You never know what unexpected treasures you’ll come across while exploring the Northern California coast. For instance, this long-abandoned pier is tucked away along an isolated section of the beach just north of Santa Cruz. With nothing left of the pier except its massive concrete pilings, it makes for an eerily beautiful sight that’s worth trying to see for yourself. Photographers especially love this destination, and it’s not hard to see why. There’s something about the decaying remains of the Davenport Pier surrounded by a vast ocean that just fills you with awe.
Situated about nine miles north of Santa Cruz on Highway 1, Davenport is a small town that's become a popular tourist destination on the Northern California coast.
The town itself is pretty sleepy with only a few restaurants, businesses, and a post office. However, the major attraction near this quiet community is the abandoned Davenport Pier.
All that remains of the pier are large cement pillars that extend into the ocean. The one closest to the shore is often covered in graffiti and sometimes you'll find a swing hanging from it. It makes for a strangely breathtaking sight that's especially popular among photographers and the social media crowd.
The history behind the pier goes back to Davenport's original founding. In 1867, a whaling captain named John Pope Davenport built a 400-foot wharf at the mouth of Agua Puerca Creek. The purpose of the wharf was to aid in loading lumber down from the hills to ship to Santa Cruz.
Agua Puerca Creek translates to "muddy water" and it certainly lived up to its name. The creek became so muddy that eventually steamers could no longer tie up to the wharf. At this time, a competitor constructed a longer wharf. However, it was destroyed by a storm, leaving what you see today.
Getting down to the beach is a difficult and dangerous task that is not recommended. The path is steep and slippery, and the cove itself is only accessible at low tide. However, you can get a great view of the Davenport Pier from above via the trails that wind along the bluffs overlooking the cove.
Exploring the historic town of Davenport is a must for any NorCal adventurer. Photos of this unique spot are great, but nothing beats seeing it with your own eyes.
