1. Long Beach, Washington
Rules for the annual SandSations Sandcastle Competition include an emphatic “All Teams Must Have Fun!!!” This event, at the foot of southwest Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula, draws serious competitors but retains an endearing small-town flavor. A beach bonfire blazes, the Kiwanis Club provides free hot dogs, and the organizers of the Sand Flea Pet Parade vow, “Prizes and notoriety guaranteed!” July 20–21; 360/642-2400 or funbeach.com.
2. Imperial Beach, California
Professional sand carvers (yes, such people exist) converge every year on Imperial Beach, just south of San Diego, for the U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition. Amateurs, including kids, also get to show off their sculpting skills. The festival pretty much takes over the little town. Live music and more than 140 vendors add to the carnival atmosphere. July 28–29; 619/424-6663 or usopensandcastle.com.
3. Virginia Beach, Virginia
The city says farewell to its summer season with one last beachfront bash, the Neptune Festival. The sprawling megaparty includes such disparate events as a surfing championship, a triathlon, a wine festival, fireworks—and the popular North American Sandsculpting Championship. As at all big-time competitions, the creations in the professional division go way beyond simple castles, turning mere sand and water into true art. September 28–30; 866/637-3378 or neptunefestival.com.
4. South Padre Island, Texas
Traveling pros known as “Masters of Sand” create museum-worthy sculptures during Sand Castle Days. On the same stretch of soft, white sand, hundreds of amateurs—some serious, some decidedly not—give free rein to their own creativity. Those who aspire to challenge the Masters may wish to arrive early for free sand-castle lessons (October 13–20). October 18–21; 956/761-3000 or sandcastledays.com.
5. Fort Myers Beach, Florida
“The World’s Safest Beach” becomes a fantasyland during the amazing American Sandsculpting Championship Festival. (The local chamber of commerce promotes the “safest” claim because of the shallow water and lack of undertow.) Between the pros and various divisions of amateurs, somebody’s doing imaginative things with sand all five days. On Friday, the pros share their secrets at the free “Sandsculpting 101” session. November 7–11; 866/916-7263 or sandfestival.com.
