California Coastal Cleanup Day

September 20

From the surf of San Diego to the sea bluffs of the Lost Coast, thousands of people across California are trading in their sand pails for trash bags on September 20, to take part in the 23rd annual California Coastal Cleanup Day.

Coordinated by the California Coastal Commission, more than 50,000 volunteers turn out annually at over 700 cleanup sites across the Golden State to take part in what the 1993 Guinness Book of World Records dubbed "the largest garbage collection."

Since the program started in 1985, 750,000 volunteers have removed 12 million pounds of trash and recyclables from the state’s shorelines, waterways, and coasts. Held in conjunction with the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup, California Coastal Cleanup Day is one of the largest volunteer events of the year.

This is a great way to get out and get some fresh, salty air and good exercise while scouting some of the state’s most beautiful beaches. Make new friends, and feel good knowing that you’re helping to preserve California’s aquatic environments for the creatures who call them home.

Many of the cleanup sites are located near our Northern California hostels, making it the perfect chance for an active, outdoor weekend retreat. Spend your Saturday morning taking part in the cleanup, then just relax and enjoy the freshly cleared beaches and rivers for the rest of your stay.

Join the cleanup at Rodeo Lagoon in the Marin Headlands, beginning at 9 a.m. After the cleanup, celebrate your good work with a volunteer BBQ at the Bay Model Visitors Center in Sausalito, from 12 pm.- 3pm.