SANDCASTLES OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
JOURNEY OF 101 BEACHES
Proud to be a Northern Californian, it has become my mission to discover, test, and compare the sand of every public beach in our area. It turns out there are 101 beaches that are within 1-1/2 hours of my home in Oakland, CA (between Bodega Bay and Capitola). This Google Maps list above is a record of all the beaches I have been on. I am almost done!
A short list of our best beaches:
• Bodega Cove Beach, Bodega Bay
• Drakes Beach, Point Reyes
• Stinson Beach, Marin
• Aquatic Park, SF
• Ano Nuevo SP, Pescadero
• Santa Cruz Boardwalk Beach, Santa Cruz
• New Brighton State Beach, Capitola
AWARDS
2025
1st place "Golden Shovel Award" - Carmel Sandcastle Contest
1st Place, Adult – Drakes Beach Sandcastle Contest
2nd Place & Best In Show – Alameda Sandcastle Contest
2024
2nd Place "Sour Grapes Award" - Carmel Sandcastle Contest
People's Choice Award – Drake's Beach Sand Sculpture Contest
1st Place & Best In Show – Alameda Sandcastle Contest
2023
Best In Theme - Carmel Sandcastle Contest
2022
Best In Theme - Carmel Sandcastle Contest
2nd Place, One Adult/One Child - Capitola Sandcastle Contest
2021
1st Place, One Adult/One Child – Capitola Sandcastle Contest
2nd Place, Adult – Drake's Beach Sand Sculpture Contest