Shark Fin Cove – Coast Dairies State Park, California

Shark Fin Cove, a hidden beach along the Pacific Coast Highway, is known for its distinctive rock formation offshore that resembles a shark fin – the cove, surrounded by steep bluffs, is a must see for anyone making their way along the coast.

The picturesque beach, also known as Shark Tooth Beach or Davenport Cove, is located near the small town of Davenport, California, just north of Santa Cruz along Highway 1- to find the trail down to the beach you will need to park in the small, unmarked dirt lot along the PCH. If you’re coming from Santa Cruz, the lot is on your left, about 0.5 miles from Bonny Doon Beach - from San Francisco, it is about 1 mile south of the city of Davenport on your right. This turnout can easily be missed, but as you drive, just keep your eyes open for the iconic rock fin jutting out of the Pacific Ocean.

Once you locate the parking lot, simply follow the dirt path toward the abandoned railroad tracks – cross the tracks and you will see signs near a trash can where the path steeply descends to the beach. There are also several paths along the bluffs that offer a bird’s eye view of the beautiful cove – hike along both, or choose your option, for stunning views of a unique destination.