Annual Sand Sculpture Contest

A sand sculpture of a seashore serpent with a bulbous head and open mouth swimming at the water's (e.g., sand's) surface with parts of its long back visible.
2022 Sand Sculpture Contest: People's Choice and Family Category 1st Place Winner: Entry #15: Seashore Serpent, by the Christiansen Family.

NPS Photo / Anela Kopshever

 

Point Reyes National Seashore
invites you to the
Sand Sculpture Contest
at Drakes Beach
Saturday, August 26, 2023.

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 3:00 pm.

Please note the change of date. For 2023, the Annual Sand Sculpture Contest will be held on the Saturday before Labor Day weekend, as opposed to the Sunday of Labor Day weekend.

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 9:30 am to 4:30 pm on Saturday, August 26 and from 11 am to 4 pm on Sunday, August 27, 2023. 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 Anela Kopshever by email.

Prizes donated by the Point Reyes National Seashore Association.

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2022 Sand Sculpture Award Results

People's Choice Award

Seashore Serpent, by the Christiansen Family

Family Category

Award Sculpture Contestant(s)
1st Seashore Serpent The Christiansen Family
2nd World Peace Meditation Dragon Andrea and Matteo Doffing
3rd Moontown The DeMaistre Family

Adult Category

Award Sculpture Contestant(s)
1st Under the Sea Jessica and Roberto Zotina
2nd Drakewartz Patrick Liddell
3rd Hedgehog Csilla Kato

Children's Category

Award Sculpture Contestant(s)
1st Medieval Castle Oliver
2nd The Castle Theophane, Daniel, and Henry
3rd The Ocean Castle Lilien

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Last updated: August 29, 2022

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 (i.e., 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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