even more inspiration!

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16 comments
  1. Anonymous says:
    March 16, 2023 at 10:43 am

    Well done on Davenport. Love the photos.

    Reply
  2. Lisolette Owens says:
    July 7, 2023 at 10:29 am

    Doing a day trip with my girlfriends to Pescadero and Davenport…your article had some great suggestions…(Swanton Berry Farm is on the list)!!

    Reply
    1. Kara says:
      July 13, 2023 at 8:30 am

      ahh yay! I think strawberry season may be over now but idk!! could still be going! make sure to check out the pie barn, too

      Reply
  3. Na7 Whatsapp says:
    June 26, 2024 at 6:01 am

    Loved this travel guide! I visited Davenport last summer and was blown away by the scenic coastal views. The information on where to grab the best seafood was spot on, too! Can’t wait to go back and try out some of the other activities you mentioned

    Reply
  4. mp3downloader says:
    February 24, 2025 at 6:29 pm

    I absolutely loved this travel guide! Davenport looks like a hidden gem along the coast. The suggestions for local eateries and scenic spots are fantastic. I can’t wait to visit and explore those stunning beaches and hikes. Thanks for sharing such great insights!

    Reply
  5. Capcut says:
    March 12, 2025 at 12:37 am

    I just visited Davenport after reading this guide and absolutely loved it! The stunning coastal views and the laid-back vibe make it such a charming spot. The recommendations for local dining and outdoor activities were spot on. I especially enjoyed the scenic hikes along the cliffs. Thanks for the great tips!

    Reply
  6. nn games login says:
    March 12, 2025 at 1:10 am

    I just visited Davenport after reading this guide, and it was amazing! The views along Highway 1 are breathtaking, and the spots you highlighted, especially the Natural Bridges and the local eateries, were fantastic. Can’t wait to explore more of California’s coast! Thank you for the great tips!

    Reply
  7. Alight Mod Apk says:
    March 13, 2025 at 7:52 am

    I loved your travel guide on Davenport! The hidden beaches and local eateries sound amazing. I can’t wait to explore the stunning views along Hwy 1. Thanks for sharing such great tips!

    Reply
  8. PunsArt Site says:
    March 26, 2025 at 2:56 am

    Thanks for this great guide! Davenport looks like such a charming spot along Hwy 1. I can’t wait to check out the secret beach and the local eateries you mentioned. Any recommendations for the best time to visit?

    Reply
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    April 15, 2025 at 4:12 am

    This post makes me want to visit Davenport right away! I had no idea there were so many fun things to do in this charming town. The stunning views along Hwy 1 and the suggestions for local eateries sound amazing. Can’t wait to explore the beaches and check out those hiking trails! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
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    April 20, 2025 at 3:25 am

    I loved this travel guide! Davenport sounds like a hidden gem along the Pacific Coast. The recommendations for the coastal trails and local eateries are fantastic. Can’t wait to plan my visit and explore the stunning views and unique charm of this town!

    Reply
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    April 23, 2025 at 8:05 pm

    I ttruly love your blog.. Veryy nice colors & theme. Did yyou develop this websiute yourself?
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  13. Lottery 365 says:
    April 25, 2025 at 6:06 am

    This guide is fantastic! I especially love the suggestion to explore the local beaches and try some of the unique eateries. Davenport has such a charming vibe, and it’s nice to see so many activities highlighted. Can’t wait for my next trip there!

    Reply
  14. TOCA BOCA MOD APK says:
    April 27, 2025 at 5:17 am

    What a fantastic guide! Davenport looks like such a hidden gem along Hwy 1. I can’t wait to check out the tide pools and grab some pastries from the local bakery. Thanks for the tips!

    Reply
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