Annual Sand Sculpture Contest

A sand sculpture of a mermaid lying on her belly on top of a rock outcrop with her elbows on the rock and head propped up in her hands.
2025 Sand Sculpture Contest: People's Choice Award Winner: Adult Entry #3: Maggie Mermaid!, by Samantha and Nicole Garriott and Len and Sandy.

NPS Photo

 

Point Reyes National Seashore
invites you to the
44th Annual
Sand Sculpture Contest
at Drakes Beach
on Saturday, August 29, 2026

Registration begins at 9 am at the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center.
Judging begins at noon.
Prizes awarded at 3 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 9:30 am to 4:30 pm on Saturday, August 29, 2026. 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 Earl Perez-Foust by email.

Prizes donated by the Point Reyes National Seashore Association.

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2025 Sand Sculpture Award Results

People's Choice Award

Maggie the Mermaid!, by Samantha and Nicole Garriott and Len and Sandy.

Family Category

Award Sculpture Contestant(s)
1st Belly of the Beast The Christiansen Family
2nd Van Gogh Sunflowers The Miller Family
3rd Save the Whales The Vega Family

Adult Category

Award Sculpture Contestant(s)
1st MTV: Crabz Nor Cal Sandcastles
2nd RAWR! Sokthea Chan and Kristine Taing
3rd Neptune's Bride Rowan and Jacquelin

Children's Category

Award Sculpture Contestant(s)
1st Solar Sculpture Robert and Peter
2nd The Buh! unknown
3rd Demetrius unknown

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Last updated: August 24, 2025

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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