Davenport, California
The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Davenport, California, include the top-rated hiking trail, Swanton Pacific Ranch. This must-visit trail offers a moderately difficult 6-mile loop, ideal for active adults and older children. The trail winds through diverse landscapes, including lush meadows, dense forests, and past the scenic Scott Creek. Unique natural rock formations scattered along the trail add to the visual interest. For a more relaxed outdoor adventure, take a leisurely stroll along Davenport Beach, famous for its sea glass and tide pools. Nearby, the iconic Shark Fin Cove is a must-see attraction, particularly at sunset. For bird watchers, the Pigeon Point Light Station offers a chance to spot a variety of coastal birds. With these scenic outdoor adventures, Davenport is a top destination for hiking and nature exploration.
Top Spots in and near Davenport
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Santa Cruz, California
Natural Bridges to Lighthouse Field
3.53.92 mi / 174 ft gainThis is a paved trail that can be used for hiking, jogging, or walking. It offers over 2 miles of beautiful California coast. Walk through flowers, see the jagged cliffs, and of course the lighthouse at the end! This walk can be done from either direction. Start at Natural Bridges and head We...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Surf at Natural Bridges State Beach
4.5Natural Bridges is off of West Cliff Drive to the north of popular Santa Cruz break, Steamer Lane. The break is a right point break, which breaks on a rocky shelf and reef. The break is best during sizable swells (NW, SW, and West) and a low tide. Be sure to check the wind, this break gets blown ...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Natural Bridges State Beach
4.3Natural Bridges State Beach is a wonderful place to photograph located in Santa Cruz off of West Cliff Drive. This is a great place to practice long exposure photography to capture awesome water movement as it passes through the "Natural Bridge" formation. The best time to shoot this spot is at ...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Natural Bridges' Monarch Grove
3.6The park's Monarch Grove provides a temporary home for thousands of Monarchs. From late fall into winter they make this their home and if you time it perfectly you can see them in clusters in the trees. When you reached the Natural Bridges State Park, on the right of the Visitors Center you'll ...Read more -
Pescadero, California
Pick Berries at Swanton's Berry Farm
4.0Take a spectacularly scenic drive or bike ride out to this quaint coastal berry farm. Look out onto the shimmering ocean while you pick the ripest and sweetest berries yourself. Head inside their shop to enjoy pre-made jams, pies, chocolate covered strawberries, and so much more. While you're ins...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Cowell's Cove
4.8Cowell's Cove is located just south of Santa Cruz’s iconic Steamer Lane. The break is a slow pealing right, and is a very user-friendly wave for beginners. It can get crowded on weekends, especially when it's sunny, but no need to worry, there are a lot people out on foam boards and most are begi...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Lighthouse Field State Beach
4.0This beach is less crowded compared to other beaches in Santa Cruz. I got there early on a Saturday and found easy street parking. There was plenty of space to spread out on the soft sand. Later in the day I saw dolphins several times! This is close to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. It’s al...Read more -
Scotts Valley, CaliforniaLodato Loop Trail
5.01.24 mi / 315 ft gainLodato Loop Trail is a loop trail that is moderately difficult located near Scotts Valley, California.Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Sempervirens Falls (Temporarily Closed)
4.03.29 mi / 305 ft gainSempervirens Falls in Big Basin State Park is Temporarily Closed due to fires. More updates can be found at Parks.CA.Gov. The hike to Sempervirens Falls is an easy 3.3 mile out-and-back hike on the Sequoia Trail. You'll travel through the redwood forest and some of the campgrounds located in Big...Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Sequoia Trail
4.05.73 mi / 696 ft gainSequoia Trail at Big Basin Redwoods SP is temporarily closed. Get updates and more details at Parks.CA.Gov. This 5.7-mile hike in Big Basin Redwoods SP is a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In the first half, there is a quick detour you can take to Sempervirens Fall...Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Big Basin's Sunset Trail Camp
4.89.46 mi / 2146 ft gainThis trail and campsite is currently closed (learn more). Looking for a more authentic hiking and camping weekend, without having to drive hours away to find it? Then the Sunset Trail Camp within Big Basin Redwoods SP is your ticket. To access this site, you'll need to hike the famous Skyline-to...Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Berry Creek Falls Loop (Closed)
4.810 mi / 2310 ft gainUnfortunately, this trail is closed due to a past fire. See CA.Gov for updates on trails in Big Basin. Nestled in California's oldest state park, the popular Berry Creek Falls Loop hike begins at the Big Basin park headquarters. If you're up for 11 miles, a thousand feet of elevation gain throu...Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Hike the Ocean View Summit Loop
4.06 mi / 600 ft gainThis hike begins at the Big Basin park headquarters. If you're up for 6 miles through giant redwoods and along serene creeks, and with an ocean view, then this is the hike for you. Ocean view summit loop starts on the Gazos Creek Road bridge, next turn right on to the Middle Ridge Fire Road, whic...Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Camp at Big Basin Redwoods State Park
4.00.5 miBig Basin is currently closed including the campgrounds. Please visit the Parks.ca.gov site for updated details. An hour away from the thrumming city of San Jose, ancient immense trees live in a forest full of vibrant ferns and rushing waterfalls. Big Basin Redwoods State Park encompasses 10,00...Read more -
Boulder Creek, California
Hike the Old Growth Redwoods Trail
4.50.5 miQuick half-mile stroll through the old growth Redwoods that will show you the nature of the ever-living redwood tree.Redwoods are capable of withstanding storms, floods, fire, droughts, and even termites. These legendary trees can live for over 2,000 years and possess incredible strength, vigor, ...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Seabright State Beach
5.0This is a wide, beautiful beach that's an amazing spot to spend the day and enjoy a bonfire at night in one of the designated fire rings. Seabright is probably the most popular spot in Santa Cruz for a bonfire, due to its convenient proximity to the Beach Boardwalk. But luckily, this beach is tuc...Read more
