California city takes aim at erosion with 6 site coastal protection plan

San Diego, California – The San Diego City Council took a unanimous step Tuesday toward preparing the city for a future shaped by climate change, approving a coastal resilience master plan designed to confront rising seas, flooding, and erosion.

The 8-0 vote greenlights a framework that blends engineering with nature-based strategies, an approach city officials say is both practical and forward-looking. Elevated sand dunes, restored wetlands, and redesigned parks are part of the plan’s toolkit, with the goal of shielding neighborhoods and public assets while preserving San Diego’s shoreline.

Six pilot sites were chosen for testing: La Jolla Shores, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach’s Tourmaline Surf Park, Ocean Beach (including its pier and Dog Beach), and Sunset Cliffs. From there, four will move into early engineering studies through the city’s capital improvement program.

At Tourmaline, engineers will reimagine the current shoreline defenses as a hybrid system mixing natural barriers with structural protection. In Ocean Beach, dune restoration near Smiley Lagoon will be paired with a new multi-use path linking the pier to the San Diego River trail. Sunset Cliffs will see upgrades designed to protect public safety while preserving the cliffs’ fragile structure, with plans for a separated pedestrian path and streamlined southbound traffic lane.

The urgency is hard to ignore. According to city projections, sea levels in San Diego are expected to rise five to fourteen times faster this century than the last. A 2019 city assessment estimated that by 2050, storm surge combined with sea level rise could put $208 million to $370 million worth of public assets at risk. That includes everything from bridges and roads to recreation centers and water pipes. Open spaces and conservation areas are equally vulnerable.

What makes this plan notable is its emphasis on “nature-based solutions,” which officials argue offer more than just protection. Restored ecosystems provide habitat for wildlife, green jobs for workers, and hands-on education opportunities for local communities. The projects also consider access, with proposals for improved transit, safer pedestrian and bike connections, and smarter parking near beaches.

California’s broader picture underscores the stakes. Studies have long warned that without intervention, the state could lose as much as 75% of its beaches by the end of the century. For a city like San Diego, where the coast is both an economic engine and cultural touchstone, those numbers aren’t just environmental—they’re existential.

The city will now move into technical and environmental studies, alongside community workshops to refine the pilot projects. For residents, the hope is that today’s planning translates into tomorrow’s protection—ensuring San Diego’s coastline remains accessible, resilient, and recognizable in the decades to come.