The Best of Davenport California

Looking for the best of Davenport California? Along California’s coastal Highway 1, south of Half Moon Bay and north of Santa Cruz, sits Davenport CA. Many travelers no doubt speed by this quaint town on their way to or from more popular destinations. But if you happen to be traveling along this stretch of road, slow down and enjoy Davenport CA, and all that it has to offer. After all, this area is known by locals as the slow coast.

Within walking distance is Davenport Beach, a beautiful place that’s a favorite of visiting photographers. In the spring, wildflowers bloom upon the green hills, and many rocky formations, including the famous Davenport Crack, serve to create breathtaking landscape scenes.

Unique rock formations, including the “Shark Fin,” can also be found at Davenport Cove Beach, as well as a waterway that runs through a cave tunnel forming a small mossy waterfall. Steep cliffs, rock shelves, and large expanses of sand can be found at Bonny Doon Beach, which lies at the mouth of Liddell Creek, southward on Highway 1. Davenport is definitely worth a visit, so read our Davenport CA Travel Guide and start planning your vacation here today. For an extensive list of all the great Central California beaches, visit here.

Davenport Weather (When to Visit)

The best time to visit Davenport is from September through November when the summer tourists have returned home, leaving a bit more room on the beaches, walking paths and other attractions. December, January and February see a slight dip in temperatures, which nonetheless are warm enough for the monarch butterflies who overwinter at Natural Bridges State Beach. The months between April and May are characterized by mounting temperatures and special events that meet their nexus in June, July and August. 

Best Davenport Area Beaches

Greyhound Rock Coastal Access

Fishing is popular at this beach as is beach combing. Surfers can find a couple left hand breaks here  conditions. Beach walkers are free to roam far north and south from where the trail meets the beach behind Greyhound Rock. At low tide, it is possible to climb up Greyhound Rock for an excellent view of the shoreline.

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Natural Bridges State Beach

A refuge for wintering Monarch Butterflies, this park boasts a sandy cove, tide pools, a nature trail through the Butterfly Preserve, and several hiking trails. There is also a bicycle path around the perimeter of the park.

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Shark Fin Beach

A massive rock stands guard over a small cove full of geologic wonders just up the coast from Santa Cruz, only 0.7 miles south of the town of Davenport. The main geologic feature, visible from Highway 1, has inspired two interchangeable names: Shark Fin Cove and Shark Tooth Beach. This beach is most certainly a cove, however, and it’s fun to imagine the size of shark lurking beneath a fin of that size, so we’re using the former here.

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Davenport Pier Beach

Davenport Pier Beach is the northern of two beaches right in the tiny town of Davenport, CA. This beach is across from the huge concrete and cement plant that’s visible at the north end of town. Davenport Pier, a frequently photographed landmark, is at the beach below the bluff, but it is not easy to get to. Eager photographers make their way down to capture sunset pictures of the pier foundation arches which stretch out into the surf.

Scott Creek Beach

Scott Creek Beach is one of the nicest beaches in the Davenport area north of Santa Cruz. The beach is right next to Highway 1 as it dips into the Scott Creek Valley north of Davenport Landing. Scott Creek runs into the ocean at the north end of the beach and Molino Creek crosses the beach at the south end. The shallow channel formed in the sand when Scott Creek is flowing can be fun for kids to play in. Most people settle into the beach between the creeks but this beautiful coastline invites exploration north and south.

Best Restaurants in Davenport

Davenport Roadhouse Restaurant $11 – 30

Delicious California coastal Cuisine featuring fresh ingredients from neighboring organic farms is the hallmark of our kitchen. Celebrate a friendship or special evening in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Telephone: 831-426-8801 Web: Davenport Roadhouse Restaurant

Whale City Bakery $11 – 30

They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily along with an in-house boutique bakery, full espresso bar, patio seating with ocean views, and live music several nights a week. Run by three generations of family, they pride themselves on fast and friendly service, home cooked meals featuring locally sourced ingredients, and the art of traditional, no frills baking. Telephone: 831-423-9009 Web: Whale City Bakery

Cemitas 1 $11 – 30

They specialize in regional cuisine from Puebla and Oaxaca. Their tortillas are made with masa ground in house with heirloom corn, and their Cemitas are topped with real Oaxacan quesillo imported weekly. Cemitas 1 also offers a variety of starters and side dishes perfect for sharing. Telephone: 831-454-8414 Web: Cemitas 1

Tyrolean Inn $11 – 30

The Tyrolean Inn Restaurant has been serving authentic German cuisine since 1970. If you’ve never tried German food before, you may be surprised to find it’s a sophisticated continental cuisine. They use a variety of meats, poultry, sausages, and fish. You’ll also enjoy a range of fresh and pickled vegetables, mouth-watering sauces, and tempting deserts. Game dishes are offered on Fridays. They also stock a wide variety of German beers and an impressive selection of fine local wines, along with a full bar with schnapps and other beverages. Telephone: 831-336-5188 Web: Tyrolean Inn

The Cremer House $11 – 30

They serve bountiful lunches and hearty dinners inspired by classic American recipes: homemade and traditional. They showcase a variety of 24 craft beers and ciders on tap, as well as 10 local wines on tap, and homemade sodas. From the outdoor patio to inside at the bar, The Cremer House is the perfect spot to enjoy a handcrafted beverage and a thoughtfully prepared meal in a small town outlined by redwoods. Telephone: 831-335-3976 Web: The Cremer House

Best Davenport Nightlife

Whale City Bakery Bar & Grill

They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily along with an in-house boutique bakery, full espresso bar, patio seating with ocean views, and live music several nights a week. Join them on Thursdays for music, happy hour, and family dinner starting at 6:00 pm! Telephone: 831-423-9009 Web: Whale City Bakery

Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing

They pride ourselves in the ability to brew up wildly inventive seasonals that will bend your taste buds and challenge your senses. Being a small brewery with a 7 barrel system, we are able to keep the seasonals flowing and changing, often on a weekly basis. If you are open-minded, you won’t be disappointed. Telephone: 831-425-4900 Web: Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing

Mission West

While most of the community still knows them as “The Hole,” they have earned an additional title… “Five Star Dive Bar.” They take great pride in serving quality booze but don’t take themselves too seriously. Their mission… Offering a friendly, welcoming environment to all… Unless you’re an jerk. Telephone: 831-469-4653 Web: Mission West

Monty’s Log Cabin

Great drinks at a reasonable price, friendly patrons, wonderful bartenders, a full bar, pool table, and an outside patio area with a fire pit.  Does a Bar Sit in the Woods?  YES! Telephone: 831-335-9969 Web: Monty’s Log Cabin

Henfling’s Tavern

Hang out on the front deck and enjoy the shade of one of the largest Oak trees in town or head out back to the heated patio and play a game of pool or darts.  Or kick back and watch the game on one of Henfling’s four TVs always playing games featuring your favorite Bay Area sports teams.  Telephone: (831) 586-0606 Web: Henfling’s Tavern

Best Davenport Area (Santa Cruz) Hotels