Annual Sand Sculpture Contest

A sand sculpture of an unidentified flying object that has crashed in the sand.
2019 Sand Sculpture Contest: Adult/Family Group 1st Place Winner: Entry #08: Sir Francis Drake UFO, by the Christiansen Family.
 

Point Reyes National Seashore
invites you to the
Fortieth Annual
Sand Sculpture Contest
at Drakes Beach
Saturday, August 28, 2021.

Prizes awarded in each of several age and group catagories.
Free to participants and spectators.

Registration begins at 9 am at the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center.
Judging begins at noon.
Prizes awarded at 3:30 pm.

Please note the change of date. For 2021, the Annual Sand Sculpture Contest will be held on the Saturday before Labor Day weekend, as opposed to the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. (Prior to 2017, the contest was held on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. In 2017, 2018, and 2019, the contest was held on the Sunday before Labor Day weekend. For 2020, the Sand Sculpture Contest was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For 2021, the Sand Sculpture contest is scheduled to be held on Saturday, August 28, 2021.)

We welcome all ages at this free community event located at Drakes Beach. Categories include: Children (fourteen years of age and under), Families, Adult Individuals, and Adult Groups. Three prizes will be awarded in each of those categories, along with prizes for the sculpture with the most recycled plastic included. 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 bookstore adjacent to the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center will be open from 10 am to 4:30 pm on Saturday, August 28 and on Sunday, August 29, 2021. There will be hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches, books, and gifts for sale.

Check out the sculptures from previous contests.

For more information, contact Carlo Arreglo by email.

Prizes donated by the Point Reyes National Seashore Association.

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2020 Sand Sculpture Award Results

Award Sculpture Contestant(s) Location
1st Place Coliseum Celeste Woo Drakes Beach
2nd Place Dune Buggy Ezra C. Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
3rd Place Geyser Gypsy Road-Schoolers Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Honorable Mention Pucci Bass Boat The Pucci family Doran Beach, Bodega Bay, California

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Last updated: September 27, 2020

Contact the Park

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 (i.e., directions to the park; visitor center hours of operation; weather forecast; fire danger information; shuttle bus system status; 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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