California Hwy 1 Road Trip #2: Shark Fin Cove to Davenport

If you read the first blog post on Hwy 1 stop Panther Beach, then this is a great next stop as it’s next door. You can actually walk to Shark Fin Cove and onto Davenport from Panther Beach via the area bluffs. The hike or walk depending on how you want to call it is easy, short, clear, and a wonderful way to breathe in that coastal air. So grab a blanket, a picnic basket, and a book, and head over to Shark Fin Cove for a day

Shark Fin Cove is well known for well…. the shark fin-shaped rock formation peeking out of the beachfront of the cove! There are many rock formations on the California coast, however, there is not one like this.

Parking and Trailhead

The cove is nestled between Panther Beach and Davenport along California HWY 1. Parking like that of most stops on this stretch is a pull-out from Hwy 1. Take caution if you are traveling with small children. The lot is all dirt and the trail is a few steps from the parking lot.

At the top of the trail, you can already see the shark fin-shaped rock formation peeking out of the water. The trail down to the cove is narrow and in one part of it, a bit steep and rocky. Only carry what you can carry in and out! There are no trash cans on the beach, so please be sure to only carry what you can pack out with consideration for the short steep climb. There is a one-cylinder trash can at the start of the trail. At the time we went, there was a giant tree trunk hanging over the trail. To go around it or over is easy. During the Spring time, yellow mustard flowers permeate the trail down to the cove making for some beautiful scenery.

The Beach and Coast

Shark Fin Cove is nestled deep between the coastal cliffs facing the Pacific Ocean. The expansive sandy beach fills the entire cove. The shark fin rock formation protruding out of the rushing ocean waters is another example of the amazing coastal views of the California coast. The water in this cove is known to be forceful and potentially dangerous even for experienced swimmers. Most go to just hang out. There are known to be hikers who have climbed the rock, but again it is discouraged due to the rough waves of water rushing in and out.

Unlike Panther Beach, exploration of the area is limited to just the cove whereas Panther Beach, you can continue exploring down the sandy coastline for a bit leaving plenty of space between yourself and other beachgoers. To the left of the beach is a natural bridge with water pulling in and out. The waves are quite strong and can pull you out, therefore it is not recommended to go through the natural bridge formation. Beyond that during low tide, is a rocky platforms surface and you can explore the unique natural carvings in the walls and get an up-close view of the shark fin.

To Davenport

After exploring Shark Fin Cove, we took the dirt trail on the coastal bluff to view the cove and coastline from above. This trail takes you directly to Davenport Beach! The wind up here was quite ravenous this day! The sun was peeking in and out of the clouds all day. Davenport is a short and easy a little over half-mile walk from Shark Fin Cove.

Along the way, the entire time you are filled with amazing cliff views of the Pacific coastline. There are additional secluded coves along the way too where you can watch the occasional fisherman. Take your time walking and taking in every breath of the ocean. There are an array of different plants and so much green this year! It may have also been snail mating season. We saw tons of snails in groups all along the entire trail.

Davenport Beach and Swing

Davenport Beach was quiet this morning of our arrival, but in the Summer it’s quite busy! Parking for vehicles is available next to the beach with a short easy walk down. The beach was clean and sandy and quite enjoyable for our picnic!

We continued down the street for a short distance and from the street, we saw the popular Davenport swing! We did not attempt this steep, slippery, and dangerous trail down to the swings, but did watch others attempt it. There are ropes on some parts, but for the most part, the trail is uneven.