Is Davenport a good place for a typical beach vacation?
Davenport is ideal for those seeking a rugged, scenic, and less crowded beach experience focused on natural beauty, photography, and exploration. It's less suited for a traditional beach resort holiday with calm swimming and extensive amenities directly on the sand, which you might find in larger beach towns.
Can you swim in the ocean at Davenport beaches?
While some spots like Davenport Landing Beach are mentioned for swimming, the beaches in Davenport are generally known for cold water, strong waves, and rip currents. Swimming is often not advised, especially at beaches like Davenport Beach. Always exercise extreme caution, check conditions, and be aware that lifeguards are not typically present.
What's the best time of year to visit Davenport beaches for good weather?
Late summer and fall (August to October) often offer the best beach weather in the Davenport area, with more sunshine and less fog compared to early summer's "May Gray" and "June Gloom." However, the coast can be windy year-round, so bringing layers is always a good idea.
How difficult is it to access Davenport beaches like Shark Fin Cove?
Access to many Davenport beaches, including Shark Fin Cove and parts of Davenport Beach, involves trails that can be steep, rocky, or require navigating over uneven terrain and railroad tracks. These trails are often not well-maintained. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
Where do people usually stay when visiting Davenport beaches?
Davenport itself is a very small town with limited accommodation, primarily the Davenport Roadhouse which has some guest rooms. Many visitors stay in nearby Santa Cruz, which is about 10 miles south and offers a wider range of hotels and vacation rentals, and then make a day trip to Davenport.
Is parking free at Davenport beaches?
Parking is often free at designated lots or roadside pull-offs for beaches like Davenport Beach and Shark Fin Cove. However, parking can be limited, especially on weekends, so arriving early is advisable. Some specific locations like Davenport Landing Beach may have paid parking.
Are there restrooms or other facilities at Davenport beaches?
Facilities like restrooms are often limited or non-existent at many of Davenport's more secluded beaches like Shark Fin Cove. Some, like Davenport Landing Beach and the main Davenport Beach parking area, may have basic restrooms. It's best to plan accordingly and not expect extensive amenities.
What is Shark Fin Cove known for?
Shark Fin Cove, also known as Shark Tooth Beach, is famous for its distinctive shark fin-shaped rock formation protruding from the water. It's a highly photogenic spot with a secluded beach, dramatic cliffs, and a sea cave accessible at low tide.
Are Davenport beaches dog-friendly?
Some Davenport beaches, like Davenport Beach and Davenport Landing Beach, allow dogs on leash. However, rules can vary by specific beach (e.g., no dogs at Scott Creek Beach), so it's always best to check signage at the beach entrance.
What should I be aware of regarding safety at Davenport beaches?
Key safety concerns include strong rip currents, unpredictable sneaker waves, cold water temperatures, and unstable cliffs. Trails to beaches can be steep and slippery. Always be aware of your surroundings, check tide schedules, and avoid getting too close to cliff edges.
Is Bonny Doon Beach still clothing-optional?
Bonny Doon Beach has a history of being clothing-optional and is still known for this, particularly in certain sections. It's a secluded beach appreciated for its natural beauty.
How do Davenport beaches compare to Santa Cruz beaches?
Davenport beaches are generally more rugged, secluded, and less crowded, offering dramatic scenery and a focus on nature. Santa Cruz beaches tend to be more accessible, often have more amenities, and can be busier with a more traditional beach-town atmosphere. Davenport is about a 10-15 minute drive north of Santa Cruz.
Are there any unique geological features to see at Davenport beaches?
Yes, Davenport beaches are known for their dramatic cliffs, sea stacks (like Shark Fin Rock), sea caves, and features like the "Davenport Crack" at Davenport Beach. Tide pools can also be found at low tide in some areas.
What kind of activities are popular at Davenport beaches besides sunbathing?
Popular activities include photography (especially at Shark Fin Cove and sunset), beach exploration, tide pooling at low tide, surfing (Davenport Landing is a known spot), windsurfing (Waddell Beach), hiking along coastal trails, and beachcombing for items like sea glass.
Is it true you can find special sea glass at Davenport?
Yes, Davenport is famous among sea glass collectors for unique "Davenport sea glass," which originated from a glass art studio's discarded trimmings that washed into the ocean decades ago. Finding these colorful, patterned pieces can be challenging and may require navigating rough surf conditions.
