How to Find the Hidden Old Davenport Pier Swing

Like Shark Fin Cove, we also stumbled upon Old Davenport Pier and its hidden swing along the California coast by chance. On our road trip, we ran into some locals who told us to check out this place. Old Davenport Pier is a unique spot consisting of old concrete pier foundation arches stretching out into the water. With the pier’s deck surface having been gone for years, all you have left are the set concrete pylons standing eerily against the never-ending waves. This is where you’ll also find a swing hanging on the concrete pylons, above the crashing waves.

Note: Please make sure to respect this beautiful place and the surrounding areas. Always practice LEAVE NO TRACE. This means no loud music, no graffiti, no taking artifacts or fossilized items, and pack out what you pack in! Please help us protect this place for generations to come!

Stats

Where

Old Davenport Pier Swing Parking:
37°00’46.3″N 122°11’54.3″W

Start of the Descent:
37°00’46.6″N 122°11’57.6″W

Parking

Decent size dirt lot on the side of the road.

Restroom

There is no restroom

Fee

Free

Important Things

The trail down to the swing is extremely sketchy. Only do it, if you’re absolutely comfortable with your capabilities. Make sure to wear good shoes with traction and check the rope’s condition before going down.

Distance

Less than 0.2 mi

Elevation Gain

We didn’t track it but the cliff looks about 80ft.

Level

The viewpoint doesn’t require any effort, however, the hike down is considered strenuous.

Time:

30 mins – 1 hour

Pet-friendly

You can have your dogs above the bluffs but don’t bring them down the beach access.

Ideal Time

You can only access the Old Davenport Pier Swing during lowtide.

Weather

Video

Getting to the Old Davenport Pier

The old Davenport Pier is actually down below a bluff, so you won’t be able to see it driving on the road. This bluff is located along CA Highway 1, directly across from a concrete manufacturing plant. Right before the train track crosses over the highway is a dirt lot for parking. It is a decent size lot. Please note that the old Davenport Pier and the swing are only accessible during low tide.

To get to the top of the bluff, cross over the train track and go toward the ocean, then head right (North), toward an opening to the ocean below. From here, you should be able to see the concrete pylon and a faint and very sketchy-looking trail to head down. Both times we went, there was a rope there to use as a hand line. If you’re using this rope, please make sure to inspect it and don’t put your weight 100% on it. Who knows how long the rope has been out in the weather. If it helps, we put coordinates above to help you locate this trailhead easier.

The Main Route

The faint trail to the Old Davenport pier and the swing is down a steep vertical sea cliff. From above, it looks pretty sketchy. Luckily, since we have a lot of experience hiking up and down sketchy trails for canyoneering, it wasn’t as difficult for us. However, for most people, this hike down is fully exposed and extremely dangerous.

The trail leads directly above a graffiti-covered concrete structure at the bottom of the bluff. If you’re uncomfortable or don’t have good shoes with you, we don’t recommend hiking down. It’s okay to stay on the top! The views above are also quite beautiful. If you decide to hike down, please make sure to wear good hiking shoes with tractions. Even though this section is very short, it is really steep and slippery. Having good shoes makes such a difference. If the rope is missing or not in good shape, we also advised against going down. The rope helps a ton, going up or down.

Alternate Route

If going down the sheer sea cliff is not your thing, there is an alternate route. Just a note, we haven’t done this route personally. This route is only available during low tide and is a bit longer. To get to the Old Davenport pier from this route, go down and around the other side of the bluff, passing a small grove of cypress trees. You should come across a large gulch with a path leading down to the small beach below. From here, if you’re looking toward the ocean, the pier will be on the right-hand side. If the tide is low enough, you should be able to scramble around the rocks to the beach on the other side, where the pier pylons are. During high tide, you won’t be able to cross over from this small beach. There’s also a large blowhole in the rock.

The Old Davenport Pier and the Swing

Once we got down to the beach below, the view was quite beautiful. Both times we went, the swing was there. However, it’s not guaranteed that it will also be there, same as the concrete pylons. At one time, there were 4 of them. Sadly, on our most recent trip, only two of the concrete pylons remain.

It was quite interesting to sit on the swing while the waves crashed in front of you. However, make sure to keep an eye on the tide. The waves can come in pretty quickly and splash the heck out of you. I’m speaking from experience. Even without the swing, the way the old abandoned pier foundation arches stretches out into the crashing waves, withstanding the inevitable give this spot an eerie and almost poetic feel.

Once you’re done, go back the way you came from. Again, the way up is as dangerous as the way down. Please make sure to proceed with caution and take your time. If you have some time to spare, don’t forget to walk around the trails above the bluff. It gives you different perspectives of the Old Davenport Pier and many other good viewpoints. If you love abandoned things, check out the Cayucos Shipwreck. It is a pretty neat spot, also along the California Coastline.

These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.

adventure gear

You need good shoes with traction to go down. This is our favourite hiking shoes. We use them for canyoneering as well. Lots of traction. Vy’s version.