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For immediate release: As part of its 100th Anniversary celebration, the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) is proud to announce the recipients of the annual Best Restored Beach Award, recognizing outstanding coastal restoration projects from across the United States.
The 2026 award-winning projects are:
- San Clemente, CA: City of San Clemente & USACE Coastal Storm Damage Reduction Project
- Martin County, FL: Hutchinson Island Shore Protection Project
- Manhattan Beach, CA: Manhattan Beach Dune Restoration Project
- Oak Island, NC: Oak Island Renourishment Project
- West Grand Terre Island, Jefferson Parish, LA: West Grand Terre Beach Nourishment and Shoreline Stabilization Project
Since 2002, ASBPA has presented the Best Restored Beach awards to over 100 coastal projects across the nation, highlighting the vital role restored beaches play in local communities. The awards recognize projects across the country that strengthen shoreline resilience – helping protect communities from storm damage and flooding, adapt to changing sea levels, and support healthy coastal ecosystems – while preserving beaches as valuable natural and recreational resources.
“ASBPA is proud to celebrate 100 years of advocating for shore and beach preservation in 2026, with the Best Restored Beach awards reflecting the nation’s long history of successful beach nourishment projects,” said Nicole Elko, Executive Director.
“For over a century, communities have invested in their beaches, with the earliest documented project dating back to Coney Island, NY, in 1923. Over the 25-year history of the Best Restored Beach awards, over 100 projects from across the country have been recognized, and in this centennial year, we’re excited to highlight beaches from coast to coast.”
Beaches Drive Economies & Protect Communities
Beaches are the top tourist destination in the United States:
- Nearly 50% of Americans visit beaches each year
- $520 billion in annual economic output
- $240 billion in direct spending
- $36 billion in tax revenue
Beyond tourism, restored beaches play a critical role in safeguarding homes, infrastructure, and natural ecosystems from storms by:
- Protecting coastal communities from storms and flooding
- Providing habitat for wildlife
- Supporting local economies
Award winners are selected based on their environmental and economic benefits, long-term success, and the challenges they overcame.
2026 Project Highlights
City of San Clemente & USACE Coastal Storm Damage Reduction Project, San Clemente, California
This project is one of only two recent federally funded beach replenishment efforts in California in over 50 years. It adds vital sand to an eroding coastline, improving coastal resilience and protecting infrastructure. With the city set to host Olympic surfing events in 2028, the restored beach will welcome visitors from around the world. Strong collaboration among local agencies, residents, and stakeholders helped ensure broad community support.
Hutchinson Island Shore Protection Project, Martin County, Florida
Initially constructed in 1995, this project has successfully stabilized a critically eroded coastline. For over 30 years, continuous monitoring and adaptive management have led to measurable improvements, including stronger dunes, a wider beach, and enhanced nesting habitat for sea turtles. The project demonstrates how long-term, data-driven management can successfully restore and maintain a dynamic coastal system while delivering lasting environmental and community benefits.
Manhattan Beach Dune Restoration Project, Manhattan Beach, California
As one of the first living shoreline efforts in the County of Los Angeles, this dune restoration project proves that busy public beaches can also support thriving ecosystems. Native plants and restored dunes have helped bring wildlife back, including the threatened El Segundo blue butterfly and the Southern California legless lizard. With more than 560 volunteers planting nearly 2,000 plants since 2023, the project showcases the power of community engagement in building coastal resilience.
Oak Island Renourishment Project, Oak Island, North Carolina
This project highlights the impact of collaboration among the local community, municipal leaders, and state and federal partners. A decade of ongoing monitoring has helped refine the project over time, improving effectiveness and long-term results. Smart coordination and funding strategies allowed the community to complete the work while minimizing impacts on local taxpayers, creating a model for other coastal towns.
West Grand Terre Beach Nourishment and Shoreline Stabilization Project, West Grand Terre Island, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana
This large-scale restoration highlights the critical role barrier islands play in protecting Louisiana’s vulnerable coast and rapidly disappearing marshes. The project restored over 400 acres of beach, dunes, and marsh, strengthening the region’s first line of defense against storms while supporting vital estuarine habitat. Community engagement, including local high school students helping to plant vegetation, showcases the value of hands-on efforts in making a meaningful community impact.
Celebrating 100 Years of Coastal Stewardship
In celebration of ASBPA’s 100th anniversary, the 2026 award-winning project teams will be recognized at the ASBPA National Coastal Conference Centennial Celebration in Atlantic City, New Jersey, October 5-8, 2026.
For the first time ever, ASBPA is hosting a public vote to decide who receives the prestigious Best of the Best Award! Vote for your favorite of 100 past Best Restored Beach awardees and learn more at asbpa.org/2026/01/13/vote-for-the-best-of-the-best-restored-beaches.