Thank you to Tina Mills and Alvaro Jaramillo for your photo contributions to this collage.
Right now at Wavecrest Open Space, the landscape is beginning its transition toward winter. The grasslands are still golden from the long dry season, the days are getting shorter, and along the Coast, we’re waiting for those first rains to wake everything back up.
It’s a beautiful time to come take a walk, slow down, and notice the subtle signs of the season changing.
You’re likely to see…
Raptors returning for the winter. Wavecrest is one of the most important overwintering sites for raptors on the San Mateo Coast. As fall migration gets underway, keep your eyes on the skies for red-tailed hawks, white-tailed kites, Northern harriers, kestrels, Cooper’s hawks, and other birds of prey hunting over the open grasslands.
Migrating and wintering birds along the coast. Fall brings an influx of birds to the Coastside, including shorebirds and other species that spend the winter here. Look along the beach and blufftops for birds feeding, resting, or moving through.
Golden coastal grasslands. The summer-dry landscape is still holding onto its warm autumn colors. Look closely at the seed heads and dried grasses—you'll find plenty of texture, movement, and evidence of the plants preparing for the next growing season.
The first signs of the season ahead. After the first rains arrive, Wavecrest will begin its transformation from golden to green. Tiny seedlings will emerge, winter annuals will begin growing, and eventually the first wildflowers of the new season will appear. For now, we're in that quiet in-between moment.
A busy Pacific. Fall and winter are wonderful times to scan the ocean for wildlife. Depending on the season and conditions, you may spot whales traveling along the coast, along with dolphins, sea lions, seabirds, and other offshore activity. Bring binoculars if you have them—and give yourself a few quiet minutes to watch.
The Coast doing what it does best. October can bring anything from warm, sunny afternoons to cool marine-layer mornings and strong coastal winds. The changing light can make the ocean, grasslands, and cypress trees look completely different from one visit to the next.
The cypress “tree tunnel.” Take a walk through the wind-shaped cypress trees and notice how they lean, twist, and grow in response to life right along the coast. On a foggy morning, the trees can feel especially atmospheric; on a sunny afternoon, you may notice just how beautifully sculpted they are by the wind.
If you go in the next few weeks:
Early morning = a good time for bird activity, cooler temperatures, and quieter trails.
Late afternoon = beautiful fall light across the grasslands and ocean. Keep your eyes out for owls starting their evening hunt.
Before the first rains = look for seed heads, dried grasses, and the subtle signs of plants preparing for winter.
After the first rains = come back and look again. The landscape will begin changing surprisingly quickly.
Come walk the Wavecrest Coastal Trail
The Wavecrest Coastal Trail Extension offers a new way to experience this remarkable stretch of the Coastside, with approximately 2.3 miles of new compacted-gravel trail connecting Wavecrest toward Redondo Beach.
Along the way, you'll find:
Expanded Trails: A vital new section of the California Coastal Trail, connecting the coast and surrounding communities.
Beach Access: A new beach access route and stairs from the blufftops toward Redondo Beach.
Improved Parking: New gravel parking areas with amenities including restrooms, drinking water, bike racks, and trash/recycling facilities.
Wildlife Protection: Designated trails help reduce erosion and informal trail use while protecting sensitive coastal habitat.
Accessibility: Trail and facility improvements designed to make this stretch of coast more welcoming and accessible to more people.
There’s always something happening at Wavecrest—but you have to slow down enough to notice it. So come take a walk this fall. Look up for a raptor. Look out to sea. Look closely at the grasslands. And then come back after the rains to see what has changed.
If you too are enjoying Wavecrest this season, please consider a donation of any size to help us care for and protect these beloved coastal landscapes.