We share insights for an improved understanding of dynamic coastal ecosystems and tourism impacts, based on project level solutions and experiential knowledge of practices and a literature review of impacts of (a) growing pressures from coastal tourism in cities, (b) urban and environmental management practices, and (c) prevailing processes for creating and managing coastal infrastructure. Solutions to the identified problems are based on an analysis of the coastal ecosystems across three broad pillars: (i) city management, (ii) pollution and climate change risks, and (iii) coastal tourism. The problems range from a fragmented approach to coastal infrastructure planning; land and water pollution, fragmentation of natural ecosystems’ loss of habitat and unique biodiversity, salinity intrusion, and climate change risks from sea level rises and natural disasters; and tourism economy dependencies on the management of natural assets and cross-sectoral planning. We recommend paradigm shifts for innovative planning and policy approaches that engage communities, institutions, and other stakeholders.