As a dad, I’m always looking for ways to create lasting memories with my family, especially during the summer. There’ssomething magical about the sun on your back, the sound of waves rolling in, and your kids' laughter filling the air. One summer tradition that’s become a huge hit in our family is building sandcastles. It’s creative, it’s competitive, and most importantly, it’s an activity the whole family can enjoy together. Living in California, we’ve discovered some truly phenomenal beaches that are perfect for turning piles of sand into masterpieces. I’m here to share some of those experiences and encourage you to grab your buckets and shovels and dive in!
Why Sandcastles Are a Perfect Family Activity
Building sandcastles might seem like just another beach-day pastime, but it’s so much more than that. For us, it’s an opportunity to unplug from screens and connect. It’s also one of those rare activities where everyone can play a part—whether it’s designing the layout, digging the moat, or sculpting intricate towers. Plus, there’s a certain satisfaction in conquering the challenges of sand architecture. Will the tower hold? Can the moat actually carry water? It's a blend of creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork that keeps the whole family engaged.
Choosing the Right Beach Matters
Not all beaches are created equal when it comes to building sandcastles. You need the perfect consistency of sand—not too dry and not too wet. Add to that some scenic views and family-friendly amenities, and you’ve got the recipe for a fantastic day. We’ve explored quite a few California beaches over the years, and here are some of our favorites for sandcastle competitions:
1. Coronado Beach – San Diego
One of the most picturesque beaches in California, Coronado Beach in San Diego is famous for its sparkling, golden sand (thanks to mica flakes). The sand has just the right texture for building detailed structures, and the backdrop of the iconic Hotel del Coronado adds a little extra magic to the experience. My kids love running back and forth from the water to wet the sand for our creations, while I attempt to engineer a sturdy castle foundation. The gentle waves make it a safe beach for families with younger kids, too.
2. Carmel Beach – Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel Beach is hands-down one of my personal favorites. The fine, powdery sand here is ideal for intricate sandcastle designs. We’ve had some pretty epic sandcastle showdowns here, complete with turrets, drawbridges, and even seaweed flags. The beach is dog-friendly too, so if you’ve got a furry family member, they can join in the fun. Just be prepared for them to “accidentally” dig up a tower or two while chasing seagulls.
3. Santa Monica Beach – Santa Monica
Santa Monica Beach offers the perfect mix of fun and convenience. After spending hours building castles, you can reward the kids with a ride on the Ferris wheel at the nearby Santa Monica Pier. The sand here is great for basic structures, and the bustling atmosphere means you’ll often find other families building sandcastles too. It’s always fun to see what others come up with—sometimes it even sparks a friendly competition.
4. Pismo Beach – Central Coast
If you’re serious about sandcastles, Pismo Beach is the place to be. Every October, this beach hosts the annual Great American Melodrama Sandcastle Contest, where pros and amateurs alike showcase jaw-dropping creations. Even if you visit outside of competition season, the wide, flat expanse of beach provides plenty of room for your family to get creative. I’ll admit, sometimes I get a little too ambitious with my designs here, but hey, isn’t that part of the fun?
Pro Sandcastle-Building Tips for Families
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks to take our sandcastles to the next level. Trust me, these will up your game and impress even the toughest critics (a.k.a. your kids).
- Start with a solid foundation: Dig a wide, flat base to stabilize your sandcastle. This prevents the whole thing from collapsing once you start adding towers and details.
- Get the right tools: Sure, you can use basic buckets and shovels, but investing in sandcastle molds, carving tools, and even a plastic knife can make a world of difference.
- Work with wet sand: Wet sand is your best friend—it holds its shape much better than dry sand. We usually collect water in buckets and mix it with the sand to get the perfect consistency.
- Add details with small tools: Shells, sticks, and even kids’ toy dinosaurs can double as decorations or tools for finer details.
- Don’t forget the moat: Digging a moat around your castle not only adds a cool visual element but also helps protect your masterpiece from encroaching waves.
The Joy of Friendly Competitions
One of the things we love to do on our sandcastle-building days is turn it into a little family competition. My wife and I might team up with one of the kids while the others form their own “team.” Each group comes up with a design idea, and we work side by side, occasionally sneaking peeks at each other’s progress. Sometimes, other beachgoers stop by to admire our work, which always gets the kids excited. At the end of the day, we take photos of our creations before the tide sweeps them away—temporary art at its finest.
Why Sandcastles Are a Perfect Family Activity
For us, a sandcastle-building day is more than just the activity itself. It’s about creating a full experience. We pack a picnic with all our beach-day favorites: sandwiches, fruit, chips, and plenty of water to stay hydrated. I also make sure to bring sunscreen, extra towels, and a beach umbrella so we can stay comfortable for hours. When we take breaks from building, the kids love splashing in the waves or collecting seashells to use as decorations for our castles. These little moments in between the work make the day even more special.
Why These Days Matter So Much
As a dad, I’ve come to realize that it’s not the size or complexity of the sandcastles we build that matters. It’s the time we spend together as a family, laughing, problem-solving, and cheering each other on. These are the kinds of memories that stick with you—the ones that bring a smile to your face years down the road. And honestly, I think I enjoy the process as much as my kids do. There’s something incredibly satisfying about working with your hands, feeling the sun on your skin, and losing yourself in a creative project.
Let the Tide Take It Away
One of the beautiful things about sandcastles is their impermanence. No matter how amazing your creation is, the tide will eventually wash it away. At first, my kids were disappointed by this, but now they’ve come to appreciate it. It’s a reminder to enjoy the moment and not get too attached to the outcome. Plus, it gives us an excuse to come back and try again, maybe building something even better next time.
Your Turn to Hit the Beach
If you’ve never had a full-on sandcastle-building day with your family, I can’t recommend it enough. Pick one of California’s incredible beaches, pack your gear, and let your imagination run wild. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or a total newbie, the experience is guaranteed to bring your family closer together. At the end of the day, it’s not about winning competitions or creating a masterpiece—it’s about the joy of being together and embracing the magic of summer. So grab your buckets, head to the beach, and let the fun begin.
