Davenport Pier Swing – How To See This Hidden Gem

The Davenport Pier Swing was one of the places I wanted to visit during my road trip from San Francisco. This hidden coastal attraction is easy to miss because it cannot be spotted from the highway. Located beneath dramatic seaside bluffs, the swing itself—and especially the route to reach it—is not an adventure for everyone. However, those willing to make the journey are rewarded with a memorable and unusual coastal experience.

In this guide, I’ll explain how to find the Davenport Pier Swing, share some background about the area, and provide useful information and safety suggestions to help you plan your visit.

A Brief History of Davenport

The small town of Davenport sits along California’s coastline, approximately 16 kilometres (10 miles) north of Santa Cruz along Highway One.

The history of Davenport dates back to 1867, when whaling captain John Davenport settled near an area known as El Jarro Point. He constructed a wharf there to transport timber that was brought down from the surrounding hills and shipped to Santa Cruz. A small community called Davenport Landing developed around the wharf, although the settlement began declining during the late 1880s.

The town experienced renewed growth in the early 1900s after a cement factory was established in the area. In 1914, two notable buildings were constructed that remain interesting landmarks today: Saint Vincent DePaul Church and the Davenport Jail. The small two-cell jail has a similar appearance to the historic little jail found in Half Moon Bay.

The cement factory eventually closed in 2010, but the former industrial site remains an important landmark when searching for the Davenport Pier Swing.

Where to Find the Davenport Pier Swing

The Davenport Pier Swing is located on Davenport Pier Beach, directly opposite the old cement factory. Because the beach sits below the surrounding cliffs, the swing is hidden from view when driving along the road.

It is important not to confuse this location with Davenport Landing Beach, which is another beach located farther north. The swing is found at Davenport Pier Beach instead.

A small dirt parking area can be found between the highway and the old railway tracks. If you are driving toward Santa Cruz, the parking area appears shortly after the railway crosses the road. Parking is free.

After leaving your vehicle, you will need to cross the railway tracks, climb a small embankment, and follow the bluff path. From above, you will eventually be able to see the old Davenport Swing hanging below on the beach.

Reaching the Swing

The Davenport Pier Swing is exactly what its name suggests: a swing attached to the remains of an old concrete pier structure. While the destination itself is fascinating, reaching it is the challenging part.

Following the bluff westward will lead you toward a steep trail descending toward the beach. At the bottom, you can see remnants of the concrete pier structure. A rope has traditionally been placed along the route to help visitors climb down and back up, but it is important to inspect the rope carefully before relying on it.

The descent is extremely steep and can appear unsafe, especially for those who are uncomfortable with heights or uneven terrain. If you choose to attempt the route, sturdy shoes with strong grip are highly recommended.

Important Safety Considerations

One of the most important things to consider before visiting is the tide. During my visit, the tide was moving in fairly quickly. I was unsure how far the water reaches up the beach during high tide, but because the trail down is already difficult, getting trapped by rising water could create a dangerous situation.

Another factor to remember is that the swing cannot be seen from the road. If something goes wrong while you are below the cliffs, passing drivers or nearby visitors may not notice. Anyone attempting to reach the swing should understand that they are doing so at their own risk.

If there is no rope available or the path appears unsafe, it is better to remain on top of the bluff. The views from above are beautiful, and staying away from the cliff edge provides a much safer experience.

Because of these concerns, I decided not to make the final descent during my visit.

An Alternative Route

There is reportedly another way to reach the Davenport Pier Swing, although it is only possible during low tide.

This alternative route involves walking east around the opposite side of the bluff, passing through a group of cypress trees, and following a path down to a small beach. From there, visitors can walk around the rocks toward the pier swing area.

I did not personally try this route, so I cannot comment on how difficult it is. However, tide conditions remain an important consideration, as becoming stranded by rising water could create serious problems.

Final Thoughts

The Davenport Pier Swing was one of the highlights I hoped to experience during my San Francisco road trip. The swing itself looks like a lot of fun, and the surrounding coastline offers incredible views, but the steep and uncertain access route felt too risky for me on this occasion.

I am not someone who avoids adventure—I have taken on challenging experiences such as exploring the ATM Cave in Belize—but this particular descent seemed beyond my comfort level. If you decide to visit the swing, remember that you are responsible for your own safety.

I discovered the Davenport Pier Swing during a two-day road trip from San Francisco. To learn more about the other places I visited along the way, including nearby Shark Fin Cove, you can explore my San Francisco road trip guide featuring ten beautiful stops.

Before beginning the road trip, I also spent several days exploring San Francisco and another week hiking through Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Nevada. These destinations offer many unforgettable experiences for anyone planning a California adventure.