The Coast Walk Trail Bridge has graced La Jolla’s rugged Devil’s Slide bluffs for nearly a century, fitting so naturally into the sandstone coastline that it seems less built than belonging — a quiet threshold between neighborhood and sea. Occupying a site used by Native Americans some 9,500 years ago and constructed by the Works Progress Administration in 1932, it spans not just a gulch but millennia of human connection to this stretch of California coast. Yet years of exposure to the harsh marine environment had left the bridge in serious disrepair, threatening both public safety and the continuity of that long human story. Through a remarkable coalition of the Friends of Coast Walk Trail and the City of San Diego, and private donors — raising approximately $140,000 — the bridge was comprehensively restored while preserving its historic character and its place within the La Jolla Park Coastal Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2024. Today it safely serves thousands of visitors each year — hikers, families, and neighbors of all ages — offering passage, framing the Pacific, and affirming that preserving a structure like this means preserving the experiences and community identity it has carried across generations.
Orchids & Onions
Coast Walk Trail Bridge
Orchid
Historic Preservation And Adaptation
Address
1515 Coast Walk, La Jolla, CA 92037
Owner / Developer
City of San Diego and Friends of Coast Walk
Architect
NA
Contractor
San Diego Mountain Biking Association/Ben Stone
Civil Engineer
Ben Foxhall
Landscape Architect
NA
Structural Engineer
NA
Mechanical & Plumbing Engineer
NA
Electrical Engineer
NA
Interiors
NA
Lighting
NA
Other
City of San Diego; Paint Green
Photo credit: Provisions Meda
Very Cool to save history and a really functional connector. Orchid!
This is a win. Preserving a beloved coastal walk. Acknowledging history. Keeping it simple and authentic. The bridge was a fine idea in 1932 – and remains a fine idea into the future. Well done!
The best addition to the Coast line!
Fortunate that an organization like Friends of Coast Walk Trail together with donors and sponsors stepped in and saved this treasure! Now under the watch of La Jolla Coastal Conservancy.
We are so lucky to have involved and committed LJ citizens like Brenda Fake and the volunteers and donors that worked in harmony to complete this beautiful walk in La Jolla!
This beautiful historic Bridge along the coast of La Jolla was faithfully restored to its original character with the generous contributions of caring local citizens. It is integral to preserving the historic character of the larger Coast Walk trails that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Both visitors and locals can now safely traverse this beautiful, tranquil and historic coastal pathway overseeing the vistas of the Pacific.
Gorgeous! Great pictures & love for the Coastal Walk.
Absolutely love what Brenda Fake and her team have done here. A true testament to what the community can accomplish when we work together towards a shared vision!
A great community project!
As a Coast Walk Trail Ambassador and long-time supporter, I applaud all of the important and selfless work that Brenda Fake and volunteers have done to keep the trail in such good shape and safe for all who enjoy it, whether a local or visitor. The newly restored bridge is well deserving of an Orchid for being faithful to the original design, while fortifying it against the elements which had taken their toll over the years.
I live in this trail and the transformation by a dedicated group of volunteers is an example others a learn from when it comes to civic duty … thank you
La Jollans take pride in preserving our historic coastline; arguably nothing exemplifies this conviction more than the meticulous maintenance of Coast Walk Trail, which includes this monumental bridge. Kudos to all those involved in the execution of its restoration. This is truly a unique and significant accomplishment worthy of formal recognition.
What a tremendous gift to the residents, the City and our hundreds of thousands of visitors every year! Well done and thank you, Brenda Fake and volunteers. What a productive and constructive way to bring our community together and benefit so many.
Love it
Enjoyed walking on it when I lived there
There all very lovely places to go see in San Diego . I love this city!