Right Column

Coastal Access Program

California Coastal Act, Section 30001.5 states:

“The legislature further finds and declares that the basic goals of the state for the coastal zone are to: . . .

(c) Maximize public access to and along the coast and maximize public recreational opportunities in the coastal zone consistent with sound resources conservation principles and constitutionally protected rights of private property owners.”

The first comprehensive review of the State’s Coastal Access Program, the California Coastal Commission Public Access Action Plan, was published in June 1999. It identified the key issues that affect the public’s ability to use and enjoy the coast for recreation, and determined its three top program priorities:

The Offer to Dedicate (OTD) Public Access Easement Program;

The California Coastal Trail;

The Prescriptive Rights Program.

New Report: Status of Vertical Accessways Acquired by California Coastal Commission Actions 1973 to 2009, December 2009

The  Commission publishes the California Coastal Access Guide with information on more than 850 public access sites along the entire 100 mile long coast. Additionally, based on its Orange County chapter (with updated information) is the Orange County Beach Access Map.

We also publish regional guides; see our Experience the California Coast Series.