$1M Added to Wavecrest Coastal Access Phase 2

The California Coastal Conservancy has approved an additional $1 million to advance Phase 2 of the Wavecrest Coastal Access Project in Half Moon Bay, expanding the scope of construction already underway. The funding was authorized during the Conservancy’s September 18, 2025 hybrid board meeting as part of Consent Agenda Item #3F.

This new grant augments the $3.3 million previously awarded on February 15, 2024, bringing the total state contribution to $4,337,389. The funds will be administered by the Coastside Land Trust (CLT) to complete the remaining elements of the project on the 206-acre Wavecrest property in San Mateo County.

What the New Funding Covers

When the Conservancy first authorized Phase 2 in early 2024, the priority scope included:

• At least one mile of California Coastal Trail
• Construction of a restroom facility
• A beach stairway
• A parking lot

At the time, Conservancy staff anticipated that Violation Remediation Account (VRA) funds—specifically tied to a $1 million penalty concerning public access violations at the nearby Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay—would eventually be available for the remainder of the project. That expectation has now materialized.

With this augmentation, CLT can move forward with the additional components outlined in the original staff recommendation, including:

• 1.5 more miles of trail, including:
  • 0.5 additional miles of the Coastal Trail
  • Spur trails connecting to beach entries and parking
• A second parking lot
• A second beach stairway, offering access to Redondo Beach from both the north and south sides of the property

However, Conservancy staff noted that construction costs could fluctuate. If the price of the second stairway exceeds current estimates, CLT may need to either secure more funding or defer that piece of the project.

Construction Progress and Public Access Timeline

Construction on the initial components began in summer 2025. Work is currently focused on:

• Coastal Trail grading and paving
• Parking lot development
• Restoration and stabilization at both stairway sites
• Preparatory pathways for heavy equipment transport
• Laying the restroom foundation and ordering the facility

Stairway construction is projected to start in late 2025 or early 2026, while restroom installation and a public water fountain are planned for summer 2026.

Public access to the site will open for the first time in November 2025. At that point:

• Trails and parking areas will be usable
• Restrooms will remain unavailable until 2026
• Temporary beach access may occur via the north-side rocked construction pathway prior to stairway installation
• Fencing and signage will protect restoration zones until work concludes

Financial Overview

Project Total: $4,090,780
Funding Breakdown:

• Coastal Conservancy (new authorization): $1,000,000
• Coastal Conservancy (previous authorization): $3,337,389
• Coastside Land Trust: $453,391
• California Coastal Commission: $200,000

The Coastal Commission’s mitigation funds will support both construction and maintenance, including an additional $50,000 earmarked for upkeep.

While the Conservancy does not require formal matching funds or detailed reporting from outside entities, standard grant conditions dictate that the grantee must secure any remaining resources needed to complete the project.

Phase 2 represents a major advance toward long-term public access goals in Half Moon Bay’s coastline, improving connections to Redondo Beach, stabilizing natural areas, and expanding trail networks on the San Mateo coast.

Originally reported by Coastside Buzz.