Carmel’s Great Sandcastle Contest: A Whimsical Tradition Carved in Sand
Imagine waking up on a crisp September morning in Carmel-by-the-Sea, with the soft roar of waves as your soundtrack. Children squeal in delight, dogs bark excitedly, and the scent of sunscreen and sea salt hangs in the air. Buckets, shovels, and sheer imagination are the tools of the day—because it’s time for one of the most beloved events on the Central Coast: the Great Sandcastle Contest.
Now in its 62nd year, the Annual Great Sandcastle Contest is more than just a beach day—it's a cherished community celebration that transforms Carmel Beach into a temporary outdoor gallery of whimsical castles, creatures, and sometimes even full-blown architectural marvels.
Photo from carmelcalifornia.com
The Basics: When & Where
Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Time: Sandcastle building begins at 7:00 a.m.
Judging begins at 11:00 a.m.
Awards ceremony begins at approximately 12:00 p.m.
Location: Carmel Beach, between 10th and 12th Avenues
Registration tent: Located at the end of 11th Street
All are welcome—no need to sign up ahead of time. Just show up early, bring your creativity, and register under the tent for your entry number. Then it’s time to create, sculpt, stack, and smooth your masterpiece!
A Look at the 2024 Winners
Last year’s event showcased incredible talent and creativity. Here are a few highlights:
|
Award |
Winning Entry / Team |
|
Golden Shovel |
Carmel By Design by Whitson Engineers |
|
Sour Grapes |
Carmel In The Sea by Norcal Sandcastles |
|
Best Bribe |
Hansel & Gretel by Carmel Rotary & Girl Scouts Troop 35607 |
|
Best Theme |
Hansel Cottage by Jim & Coralie |
|
Best Traditional |
Mission Basilica Carmel by “San Joaquin Sand Casters” |
|
Best Kids |
The Storybook Sand Castle by The Sand Wizards |
The top prize went to a local engineering firm, proving that a strong foundation in design can go a long way—even in the sand.
“Mission Basilica Carmel” by Alvernaz “San Joaquin Sand Casters”
Photo by ci.carmel.ca.us
Why Locals Love It
You may ask, what has kept this tradition going strong after six decades?
For locals, the Sandcastle Contest is more than a competition—it’s a joyful homecoming. Families plan reunions around it. School kids who once built their first tiny towers return as adults with children of their own. Judges often include beloved community figures, and some participants have decades of “golden shovel” glory under their belts.
The rules are simple: use only natural beach materials—no glue, no paint, no power tools. That simplicity is part of the charm. What emerges from that sand, however, is often jaw-dropping: dragons, ships, fairy-tale villages, and uncanny recreations of Carmel landmarks.
The whimsical “Best Bribe” category (yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like) adds a cheeky twist. Over the years, judges have accepted homemade cookies, wine, lemonade, beach massages—you name it! It’s a fun nod to the town’s laid-back and humorous spirit.
A Peek at the Past
Here’s a quick flashback to some standout entries from recent years:
2022: The San Joaquin Sand Fleas took the Golden Shovel with “The Beach Before Time”—a sprawling prehistoric scene featuring a time machine, dinosaurs, and a megalodon.
2021: “2021 Leagues Under Carmel” won top honors, delighting viewers with its deep-sea adventure theme.
Pre-2020s: Themes have included literary nods like “Moby Dick”, political satire, and even beloved Pixar characters—all molded masterfully in nothing but sand.
Some locals still proudly display awards from contests as far back as the 1980s. And while some teams come highly prepared, complete with blueprints and strategy, others simply wing it and have a blast.
Photo by the Monterey Herald
A Tradition That Builds More Than Castles
In a town known for its storybook cottages, artistic soul, and strong sense of community, the Sandcastle Contest reflects everything that makes Carmel special. It’s creative, unpretentious, collaborative, and deeply rooted in local pride.
It’s a reminder that the best memories aren’t built out of brick and stone—they’re shaped with sunshine, teamwork, and a little bit of sand between your toes.
Come Build, Cheer, or Simply Wander and Admire
Whether you come to compete, cheer, or just stroll the sandy masterpieces, the Great Sandcastle Contest is a must-see. Grab your sunscreen, bring your beach blanket, and let the spirit of play and creativity wash over you. Who knows? Maybe you’ll leave inspired to pick up a pail and join in next year.
Cover Photo by Jaime Spaniol on Unsplash
