01
Best overall coastal pick
Ohlone Bluff Trail, Wilder Ranch State Park
Wilder Ranch State Park, South Of Davenport • Clifftop Coastal Trail With Farmstead History • Best Big-Scenery Coastal Route
A classic bluff-top ramble linking coves, arches, and farm fields just a few minutes down the coast from Davenport.
Start from the Wilder Ranch coastal parking area and follow the wide path as it traces the edge of the cliffs, with constant views of surf, seabirds, and weathered rock formations. The walking is easy and mostly flat, making it good for mixed groups, but strong wind and sun can make it feel more demanding than the map suggests. Turn around at any overlook or extend your outing by exploring side paths toward secluded coves when tides and conditions look safe.
02
Closest to town
Davenport Beach Loop and Overlook
In And Around Davenport Village • Short Beach-And-Bluff Loop • Quick In-Town Outing
A compact loop that pairs a dramatic roadside overlook with a steep descent to a wide, wave-pounded beach.
From the pullout by the Davenport Overlook, you can admire the old railroad trestle and sweeping views, then follow informal paths down toward the sand. The descent is short but can be loose or muddy, so sturdy shoes and care are important, especially after rain. It’s more of an atmospheric wander than a mileage day, ideal for sunset, storm watching, or stretching your legs between Highway 1 stops.
03
Most off-the-radar
Bonny Doon Ecological Reserve
Sandhills Above Bonny Doon • Quiet Chaparral And Sandhills Reserve • Best For Quiet, Off-The-Radar Feel
A network of sandy paths through rare Sandhills habitat with scattered pines, scrub, and distant ocean glimpses.
Tucked into the hills above Davenport, this small reserve feels worlds away from the busy coast, with soft, sandy tread and low, aromatic chaparral. The trails are short but subtly hilly, making for a mellow workout and a good place to wander without crowds. Bring water and be prepared for full sun and seasonal closures or restrictions aimed at protecting sensitive habitat.
04
Best redwood canyon
Fall Creek Trail, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (Fall Creek Unit)
Fall Creek Unit, North Of Felton • Shaded Redwood Canyon Network • Top Redwood Immersion
A cool, mossy canyon route following a tumbling creek past old lime kilns and towering second-growth redwoods.
About a half hour inland from Davenport, the Fall Creek Unit trades ocean vistas for deep shade and the sound of year-round water. Trails weave back and forth across the creek on small bridges and logs, so expect a few nimble footwork moments, especially after storms. It’s a great choice on hot or windy days at the coast, but cell service is limited and junctions can be confusing, so snap a photo of the map at the trailhead before you set out.
05
Best for open views and wildflowers
Moore Creek Preserve
Foothills Above Santa Cruz’S North Coast • Rolling Grassland And Creek-Side Preserve • Spring Wildflower Standout
An airy set of trails climbing from a shaded creek corridor to broad, grassy ridges with big-sky views toward the ocean.
Moore Creek offers a nice progression: start along the cool, tree-lined creek, then climb through open meadows that explode with lupine and poppies in spring. The grades are moderate but steady, and there is very little shade once you leave the bottom of the canyon, so morning and late afternoon are the most pleasant times. From the higher loops you can spot the coastline north of Santa Cruz, giving this hike a different feel from the more dramatic cliff walks closer to Davenport.