Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Shark Fin Cove Beach Access Parking Lot Improvement Project

The County of Santa Cruz, Department of Community Development & Infrastructure is seeking proposals from qualified consulting firms for civil engineering, surveying, geotechnical, traffic and environmenta l consulting services to aide in the design of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Shark Fin Cove Beach Access Parking Lot Improvement Project in Santa Cruz County.

Shark Fin Cove is a striking coastal destination located just south of Davenport in Santa Cruz County. Known for its dramatic monolithic structure (shaped like a shark’s fin), its natural bridge and secluded beach, the cove has become increasingly popular, thanks in large part to its visibility on social media. This rise in popularity has led to a significant increase in visitors seeking out the scenic views and unique coastal features the area offers. However, despite its growing fame, the site lacks adequate infrastructure to support the influx of tourists.

Currently, there is no safe or formal parking available in the Caltrans right of way near the public access point to Shark Fin Cove. On weekends and holidays especially, vehicles parked along Highway 1 create serious public safety hazards. With the recent opening of the Cotoni Coast Dairies National Monument and the near future opening of the Santa Cruz County RTC rail trail, visitation to the north coast of Santa Cruz County is expected to rise even further. Many of these new visitors may be unaware of the traffic challenges along Highway 1 and may attempt to stop at Shark Fin Cove, increasing the risk of accidents. The existing gravel turnout, which was not originally intended for parking, is now being used informally, highlighting the urgent need for improved and safer access.

Funding for this project is primarily from the California State Coastal Conservancy, which has committed to funding to 65% design after which reapplication to 100% design funding will be requested.

This RFP, and any future Addenda, if issued, will be posted on the OpenGov Procurement website at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/santacruzcounty .

The current access to parking at Shark Fin Cove poses serious safety and accessibility concerns. The area lacks a formal parking lot, with no designated ingress or egress points and no marked parking spaces. As a result, visitors pull in and out directly onto Highway 1, where traffic often exceeds 50 miles per hour—creating a highly dangerous situation with a high risk of major accidents. Vehicles park haphazardly wherever space is available, often spilling onto the highway shoulder. On busy weekends, as many as 50 cars may be crowded into the area, with dozens of pedestrians navigating the unsafe environment on foot. The existing gravel turnout is unmaintained, uneven, and poses a slip hazard, making it especially inaccessible for individuals with mobility challenges or those using wheelchairs. Overall, the site suffers from critical issues related to safety, accessibility, and the lack of proper infrastructure to support growing visitor demand.

The Shark Fin Cove Coastal Access project aims to design and construct a designated paved parking lot fully in the existing Caltrans right-of-way featuring clearly marked spaces, safe ingress and egress, and appropriate signage to improve driver visibility, pedestrian safety, and coastal access. Key elements include enhanced access points with acceleration and deceleration lanes where necessary, ADA-compliant pathways connecting the lot to the existing gravel road down to the coastal trailhead, safety barriers or guardrails as needed, and stormwater drainage improvements to protect nearby coastal habitats.

By replacing the current informal parking area with a formal facility, the project will enhance public safety, support sustainable coastal access, and minimize environmental harm caused by unmanaged roadside parking. Development will be coordinated with Caltrans, the California Coastal Commission, and local stakeholders to ensure regulatory compliance and alignment with community goals.

In addition to designing a formal paved parking area within the Caltrans right-of-way, the project will include development of ADA-compliant parking spaces and access routes in the parking lot and to/from the proposed parking lot to the connection point with the existing trail corridor. ADA access would be achieved by constructing a gently sloped paved pathway, supported by minor grading and, if needed, short retaining segments.