The 61st Annual Carmel Sandcastle Contest and the Art of Sand Sculpting

Photo by the Monterey Herald

The Carmel Sandcastle Contest, now in its 61st year, has long been one of the Monterey Peninsula's most beloved traditions. Held annually on the soft, sprawling sands of Carmel Beach, this event gathers both locals and visitors for a day filled with creativity, fun, and community spirit. Participants, ranging from amateur beachgoers to seasoned sculptors, form teams to craft everything from whimsical creatures to towering structures, all made from sand. It’s a celebration of ingenuity, family, and Carmel’s unique coastal beauty.

This year's event takes place on Saturday, September 14, 2024 and this year's theme is "Celebrate Carmel Architecture." Building can begin at 7:00 am with judging commencing at 11:00 am and awards presented close to noon. The contest is held on Carmel Beach down from Scenic Road between 10th & 12th.

Everyone who would like to build a castle can enter the contest, and judges bestow awards for multiple categories, from the coveted Golden Shovel, to the tongue-in-cheek Sour Grapes. And because bribery (non-monetary) is encouraged, it's not unusual to see platters of food, bottles of wine, chair massages and other indulgences being offered to the people in charge.

A Brief History of the Carmel Sandcastle Contest

The contest began modestly over six decades ago as a community event designed to bring families together in a fun, informal competition. Over time, it has evolved into a much-anticipated annual celebration. The competition still keeps its friendly, laid-back atmosphere but has grown in participation and creativity. Categories range from children's groups to professional sculptors, and each year the designs become more elaborate, often inspired by themes or local landmarks. Whether you're building a giant sea creature, a replica of a famous building, or an abstract sculpture, the contest encourages a playful sense of competition and artistry.

Sandcastle Contests Across the World

While Carmel’s event may be one of the most charming, it’s certainly not alone. There are grand sandcastle competitions across the globe that have taken this art form to incredible heights. Some highlights include:

• The U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge in San Diego, California: This event is one of the largest and most prestigious sand sculpting competitions in the U.S. Professional sand sculptors from around the world compete, creating masterpieces that are intricate and awe-inspiring.
• The Canadian Open Sand Sculpting Competition in Parksville, British Columbia: A fixture in Canada, this contest features some of the world’s best sculptors and draws huge crowds annually. With stunning coastal scenery in the background, it's not unlike Carmel’s event, though it’s on a larger scale.
• Siesta Key Crystal Classic, Florida: Known for its pristine white sand, Siesta Key hosts a sandcastle competition that is world-renowned. Artists create highly detailed, sometimes life-sized sculptures over the course of several days, showing what can be done with sand and water.

These international contests demonstrate the universal appeal of sand sculpting, and while Carmel’s version may not have the grandeur of some, it’s the perfect embodiment of the community-driven, relaxed vibe that makes the Monterey Peninsula so special.

What to Expect This Weekend

Whether you're an avid sandcastle builder or just want to take a walk on the beach and enjoy the artistry, the 61st Annual Carmel Sandcastle Contest promises to be a must-see event. You’ll find families with their little ones crafting simple, imaginative creations, as well as more experienced sculptors pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with just sand and water.

Given its location, the Carmel event offers more than just art. Spectators and participants alike will enjoy the breathtaking views of the Pacific, and the event is an excellent excuse to explore nearby properties on the Monterey Peninsula. If you've ever dreamed of owning a home near the ocean, attending an event like this gives you the perfect opportunity to soak in the area’s coastal lifestyle. After all, what better way to get a feel for the community than by being part of one of its longest-standing traditions?

Sandcastles and Real Estate

In many ways, building a sandcastle mirrors the process of building or buying a home. Both require vision, creativity, and a solid foundation. The process of designing your own sandcastle is similar to imagining your dream home—it takes shape bit by bit, reflecting your personal style. In real estate, especially in areas like Carmel, Pacific Grove, and Pebble Beach, the possibilities are as endless as they are on the beach.

Just as you can sculpt the sand to create something beautiful, the same can be said for Monterey Peninsula’s real estate market, where historic homes, modern architecture, and scenic plots of land offer endless opportunities to mold your future. The Carmel Sandcastle Contest serves as a reminder that just like in art, in life, every project starts with a simple idea, but with hard work and a little imagination, it can transform into something extraordinary.

So, whether you're coming out to this year’s contest to build, spectate, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, keep in mind that this weekend isn’t just about sandcastles. It’s about the creative possibilities that exist all around us, including in the Monterey Peninsula's unique real estate offerings.

A Day in Carmel by the Sea

After the excitement of the sandcastle contest, why not explore the rest of the Monterey Peninsula? Carmel-by-the-Sea offers world-class dining, art galleries, and boutique shopping, while nearby Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Pebble Beach present stunning coastal views, golf courses, and rich history. Attending the Sandcastle Contest is the perfect excuse to spend the weekend discovering—or rediscovering—what makes this region so special. Whether you’re thinking of building sandcastles or homes, Carmel’s shoreline, with its endless possibilities, invites everyone to dream.

Cover photo by Jaye Haych