Annual Sand Sculpture Contest

A large sand sculpture of three whales on which small towers and terraces have been constructed.
2024 Sand Sculpture Contest: People's Choice Award Winner: Adult Entry #2: Whale Village, by NorCal Sandcastles.

NPS Photo / Stephen Covey

 

Point Reyes National Seashore
invites you to the
43rd Annual
Sand Sculpture Contest

at Drakes Beach
on TBA (probably Saturday, August 23, 2025)

Registration begins at 9 am at the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center.
Judging begins at noon.
Prizes awarded at 3:00 pm.

We welcome all ages at this free community event located at Drakes Beach. Categories include: Children (fourteen years of age and under), Families, Adults. Three prizes will be awarded in each of those categories, along with prizes for the "People's Choice" sculpture. Only materials found on Drakes Beach may be incorporated into the structure. Do not pick plants or pull rocks or gravel from the cliffs. Build above the high tide line and away from the cliffs for your safety.

Please be aware that parking will be extremely limited during the contest and Drakes Beach will be heavily impacted with contest participants. If possible, please carpool with friends. To avoid crowds here, please consider visiting another beach in the park.

This event is family based, but please remember no dogs are allowed on this designated swimming beach (no lifeguard on duty).

Bring a picnic and spend the day!

The PRNSA park store adjacent to the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center will be open from 11 am to 4 pm on TBA. There will be hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches, books, and gifts for sale.

Check out the sculptures from previous contests. Images of the 2024 Contest will be posted soon.

For more information, contact Fiona O'Kelly by email.

Prizes donated by the Point Reyes National Seashore Association.

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2024 Sand Sculpture Award Results

People's Choice Award

Whale Village, by NorCal Sandcastles.

Family Category

Award Sculpture Contestant(s)
1st Shai-Hulud Jon Trail
2nd The Kraken Leviathan The Lesage Family
3rd Neptune Rowan and Jacqueline

Adult Category

Award Sculpture Contestant(s)
1st Free the People, Free the Land Avani Fachon, Francesca Dezza Parada, and Celeste Chavez Hernandez
2nd Near-sighted Nudibranch Emilie Munch and Monica Boettcher
3rd Save the Sea Slate Morris and Lexi Wiffler

Children's Category

Award Sculpture Contestant(s)
1st Shelly and Sheldon Julia and Ginger
2nd Jellyfish Village Lilien
3rd T-34 1942 Oliver

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Last updated: September 16, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1 Bear Valley Road
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956

Phone:

415-464-5100
This number will initially be answered by an automated attendant, from which one can opt to access a name directory, listen to recorded information about the park (e.g., directions to the park; visitor center hours of operation; fire danger information; wildlife updates; ranger-led programs; seasonal events; etc.), or speak with a ranger. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call.

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