While some people find sand to be the most annoying part of a beach trip, others see it as an opportunity to create amazing works of art. Check out these competitions to watch these artists transform sand into awesome masterpieces! 

SandSations Sandcastle Competition 

A small-town sandcastle competition takes place each July in Long Beach, Washington, where amateurs, families, and professionals alike come together to have fun competing for the winning spot.  

US Open Sandcastle Competition 

In sunny Imperial Beach, California, serious professionals register to show off their best work. Other divisions such as corporate and family let everyone join in on the beach to try their hand at sculpting.  

International Sand Sculpting Championship  

During the 10-day Neptune Festival in Virginia Beach, Virginia, the best sand gurus from across the globe display their work under a tent with walkways for festival goers to admire. Their signature “quick sand” competitions put professionals on the clock to create. 

American Sand Sculpting Championship Festival  

Fort Meyers Beach, Florida, boasts one of the largest sand sculpting competitions in the US in late November to early December. Live music, sandcastles, and kids’ activities make the week–long festival a tourist attraction for families.  

Masters Sand Sculpting Classic  

In the Northeast at Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, there is an invitation only sculpting competition in late June where professionals are timed to create elaborate pieces on the beach with approximately 10 tons of sand each.  

Add one of these sand sculpting events to your bucket list this summer, and maybe even consider taking up a new hobby and entering one.