Locals Hope This Small Beach Town in Northern California Stays off Tourists’ Radar

Bay Area locals know one thing—the area is overcrowded. Dodging traffic, avoiding tourist traps, and finding the emptiest beaches has become somewhat of an art form. As a result, when discovering an uncrowded, hidden beach town in Northern California like Davenport, it’s tempting to keep the gem to yourself. But really, what is a beach day without friends? So, let’s share the secret among ourselves but not extend it to the masses!

Why This Hidden Small Town in Northern California Flies Under the Radar

This tiny town sits on the "Slow Coast," a nickname for the stretch of Highway 1 between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz. It is named for the nature of the drive, which often includes only one lane and far less traffic than one would expect in California. The land consists of family farms (often with U-Pick options), lighthouses on dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches, and nature reserves like Año Nuevo State Park. 

With far fewer than a thousand residents, Davenport was originally built as an accompaniment to Santa Cruz’s lumber industry. Then, when this dissipated, a quarry and manufacturing plant were later established. With only a few restaurants and businesses, the town is overall seen as a drive-through town, somewhere to stop and grab lunch or a coffee. However, locals know that there’s much more to this quaint little town than meets the eye.

The Best Things to Do in Davenport, California

Of the many things to do in this quiet beach town in Northern California, there are two main categories that these activities fall under: visiting the town and exploring the surrounding land.

Along Highway 1 are the three main restaurants in Davenport, each with a different vibe and type of food. Whale City Bakery is probably the most popular option, as it's the one tourists looking for a quick stopover head to. It’s a casual eatery that offers breakfast and coffee, as well as more filling meals and freshly baked goods. Then, there’s the Davenport Roadhouse, which is more of a dinner spot with live music options and burgers that are to die for. Finally, there’s Costa Azul, a casual Mexican eatery with a sun-drenched patio and some extremely popular street tacos. Outside of the food (although that’s probably the best part), there are a couple of art galleries, a museum, and a church to visit.

Then comes the best part: the area's natural landscapes and countless outdoor activities. With hidden beaches left uncrowded by tourists, this is the best place to surf, explore tidepools, kiteboard, beachcomb, and take pictures. In particular, try visiting Davenport Beach or Shark Fin Cove (so named for the fin-like rock formation). Then, there’s the hiking potential in the hills above Rancho del Oso, the sand dunes at Año Nuevo, Wilder Ranch State Park, and even the slightly farther away Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

In the spring, these areas become hiking and biking hotspots due to the flowers that dot the hillsides. And, of course, there's wildlife viewing. The elephant seals at Año Nuevo are always a strange but fun sight to behold. But Davenport also finds itself in a unique position as it's an incredible place to watch whale migrations. From January to April, you’ll find locals parked along the roadside, with a large camera in one hand and a coffee in the other, as they try to get the perfect shot of the humpback and grey whales. 

A secret treasure nestled between two famous beach towns, this quiet little hamlet is positively bursting with potential and is clearly a must-stop on any beach trip to Northern California. But just remember ... it’s our little secret! Ready to start planning your next trip? Try Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.