Shark Fin Cove. Davenport, CA.
DAVENPORT, CA. Shark Fin Cove might be the best named beach on the coast as it’s biggest feature is this huge dorsal fin shaped ragged rock that juts out of the waves. But if you don’t know where this beach is it isn’t easy to find. It’s a fairly obscure little spot off Highway 1 just south of Davenport. Luckily it shows up on Google Maps.
To get there, you have to park in an obscure dirt parking lot with no signage on the side of Highway 1. Once you leave the parking lot towards the south you have to cross the old railroad tracks which leads you to a fork in the road. If you go right you can walk out to the cliff edge and look out over the Pacific, 70 feet above the waves. This area provides good views and is suitable for proposals and/or families.
Looking south.
Looking north.
Those views are great and all but if you truly want to do the Shark Fin Cove experience you’ve got to get down to the beach. This is where it gets tricky. It’s a steep climb down a narrow trail that isn’t maintained. If you have mobility needs this is not recommended. But once you’ve made it onto the sand you can’t help but notice the looming Shark Fin standing before you.
Location of the trail that takes you down onto the beach.
Shark Fin as seen from the far end of the beach.
Now that you’re on the beach you have several options for your proposal. If you like the image above on the right, you can propose in front of the jagged rock itself and tell your kids that your love was so strong you proposed in front of a giant shark!
However, if you walk a bit further you’ll find 2 more interesting locations. The first is out on one of the two large flat rock outcrops. When the waves are big, these slabs of rock create large splashes which look amazing in photos. I would love to capture you proposing as waves explode on the rocks behind you. What a scene!
Scenic spots to propose on Shark Fin Cove beach.
Cave beach.
The second option is at the mouth of this cave on a little sliver of beach. Capturing your proposal from the inside of this cave creates a dramatic image with the ocean and cliffs behind you. I highly recommend Shark Fin Cove for those two spots. Waves and caves!
The downside to this beach is that a lot of people know about it. It may not be easy to get the cave shot all to yourselves. To really nail proposal photography, it’s important that you two are alone or at least away from people. You want the shot to be of only you and your loved one. Not with a guy chasing a seagull off his picnic blanket in the background! However, that would be funny and I would photograph it.
Please message me with any questions you have! Check back in often to see blogs on the best beaches around Monterey Bay.
John Ruddock is a professional photographer based in Salinas, CA. John grew up on the coast in Half Moon Bay and has spent over 30 years on the beautiful California Central Coast. He photographs weddings, engagements, families, sports, and landscapes from Half Moon Bay to Big Sur. Contact him today to book your session!
