Point Reyes National Seashore in California is the closest location in the Bay Area to the vast Pacific Ocean. The beautiful backdrops only makes these fine sand castles even more amazing.

Continue on to see winners from the 2023 Point Reyes National Seashore photo contest, hosted by the National Park Service.

Kraken's Hold

1st place, Family category

The kraken is a legendary sea monster believed to appear in the waters between Norway and Iceland. Norwegian bishop Pontoppidan was the first to describe the kraken in 1753 as a giant octopus with a reputation for pulling down ships.

Sculpted by Chris Brunamonte

Tomorrow's Turtles

1st place, Adult category

The leatherback is the largest of the seven sea turtle breeds. The can grow to weigh between 600 and 1,400 pounds.

Sculpted by Jamie Yosha and Isaac Taylor

Mother Nature

1st place, Children’s category

The earliest written use of “Mother Nature” was in Mycenaean Greek in the 12th or 13th century BC.

Sculpted by Chloe

Jaws

2nd place, Family category

The 1975 film Jaws was the first major motion picture to be shot on the ocean. Because of all the production problems, director Steven Spielberg and composer John Williams created the infamous theme song to imply the man-eating shark’s pretense in many scenes.

Sculpted by the Gebhardt Family

Don't Cross My Bridge

2nd place, Adult category

This elaborate sculpture of a bridge and it’s surroundings are pretty self explanatory.

Sculpted by Kate and Brandon

Sunken Living Room

2nd place, Children’s category

Look closely and you’ll see the top of a living room recliner sitting in the water.

Sculpted by Lilien

3-2-1-Blast Off!

3rd place, Family category

This is a detailed depiction of a rocket blasting off into space.

Sculpted by the Christiansen family

The Flying Dutchman

3rd place, Adult category

The legend of the Flying Dutchman originated during the Dutch golden age during the late-1500s. It’s believed that this ghost ship can never dock and is doomed to sail the seven seas forever.

Sculpted by the Sand Sailors

Ode to Lahaina

People’s Choice Winner

This sculpture of a Hawaiian woman is a tribute to Lahaina — the original capital of the Hawaiian kingdom.

Sculpted by Garriott, Domerocki and Friends