Davenport Beaches
A string of great beaches is clustered around the little seaside town of Davenport, 10 miles north of Santa Cruz. Davenport Beach and Shark Fin Cove (or Shark Tooth Beach) are close to the town of Davenport, while Davenport Landing Beach and Scott Creek Beach are 1 mile and 3 miles up the coast respectively.
Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.
Davenport Beach
Davenport Beach is across the highway from the town of Davenport. Parking is in a large lot on the ocean side of Highway 1. Several trails wind across the railroad tracks and down to the beach. In places the path is steep.
Tide pools can be found along the southern side of the beach. Sea stacks rise out of the surf zone. The cliffs along the beach have interesting rock formations and water weeping from the cracks. Shallow caves have been hollowed out by the waves along the base of the cliffs.
Davenport Beach
Shark Fin Cove (aka Shark Tooth Beach)
A short distance (0.7 miles) south of Davenport Beach is a small pocket beach with spectacular sea stacks. It can be called Shark Fin Cove or Shark Tooth Cove, although the former seems to be the most accepted name. Photographers often visit the cove to catch images of the rocks in varying light. Parking is in a long turnout along the highway. A short, steep trail leads to the beach.
Shark Fin Cove
Scott Creek Beach
Located 3 miles north of Davenport, Scott Creek Beach is easily accessible from Highway 1. A viewing platform with several benches alongside the highway makes a convenient place to look out over the beach, watch for passing whales, and enjoy a morning coffee.
Surfers and kite surfers like Scott Creek. Surfers tend to come in early morning and late in the day to avoid the wind, while kite surfers are out all day. Dangerous surf makes it hazardous for wading and swimming.
