If We Build It, Will They Come? An Evaluation of The Effects of Beach Nourishment Projects on Beach Attendance in Southern California

Abstract

Beach nourishment is a practice widely used in Southern California to protect coastal structures. A presumed co-benefit of beach nourishment is to maintain sand that supports beach recreation and tourism. I evaluate the relationship between sand added to coastlines by beach nourishment projects and beach attendance to determine whether beach nourishment draws more people to the coast. I find no evidence that beach nourishment results in higher visitation rates.