Dune Restoration Project Begins as 30 Acres of "Natural Dunes" Are Added In Venice, Santa Monica

In a joint effort between the City of Santa Monica and The Bay Foundation (TBF), nearly 30 additional acres of natural dunes are being added along the shoreline, stretching from the Santa Monica Pier toward the Venice border.

Announced in late February 2026, this Phase III initiative marks a key milestone in a long-term plan to restore dunes across the entirety of Santa Monica's beachfront. Building on earlier phases-a pilot site of about three acres established in 2016 near the Annenberg Community Beach House and an additional five acres in 2024-the expansion will nearly double the area under active restoration, covering roughly 20% of the local sandy beach and making it one of the largest nature-based coastal projects in Southern California.

Santa Monica is taking a major step forward in coastal resilience as work begins on a significant expansion of the Santa Monica Beach Dunes restoration project

The project focuses on creating a more resilient coastline in the face of escalating threats from sea-level rise, which state projections estimate could reach 1.6 to 3.1 feet by 2100, potentially narrowing usable beach areas through erosion, higher tides, storm surges, and flooding.

By planting native coastal vegetation and using low-profile sand fencing in a checkerboard pattern of smaller polygons, the dunes will naturally capture wind-blown sand, grow to heights of around three feet over time, and form a living barrier that buffers inland infrastructure and properties. This "working with nature" approach also sequesters carbon, reduces the need for costly engineered defenses, and aligns with broader climate adaptation strategies outlined in the city's Local Coastal Program and hazard mitigation plans.

Beyond protection, the restoration delivers substantial environmental and community benefits.

The expanded dunes will enhance wildlife habitat for sensitive species, boost biodiversity along the urban coastline, and contribute to a more natural, beautified beach experience while preserving key recreational spaces like volleyball courts and public access pathways. Interpretive signage in multiple languages, including Spanish, will educate visitors about the project's goals.

Funded in part by approximately $3.5 million from the Santa Monica Bay Coastal Habitat Restoration Program, the effort involves modified beach grooming practices managed by TBF to allow the dunes to thrive without fully restricting beach use.