Davenport Beaches Activities

Surfing Davenport Beaches

Surfers like the Davenport area, partly because it's away from the Santa Cruz commotion and partly because the waves can be more reliable than at places like Steamer Lane.

Davenport Beach is best in the morning or evening when the winds aren't so strong. On weekends it can fill up, but most of the time there is plenty of room. Waves range from 3 to 5 feet, breaking both left and right. At times the surf can get really high and its best left to the experts.

Davenport Landing Beach has a great break by the exposed reef by the cliffs on the north end of the beach. Also a left reef on the south end of the beach. Watch out for rocks. Conditions are best when the swells are coming from the southwest. Surfers keep their eyes open for sharks here.

Scott Creek Beach is popular year-round with surfers. The reef break at the north end of the beach produces the best breaks. At times the surf can be pretty big. It is not a beginner's beach. Most surfers prefer the beach in the morning or evening when the wind isn't so strong. During the winter they know to look for a break along the middle of the beach when the action of the creek generates a sandbar.

Photographing the Davenport Coast

The scenic beaches and rugged Pacific shore around Davenport attract photographers from across the state. Wave carved sea stacks, tide pools, waterfalls, tunnels, caves, and the rock patterns of the cliffs combined with the ever-changing surf, sky and light make rewarding subjects for the camera lens. A number of photographers specialize in the local beaches, from Davenport Landing and Shark Fin Cove south to Panther Beach and Hole-in-the-Wall.

Many photographers work at night with the light of a full moon casting a soft glow across the seascape. Sunsets are a particular favorite subject, along with close-ups of fascinating rock formations, dripping water, and rippling streams.

Leading Photographers

Jim Patterson
Patterson is well known for his artistic touch and his ability to capture unique images of the coast. He works in both black and white and color. His workshops fill quickly. See his work at Jim Patterson Photography,

Jay Tankersley
Tankersley creates stunning photographs of the Davenport coast with his use of slow exposures. Vibrant colors characterize his breathtaking sunsets. View his work at
Jay Tankersley Photography.

Mark Gvazdinskas
Rich color and dramatic settings are evident in many of Gvazdinskas' photographs. He also photographs in monochrome. View his work at
Silent G Photography.

Ivan Makarov
Makarov uses monochrome photography to capture a different image of the Davenport coast. His photographs of the old Davenport pier are mesmerizing. His creative use of light creates drama and excitement in his work. Enjoy his photographs at
Ivan Makarov Photography.