California Road Trip: Shark Fin Cove

by Rob | May 2, 2026 | Road Trips

California Road Trip: Starting Our New Orleans Morning

California Road Trip: Starting Our New Orleans Morning

Starting Our New Orleans Morning with Beignets at Café Beignet on Royal Street One of the things we knew we had to do while visiting New Orleans was enjoy a plate of fresh beignets. The next morning, we walked over to Café Beignet on Royal Street in the heart of the…

California Road Trip: Columbus, Texas

California Road Trip: Columbus, Texas

From El Paso to Columbus: A Long Texas Drive with Small-Town Hospitality Leaving El Paso behind, we began another long day on Interstate 10 heading east across the vast landscapes of West Texas. The scenery slowly transitioned from desert mountains and rocky terrain…

California Road Trip: Dragoon and El Paso

California Road Trip: Dragoon and El Paso

From Arizona’s Texas Canyon to an Overnight Stop in El Paso Leaving California and continuing east on Interstate 10, one of our favorite scenic stops of the day was the Texas Canyon Rest Area near Dragoon. The rest area is surrounded by enormous granite boulders…

Shark Fin Cove: A Scenic Coastal Escape Near Campbell and San Jose

A short drive from Campbell and the San Jose area brings you to one of California’s most picturesque coastal viewpoints—Shark Fin Cove. Located along the breathtaking Pacific Coast Highway near the small town of Davenport, Shark Fin Cove is named for the dramatic sea stack that rises from the ocean and resembles the dorsal fin of a shark. The rugged cliffs, crashing Pacific waves, sea caves, and sandy beach create an unforgettable setting that showcases the natural beauty of California’s coastline.

The overlook provides spectacular panoramic views and is one of the most photographed locations along Highway 1. Visitors can enjoy watching waves crash against the cliffs, photographing the unique rock formations, and taking in the fresh ocean air. A trail leads down to the beach for those who want to explore the cove more closely, although the descent can be steep and should be approached carefully. Whether you’re a photographer, nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful stop along the coast, Shark Fin Cove offers a relaxing break from city life.

For anyone staying in Campbell or San Jose, Shark Fin Cove makes an excellent half-day excursion. The drive itself is part of the experience as it winds through the Santa Cruz Mountains before reaching the stunning Pacific coastline. We found it well worth the short trip, offering some of the most beautiful ocean scenery of our California adventure. If you’re exploring Northern California, Shark Fin Cove is a destination that should definitely be added to your itinerary.

From Florida to California and Back: 6,169 Miles of Adventure in Our Jeep Gladiator

Join us on a 15-day, 6,169-mile cross-country road trip from Florida to California and back in our Jeep Gladiator. From relaxing on Biloxi Beach and visiting the towering cross in Groom to exploring the Grand Canyon National Park, Hoover Dam, Las Vegas, California wine …

Catches Waterfront Grille, Port Richey, FL

We enjoyed a relaxing lunch at Catches Waterfront Grille in Port Richey, Florida, with crab cakes and remoulade sauce, a Mahi Mahi BLT, and fries.

California Road Trip: Starting Our New Orleans Morning

Starting Our New Orleans Morning with Beignets at Café Beignet on Royal Street One of the things we knew we had to do while visiting New Orleans was enjoy a plate of fresh beignets. The next morning, we walked over to Café Beignet on Royal Street in the heart of the…

California Road Trip: French Quarter, First Night in New Orleans

Experience the charm of the French Quarter with an overnight stay at Hotel St. Marie, where convenient valet service and a private garage make arriving by car easy. Enjoy a memorable dinner at Oceana Grill featuring charbroiled oysters, a fried oyster po’boy, and authen…

California Road Trip: Columbus, Texas

Travel across the heart of Texas on an unforgettable drive from El Paso to Columbus, featuring a memorable stop at Pecos West Truck Stop, where an unexpected act of kindness made the journey even more special. Pass through San Antonio before ending the day with an overn…

California Road Trip: Dragoon and El Paso

From Arizona’s Texas Canyon to an Overnight Stop in El Paso Leaving California and continuing east on Interstate 10, one of our favorite scenic stops of the day was the Texas Canyon Rest Area near Dragoon. The rest area is surrounded by enormous granite boulders…

California Road Trip: Funny Jeep Gladiator Road Trip

What’s a cross-country road trip without a little harmless fun? During our hotel stays, our blue Jeep Gladiator had an unusual overnight “driver”—a mannequin made from a pillow in a red hoodie, topped with a white mask featuring reflective foil behind the eyes. The re…

California Road Trip: Blythe, CA

Travel from Campbell through Gilroy, the Garlic Capital of the World, before enjoying scenic views of San Luis Reservoir and the fertile farmlands along Interstate 5. After driving through the Los Angeles region via Pasadena and San Bernardino, the day ends with a comfo…

California Trip: St. Lucy Parish, Campbell, CA

Before beginning the long drive back to Florida, we attended Sunday Mass at St. Lucy Parish in Campbell, California. The welcoming parish, beautiful sanctuary, and reverent celebration of the Eucharist provided a peaceful and meaningful start to our journey home. It was…

California Road Trip: Testarossa Winery

Celebrate a special family occasion at Testarossa Winery, a historic winery nestled in the foothills of Los Gatos, California. Housed in the original 1888 Novitiate Winery built by Jesuit Fathers and Brothers, Testarossa blends California’s rich winemaking heritage with…

California Road Trip: Lighthouse Field State Beach and Santa Cruz

Experience one of Northern California’s most scenic coastal drives as you travel from Shark Fin Cove to Lighthouse Field State Beach. Watch surfers ride the Pacific waves, enjoy panoramic ocean views from the coastal bluffs, and take in the iconic Santa Cruz Wharf stret…