Just up the road from Santa Cruz, Silicon Valley helped revolutionize P2P technology — an innovative peer-to-peer system that allows computers to connect directly and share freely. That same independent spirit feels on brand today as Santa Cruz introduces its own coastal spin on P2P: pier-to-pier commuting!
Along the county’s sparkling shoreline, historic piers give visitors the superpower to “walk on water” atop weathered planks as seabirds circle and sea lions bark. From Davenport to Seacliff, Santa Cruz piers range from “ghost piers” of yesteryear to lively wharves still very much in play. What’s even better? All are close enough to make your pier-to-pier commute a weekend affair. From north to south, here’s our guide to Santa Cruz P2P.
Davenport Pier
Surrounded by miles of windswept bluffs and rugged beaches, Davenport is the very definition of coastal small-town charm. Here, with weathered pilings that appear as giant, graffiti-covered staples pushing into the sea, the ghostly remains of the Davenport Pier have become one of Santa Cruz County’s most Instagram-worthy locales. Its dilapidated state naturally raises the question: what the heck happened?
After helping San Francisco rebuild from the Great ’06 Earthquake, the Santa Cruz Portland Cement Company achieved success supplying materials for the construction of iconic California structures such as Yosemite’s O’Shaughnessy Dam (1919-23) and the Golden Gate Bridge (1933-37). To support its booming operations, the Davenport company built a 2,327 ft pier in 1934. But the ravages of time and major Pacific storms led to the pier becoming inoperable by the mid-1950s. As the waves gradually swept it to sea, portions remained standing in defiance of Mother Nature’s awesome power.
To view what’s left of Davenport Pier, park in the informal dirt lot on Highway 1 near Whale City Bakery, Bar & Grill. You can see forever from the oceanfront bluff’s panoramic vista, but accessing the beach below is not recommended due to the steep descent and treacherous tides.
Eats & Sleeps: Check out Whale City Bakery, Bar & Grill for a delicious snack and the Davenport Roadhouse Inn & Restaurant for lodging and local farm-to-table fare.
Neary Lagoon Pier
Located in Santa Cruz’s scenic Westside just above West Cliff Drive, Neary Lagoon Park and Wildlife Refuge is where to discover a true hidden gem: the Neary Lagoon Pier. The thousand-foot, wooden pontoon boardwalk crosses over the expansive freshwater lagoon and wetland fed by Laurel Creek. Surrounding the lagoon, a mile of wheelchair-accessible gravel trails invites visitors to explore this peaceful natural sanctuary from every angle.
Migratory and resident birds flock here; look for the black-crowned night heron, belted kingfisher, and purple finch, as well as the western pond turtle (the only native freshwater turtle in California). Neary Lagoon Park also offers a playground, tennis courts, pollinator garden, and barbecue pits popular with visitors and locals alike.
Eats & Sleeps: A classic Santa Cruz property, The Dream Inn on Cowell Beach is steps from the sea. Every room offers a private, oceanfront balcony. West Cliff Inn, Sea & Sand Inn, and Seaway Inn are all just around the corner from Neary Lagoon and boast epic beach views and coastal access. Santa Cruz Westside is foodie central, with numerous spots for tasty bites and ocean vibes.
Santa Cruz Wharf
Built in 1914 and today the longest wooden pier in the United States, the Santa Cruz Wharf extends a half-mile into Monterey Bay. Together with the adjacent Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, this iconic attraction draws more than a million visitors every year. Concerts and festivals, shops with local merch and souvenirs, lively restaurants and bars, fresh fish markets and sourdough chowder bowls are just of few of the offerings that make the Santa Cruz Wharf the place to “sea.”
The Santa Cruz Wharf serves as a perfect introduction to the natural wonder of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Ambling over its wooden walkways, keep an eye out for seabirds, seals, sea lions, sea otters, dolphins, and whales breaching beyond the break. For an even closer look, consider renting a kayak or joining a guided tour on Monterey Bay, or casting your own line (no fishing license required on the Wharf!).
Eats & Sleeps: Set on a celebrated block at Beach and Main, La Bahia Hotel & Spa across the street from the Santa Cruz Wharf with luxury accommodations and elevated amenities. High Tide is La Bahia’s signature restaurant offering island-inspired cuisine, while the Ideal Bar & Grill is a popular seaside option. Of course, Beach Boardwalk bites tempt from just steps away; kettle corn, ice cream, corn dogs and funnel cake anyone?
Capitola Wharf
The charming seaside village of Capitola is where to discover a local county favorite: the historic Capitola Wharf. Established in 1857 as “Soquel Landing,” Capitola and its wharf gained fame as a bustling shipping node for lumber heading north to San Francisco and other markets. After a storied run, the Capitola Wharf was severely damaged by storms during the wild winter of 2023. Following a comprehensive reconstruction, the Capitola Wharf is back, and better than ever.
The 855-ft. long pier was widened to 36 feet across, nearly doubling its pre-storm width and making it even more of a great place for an aquatic walk. Nearly all decking and railings were replaced, new restrooms and ADA-compliant viewing areas are now featured, along with interpretive signage and works by local artist Sean Monaghan. An ornate new entrance gateway welcomes all and ambient lighting keeps the Capitola Wharf in play well into the evening.
When it comes to things to do, swimming and sunning are just steps away on the fine-grained sands of Capitola Beach. Its gentle break is a prime spot for beginning surfers, while Capitola Boat & Bait offers skiff, kayak, and paddleboard rentals.
Eats & Sleeps: The Capitola Hotel has boutique-style accommodations with complimentary breakfast along the bustling ocean esplanade. Famed Shadowbrook is one of Santa Cruz County’s signature restaurants, offering multi-level destination dining (and its signature hillside cable car).
Seacliff State Beach
Located in Aptos, Seacliff State Beach is a beloved mile-long stretch of sand and sea with one of Santa Cruz County’s most historical coastal landmarks: the World War I-era S.S. Palo Alto. Built in 1919 but never commissioned, the 420-foot vessel was scuttled in 1929 and connected to shore by a wooden pier. It became an entertainment destination complete with floating casino and dance hall dubbed the Rainbow Ballroom, but in 1932 severe storms (and the Great Depression) put an end to the fun. The fishing pier was all that remained.
Fierce winter storms in 2023 caused catastrophic damage to Seacliff Pier. Today the famed “Cement Ship” is still visible and serves as an artificial reef bustling with marine life. Seacliff State Beach is currently a “pierless” experience, but it offers one of Santa Cruz’s most popular strands for sightseeing, sunsets, and “breachcombing”— the Santa Cruz-born expression for spotting migrating whales from its dramatic shore.
Eats & Sleeps: Location is king with the Seacliff Inn Aptos, less than a mile from Seacliff State Beach and tucked into a lush garden setting. Just across Aptos Creek, Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen Beachside features crave-worthy cuisine complemented by cocktails crafted from Santa Cruz-distilled spirits.
Pier-Hopping Along the Continental Edge
The piers of Santa Cruz County are calling. From the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond, a scenic P2P commute is your entree to the many things to do and see in the region whether you’re cruising the continent’s edge along Highway 1 or cresting its redwood crown over Highway 17. Be sure to check out our trip-planning resources for tips on places to stay and where to eat, not to mention the Santa Cruz travel blog for the good word on what’s new.