OCEANSIDE’S BEACHES ARE DISAPPEARING
— WE’RE ON A MISSION
TO SAVE THEM
Why Are Our Beaches Eroding Away?
Over the last several decades, Oceanside has been losing its sand — and fast.
What once were wide sandy stretches are now rocky shorelines or gone entirely.
The culprits? A mix of human impacts and natural forces that have disrupted the way sand moves along our coast.
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The Harbor Complex (1942) blocks southward sand transport (e.g. Santa Margarita River), starving Oceanside’s beaches of sediment.
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The Henshaw Dam (1923) plus significant damming and diversions of tributaries have reduced Oceanside’s sediment supply from the San Luis Rey River.
The US Army Corps of Engineers San Luis Rey River Flood Control Project, initially authorized in 1970 and ongoing, has further reduced sediment supply to Oceanside.
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Channelized creeks, seawalls, and rock armoring prevent natural replenishment.
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Bigger waves, higher tides = faster erosion with no protective beach.
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Oceanside’s altered shoreline dynamics require retention mechanisms.
Oceanside has not historically managed its coastline effectively.
Lack of political will and funding.
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Annual harbor dredging in Oceanside is NOT a sand nourishment project; rather it is a federal project to clear the navigation channel and dispose of the sediment.
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USACE projects (Encinitas/Solana Beach and San Clemente) took roughly 17 - 20 years from inception to initial sand nourishment.
THIS IS WHAT DISAPPEARING LOOKS LIKE
Over 65% of Oceanside’s coastline has no usable sand,
leaving our city with the most crowded beaches in San Diego County.
It’s not just inconvenient — it’s dangerous,
expensive, and irreversible without action.
Save Oceanside Sand is committed to pushing for real solutions.
We support long-term projects like the RE:BEACH Oceanside Pilot Project, which will significantly reshape our shoreline over the next decade, but its implementation will be followed by a monitoring period, so scaling it to the rest of Oceanside’s shoreline is likely many years away.
Therefore, we believe Oceanside needs sand nourishment NOW, as well as sustainable coastal policies to restore our beaches before they’re done for good.
We’re fighting for a future where our beaches don’t just survive—they thrive. OUR PLAN IS SIMPLE
Contact us anytime. We would be happy to talk to you about it.
SOS is advocating for local authorities to secure immediate sand replenishment to protect and restore our shoreline while long-term solutions are developed.
SOS fully supports nature-based sand retention solutions, like the City of Oceanside’s innovative RE:BEACH Oceanside Pilot Project to ensure lasting beach resilience.
As an independent organization, SOS is working collaboratively with the City of Oceanside, other agencies, and legislators to push for dedicated funding, long-term planning, and policy changes that prioritize beach restoration for Oceanside.
We believe in an Oceanside where waves still break,
kids still build sandcastles,
and our coastline remains a vibrant hub for the community.
“We’re not just saving beaches, we’re saving the spirit of our city.”
2024 Impact Report
In 2024, by working together and influencing our city leadership and others, we have achieved some remarkable milestones towards beach restoration. We could not have achieved this all without your support. It is critical in advancing our goals of restored beaches and resilience for the entire Oceanside shoreline!
We need everyone — yes, we’re calling on you — O’side locals, stoked groms, engaged business owners, savvy students, go-getter moms, smart scientists, rad surfers, even our visiting friends — to step up and advocate for better beaches.
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We’re growing. Our volunteers are essential to sustaining the efforts of SOS Oceanside. Join us and help make a difference!
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Help fund SOS advocacy efforts and awareness campaigns. Click and Donate Today! Every bit counts!
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Become an active member of SOS Oceanside by signing up for our newsletter. Get up to date, come to meetings, and show your support by participating in our Calls to Action.
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Love walks on the beach? Make every step count by joining our Community Science team and measuring sand with us! Be a part of science!
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Community support to Save Oceanside Sand is essential. Follow us on social media and help us spread the word. We are all in this together.
