From Oceanside to Imperial Beach, the sand is disappearing—and San Diego is getting serious about bringing it back.
If you’ve ever taken a sunrise walk on Moonlight Beach, built sandcastles at Del Mar, or caught a wave off Tourmaline, you’ve likely felt the magic of San Diego’s coastline. But that magic is fading as erosion, sea-level rise, and coastal development shrink our beloved beaches more and more each year.
Now, in what would be the biggest sand restoration effort in county history, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is leading a $260 million project to restore the sandy shores we know and love—with triple the sand and ten times the budget of previous efforts.
What’s the Plan?
SANDAG’s goal is to pump 5.8 million cubic yards of sand (that’s basically 1,000 football fields covered in sand 3 feet deep!) onto 18 beaches across San Diego and Orange Counties. That’s a massive upgrade from the 2012 replenishment, which added just 1.5 million cubic yards.
Among the sandy beneficiaries:
- Oceanside: Set to receive the largest share—1 million cubic yards—as much of its coastline has eroded to exposed rock.
- Carlsbad: Will get sand for both its northern (240,000 cubic yards) and southern (300,000) stretches of beach.
- Encinitas: Expect deposits at Leucadia, Moonlight Beach, and Cardiff, ranging from 105,000 to 300,000 cubic yards.
- Solana Beach & Del Mar: Also on the list, continuing their shoreline preservation legacy.
- Torrey Pines, Mission Beach, and Coronado: Even more of San Diego’s iconic coastlines are getting fresh layers of soft, sun-warmed sand.
Even Orange County cities like San Clemente and Dana Point are joining the regional effort for the first time.
Backed by Science, Built for the Future
The idea isn’t just to “dump sand and hope for the best.” According to experts like Reinhard Flick from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, smaller, more frequent sand placements actually do a better job at protecting the shoreline long-term.
SANDAG has been planning this project for nearly two years, and a public feasibility study is set for release in July. After that, the agency hopes to secure millions in state and federal grants, including a $5.2 million request currently in motion.
“There is a need to maintain San Diego’s beaches to sustain its economy,” says SANDAG’s Courtney Becker.
Tourism alone could bring $1.6 billion in revenue over the next decade.
Sand Isn’t Just for Sunbathing
Beaches aren’t just beautiful—they’re buffers. They protect homes, businesses, and coastal infrastructure from storm surges and flooding. With stronger, more frequent storms on the rise and less natural sand flowing from rivers (thanks, upstream dams), replenishment is no longer a luxury. It’s a necessity.
That’s why cities like Oceanside are taking things a step further with the Re:Beach pilot project—complete with artificial reefs and “living speed bumps” to help keep sand in place.
And in Carlsbad, recent dredging from Agua Hedionda Lagoon is already sending 400,000 cubic yards of sand north and south of Tamarack Beach—marking the first large-scale dredge in four years.
Coastal Vibes with a Purpose
This project isn’t just about preservation. It’s about pride. It’s about the surf breaks in Encinitas, the family bonfires in Imperial Beach, and the sunset strolls in Coronado. These beaches are where we gather, reflect, and recharge—and it’s where San Diego’s heart beats strongest.
Why It Matters for Your Neighborhood
Each of these communities brings something unique to San Diego’s coastal identity:
- Oceanside is rugged, artsy, and proudly blue-collar. Its beaches are a local lifeline.
- Carlsbad blends upscale charm with laid-back surf energy—and Tamarack is a family favorite.
- Encinitas feels like yoga, salt air, and slow mornings. Moonlight Beach is its crown jewel.
- Solana Beach & Del Mar are the perfect mix of beach chic and natural beauty.
- San Diego’s own gems—Mission, Pacific, Torrey Pines—are not just for tourists. They’re woven into our everyday lives.
🗓️ What’s Next?
- 🔍 Feasibility study coming July 2025
- 🧾 Engineering + environmental work = $3M (still unfunded)
- 🚧 Construction phase TBD (pending grant funding + approvals)
TL;DR: San Diego’s Sand Comeback Is On
Beach erosion may be inevitable, but losing our shoreline doesn’t have to be. With bold planning, smart science, and community investment, San Diego is taking the lead in showing how coastal cities can protect both their beaches and their way of life.
So the next time you’re lounging on a towel, gazing out at the waves, or building the perfect sandcastle—you’ll know there’s a whole team working behind the scenes to make sure that beach is still there tomorrow.
