Swing Under an Abandoned Pier in Davenport

The ruins of Davenport Pier are located on Davenport Pier Beach, just north of Davenport on Highway 1, which is about 11 miles north of Santa Cruz. The pier was never completed and the support system for it was left on the beach, the first pillar arch has had a chain swing added to it and can be accessed during low tide.

The pier is only accessible during low tide and by climbing down a steep path. Make sure to check the tides online before heading out if you want to get down onto the beach. The path to the beach is just north of the dirt parking lot across from Davenport. Walk along the train tracks (north bound) past the large bluff. If you climb onto the bluff you can walk along the edge and see the pier from above. When you get past the bluff and are looking straight out onto the beach there will be a graffiti covered concrete structure directly below you. Walk a few feet around to the right to access the path down to the beach. It is sandy, steep, and uneven so be mindful of that as you climb down, especially if you're bringing a lot of camera gear or picnic supplies. Once you are on the beach you can walk to the first pillars of the pier and climb onto the swing below or just sit back and enjoy the view.

If you don't want to climb down the path the bluff on the left of the beach has beautiful views of the pier, ocean, and surrounding bluffs. This would also be a great place to catch a sunset if you can't access the beach due to the tide.