Davenport offers peaceful beachside living near Monterey Bay
Davenport is a coastal community along U.S. Route 1, a scenic highway overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The area’s beaches are popular for water sports like surfing and sailing, and people walk to the coastal cliffs to see whale migrations. Located 10 miles outside of Santa Cruz, residents are a short drive away from the coastal city’s vibrant food and shopping scene. “Davenport is a very small community that has about 100 homes,” says Frank Murphy, owner of Frank Murphy Realty with 25 years of experience. “It’s right on the coast and is surrounded by state parks. It’s really windy because it’s above the Monterey Bay, so the wind comes right off the ocean.”
Small cottages and two-stories in Davenport
Homes in Davenport are grouped into several small clusters, and houses are often right on the coast of Highway 1. Many properties are small cottages or traditional two=story homes with Spanish influence, and houses sit close together. “Most homes fall between $900,000 and $1.3 million,” Murphy says. “The area was originally supported by a cement plant in town, and housing was typically inexpensive, so there are many workers cottages. Since then, lots of these properties have been upgraded, and half the homes are newly built custom homes. The high-end properties are similar to those in Bonny Doon, and these can have ocean views and can go for over $2 million or $3 million.”
Popular water activities at Davenport's beaches
As a coastal community, water recreation is a way of life in Davenport. Davenport Landing Beach offers spectacular sunset views and is a popular spot for surfers. People go to Davenport Beach to see the whale migrations, and Shark Fin Cove has a secluded beach and opportunities for stargazing. “The beaches in Davenport are used very frequently by the local people,” Murphy says. “So there are lots of water sports; kayaking, kitesurfing, surfing and sailing. You name it.” Those into camping, hiking, fishing or horseback riding can explore Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, which is about 15 miles away in Felton.
Prospective schools for Davenport residents
Located in the heart of the community, Pacific Elementary School gets an A-minus grade from Niche. Students then go to Santa Cruz City Schools for secondary education. Mission Hill Middle School has an A-minus with elective courses in music appreciation, ceramics, stained glass and multimedia. Santa Cruz High School rates an A, offering career and technical education courses in art, media, health science, and manufacturing. The university of California, Santa Cruz, is about 10 miles away.
Local eateries along Highway 1
Davenport Roadhouse, built on the site of a 1906 general store, is a local bed and breakfast spot that serves classic American fare. The establishment also has specials like Taco Tuesday, trivia nights and live music on the weekends. Whale City Bakery is a roadside café serving diner and comfort food. Offering patio seating with ocean views, the eatery also has live music nights on Thursdays. Residents can drive to Santa Cruz to get groceries, shop at big-box stores like Costco or Target and explore the city’s eclectic dining scene.
Distance to Santa Cruz
The area is located along Highway 1, which is connected to other coastal cities like San Francisco, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. Santa Cruz and Dignity Health – Dominican Hospital are about 10 miles away, and San Jose Mineta International Airport is approximately 40 miles north. Public transit is provided by Santa Cruz Metro.
Fundraising events by the local elementary school
The local elementary school organizes the annual Fourth of July event for the community, which features a potluck picnic, a pie-eating contest, a water balloon battle and games like tug-of-war.
