Right now at Wavecrest Open Space it is a pretty magical time to come take a walk and slow down! Spring is shifting toward early summer along the coast, so the landscape is especially alive with color, birds, and coastal movement.

You’re likely to see:

Coastal wildflowers still hanging on in the grasslands and bluff edges — especially California poppies, seaside daisies, Douglas iris, buttercups, vetch, and patches of lupine in protected spots.
Thick green coastal grasses beginning to turn golden in sunnier areas.
Pollinators everywhere right now: native bees, hoverflies, butterflies, and hummingbirds moving through flowering patches.
Raptors actively hunting over the open fields — red-tailed hawks, white-tailed kites, and kestrels are commonly spotted soaring or hovering above the grasslands. Wavecrest is right along the Pacific Flyway, so bird activity stays high through spring migration.
Foggy mornings followed by brighter afternoons have been creating that classic dramatic Coastside contrast: silver marine layer, sparkling ocean, and intensely green hillsides.
Velella velella (“by-the-wind sailors”) washing up recently along the San Mateo coast just below the bluffs.

The cypress “tree tunnel” area is especially lush right now too — very wind-shaped, fragrant, and moody with the marine air. A lot of locals say this is one of the best times of year to walk it before the drier summer browns arrive.

If you go in the next couple of weeks:

Early morning = best bird activity and softer light
Late afternoon = clearer ocean views once the marine layer burns back
Weekdays are still much quieter than weekends

You can come take a walk on the Wavecrest California Coastal trail extension that now offers:

Expanded Trails: 2.5 miles of new, compacted gravel trails that complete a vital section of the California Coastal Trail, from the Seymour Bridge to Redondo Beach Road.
Safe Beach Access Stairs and Path: From the blufftops down to Redondo Beach.
Improved Parking: Gravel parking with restrooms/ drinking water/bike racks/trash
Wildlife Protection: Reducing erosion and restoring habitats
Universal Access: Trails and facilities designed for accessibility year-round, making it safer for families, seniors, and people with mobility challenges.