Reservations are required so it's always best to book well in advance!
Sand Castle Lessons - Information Page
The full family, friends, or couple's lesson:
$160 for the first 2 participants, $20 each for up to 5 additional participants
$160 for the first 2 participants, $20 each for up to 5 additional participants
If you're looking for something that a couple , the whole family, or a small group of friends can do together and you're ready to learn some real sand castle techniques then this is the session you'll want to book. A full session goes for a flat rate of $160 and includes two people, but can also be taken solo if you'd like. Your instructor is scheduled for the full three hours but with younger kids they often finish closer to two, so two to three hours is a good planning guideline. If your family is a bit bigger we give parents a break and ask only $20 per extra participant for up to five more. All the equipment for everyone is included so you won't need to bring anything and we'll show how to build castles like a professional as well as how to build with just a couple of buckets. We'll go over stacking (and we'll use multiple forms for lots of sand), hand stacking, towers, windows, doors, walls, stairs, textures, arches, bridges, and a whole bunch of cool little sand tricks. If you have anything else in mind we can also try to make it happen. No artistic experience is necessary!
We provide all the tools and equipment for your lesson so no purchases are necessary, but if you want to up your game or give a nice gift you can order TOOL KITS or VELCRO FORMS at our online shop here.
We provide all the tools and equipment for your lesson so no purchases are necessary, but if you want to up your game or give a nice gift you can order TOOL KITS or VELCRO FORMS at our online shop here.
Large groups of 16 or more:
For groups of 8 or more we charge a flat $35 per participant. If your group size is 16 or less you can go ahead and book right here on our site. If you have a group larger than that we may need to add another instructor so please contact us and we'll check our availability.
Groups over 49 people (including the instructors) need to get a permit from San Diego Parks and Rec. We can direct you to the right place for that if needed.
Groups over 49 people (including the instructors) need to get a permit from San Diego Parks and Rec. We can direct you to the right place for that if needed.
Where to meet:
All meeting locations are now currently at Crown Point Beach OR BY APPOINTMENT. We are sad that Del Mar isn't going to budge after we've been there since 2015, but we're looking forward and hope to be out on the shoreline again soon. It's not the beach proper since it's in the bay but it is a hidden gem we can build at with easy parking, facilities, and one gorgeous skyline view. Check it out:
If you still want to hit the waves afterwards, Pacific Beach is under two miles away; just a quick hop and a jump!
When to meet:
Appointments generally fall into a morning, afternoon, and evening time which varies according to season. Please check the availability calendar to see what times slots are available.
Mornings: approximately 10 a.m. - not too early, not too late - you'll still have the rest of the day with a morning session!
Afternoons: around 1 p.m. - the afternoon session is beach time at its busiest; great vibes out on the sand!
Mornings: approximately 10 a.m. - not too early, not too late - you'll still have the rest of the day with a morning session!
Afternoons: around 1 p.m. - the afternoon session is beach time at its busiest; great vibes out on the sand!
How to pay:
At the end of your session you can pay by cash, card, or Venmo. It sounds silly but due to San Diego rules we have to step out of the park for anything financial. Unfortunately we can no longer accept firstborn children.
For more information or if you have questions:
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions page. You can also initiate a chat with a live person using the chat box on the lower right of the screen! Unless we're all stuck in traffic at the same time someone will be right there!
To book or check availability:
We highly suggest booking well in advance to avoid disappointment. Spaces are limited and fill up fast!
If you are booking with children under the age of eight please read our Frequently Asked Questions page.
We highly suggest booking well in advance to avoid disappointment. Spaces are limited and fill up fast!
If you are booking with children under the age of eight please read our Frequently Asked Questions page.
San Diego Sand Castles is licensed in San Diego and Del Mar, and is insured by Liberty Mutual Insurance.