Top 15 Things To Do in Davenport, California

Why Davenport Belongs on Your Adventure Shortlist

Davenport is a narrow, salt-scented slice of California coastline where the Atlantic-sized drama of swell meets a compact slate of outdoor options. In four blocks you can change shoes and go from a soft-sand beach walk to a cliffside vantage that feels miles from any parking lot; in an hour you can be on a kayak paddle, standing atop a longboard waiting for a glassy set, or boarding a small boat for a whale-watch that keeps binoculars busy. That variety—rooted in water—defines Davenport’s appeal. Water activities here are not background scenery; they are the frame. Surfing takes center stage when northwest swells roll in, rewarding board control and timing, while calmer days become invitations for SUP and kayak outings that thread sea caves and kelp beds.

Boat tours and boat rentals slide in as practical portals to the offshore world: a morning cruise puts migrating whales and seabirds within comfortable range, and a rented skiff or dinghy gives independent-minded travelers a way to chase light and wildlife on their own schedule. Fishing anglers find compact but rewarding options from shore and pier; tide charts and local charters make the difference between a half-day of tangle and a string of keepers. For divers, the nearby kelp forests and rocky reefs offer scuba opportunities that feel exploratory rather than crowd-sourced, and eco tours turn a stroll along the bluff into a lesson in coastal resilience and wildlife habits.

It’s not only ocean pursuits. The train and rail history of the region add a slower, terrestrial rhythm—think short scenic rides and an understanding of how rail shaped coastal development. Bike tours take advantage of quiet county roads and cliff-top shoulders, connecting Davenport to nearby towns and vineyard-stitched hillsides. Even golf here is framed by the coast: a round feels less like a scorecard exercise and more like curated time on windswept fairways. Ultimately, Davenport’s greatness is how its 15 principal activities—Water Activities, Surf, Boat Tour, Whale Watch, Boat Rental, SUP, Train, Scuba, Fishing, Kayak, Sailing, Bike Tour, Wildlife, Eco Tour, and Golf—compose a coherent itinerary. You can build days that are all ocean, or alternate surf and shore hikes, or center a trip around wildlife and eco interpretation. The logistics are forgiving: small local outfitters, straightforward put-ins, and a coastline that rewards curiosity keep the learning curve short and the options wide.

Access is refreshingly simple: a single main road threads the town and provides quick launch points for beaches, kayaks, and coastal hikes. Outfitters in and around Davenport make rentals and guided outings functional rather than fussy—reserve peak weekend surf lessons and whale-watch seats in advance, but many midweek options are walk-up-friendly.

Davenport’s shoulder seasons are underrated. Spring and fall are prime for wildlife viewing and calmer surf windows, while winter delivers larger swells for experienced surfers and dramatic storm-watching from the bluffs. Keep tide charts, local weather briefs, and protection layers handy to get the most from short coastal days.

Choose Your Adventure Level