Volunteer and join our Esplanade Beach cleanups in Pacifica!

About Esplanade Beach:

NOTE: Access to Esplanade beach is currently open.  When tides allow we will clean up Esplanade Beach as well as the bluffs and streets in the area if we have enough volunteers.

Currently the Esplanade area including the streets and bluffs is the Pacifica location most in need of love! Overlooking magnificent cliffs, magical sunsets and frequent visits by ocean life invite overnight campers on Esplanade Ave sometimes litter on the streets and the strong winds from the business district swirls litter to the bluff. Esplanade Beach is a natural, relatively untouched and narrow shoreline experiencing erosion below  the entire length of Esplanade Avenue.

Site Captains:  Gail and Brittaney

About the Cleanup:
Time: 3rd Saturday of the month from 9am to 11am.

Where to Meet: Meet at the top of the stairs on Esplanade Avenue next to Oceanaire Apartments (100 Esplanade Ave, Pacifica, CA).
Parking: Street parking only along Esplanade Avenue. There are no parking lots in the area. If it’s a great surfing or fishing day, you may find parking up on Bill Drake Way or Palmetto Avenue (one block walk from the cleanup site).
Cleanup Areas: We’ll focus on the bluffs, Coastal Trail parklet to the south,  and the nearby streets, where lots of litter and debris collects before the wind blows it into the ocean. Our goal is to pick it up before that happens! When the trail down to the beach is accessible we will cover as much of the beach as the tides allow.
Supplies: Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own buckets and reusable gloves. Extra gloves and buckets for this site cleanup will be provided while supplies last. Because we are never sure of the weather, make sure to bring extra layers, a hat, sunblock, water and snacks.
Litter:  Bottles, cans, wrappers, packing straps, cigarette butts, and plenty of debris can be found on Manor and Esplanade Streets above the bluff as well as on the bluff.  Esplanade Beach when accessible receives a lot of styrofoam and plastic (huge chunks to micro size) from the ocean. Improperly-disposed litter includes bottles, candy wrappers, and dog duty bags.
Restrooms: The closest restroom to the cleanup location is located inside the Chit Chat Café several blocks away from our meeting location (remember to pick up a coffee, tea or muffin when there)!

Special Regulations & Precautions:
Dogs: While permitted off leash on Esplanade Beach, dogs should be on leash along the streets and on the bluff. Please be responsible and pick up your dog waste. Bags are available on walkway down to the beach.
The cliffs are fragile and can collapse at any time; remember to keep a very large distance from the edges and when on the beach do not stand close to or climb on them.
Fires or BBQ grills and glass containers: Prohibited on beach.
Fireworks: Read the City of Pacifica’s Restrictions on the use of fireworks on our beaches.
Smoking: Prohibited on beach. Esplanade is a smoke-free beach under City of Pacifica ordinance subject to fines for violation since 2006.
Wildlife & Habitat Protection: Many sea and land birds visit the beach. During low tide, when the northern end of the beach is accessible, please control your pets from harassing the birds at the creek or the inhabitants of the tide pools in the rocks. Be careful walking in these areas to protect wildlife and to prevent slips, trips and falls.

Be sure to read through the Cleanup Guidelines before heading out.
More questions? Read our Beach Cleanup FAQs.

Would You Like to Join Us? To make sure we bring the right amount of supplies, to be more efficient and conserve paper, please complete our online form. It will only take you a few seconds. Make sure to check our calendar to find out when is the next cleanup before signing up. If you checked our calendar, sign up here!

Make a Contribution to the Cleanup here:

Read About the Team in Action: Check out the Esplanade Beach Blog.

Esplanade Beach Cleanup Location Map: