One of the main reasons many choose to vacation along Southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast is because of its beautiful beaches and tranquil emerald-turquoise waters. If you have children with you or you’re young at heart, you may be wondering how to build a sandcastle that will rival all other sandcastles.

This guide on how to build a sandcastle on vacation in Southwest Florida will help you learn how to pick the right spot, gather the best tools, build a strong foundation, and construct a sandcastle that a king or queen could call home.

For an added bonus, readers will also learn about one of the most unique competitions in Southwest Florida. Each year, professional sand sculptors gather on Fort Myers Beach and construct sandy creations that can only be described as a work of art. They are huge and provide extraordinary detail.

How to Build a Good Sandcastle Foundation

Whether you are staying on Sanibel or Captiva Islands, Fort Myers Beach, or Naples, there are some seriously good beaches to explore.

The first thing you should do is find a spot along the shore where the sand is the most pliable. Keep yourself a good distance from the waves breaking onto the shore so your structure doesn’t get destroyed. A great sandcastle foundation sets the tone.

The main thing a sandcastle needs is a water source. A self-replenishing water hole can help you access a never-ending water supply. You’ll want to mix equal parts sand and water for the best sand castle mixture. Add water to a bucket first, then dry sand for easier blending. Pile the sand from your water hole and compact it into a round, level base that’s two to three feet in diameter. This is how to build a good sand castle foundation because it adds height and ensures proper drainage for your creation.

How to Build a Big Sandcastle

If you want to learn how to build a big sandcastle on vacation, a solid foundation is the first step, and it can also help you build a giant structure.

Step one for building a big sandcastle is to create a large pile of sand without digging any holes. Scoop the top layer of sand off from a large area away from the water since the sand is finer and more pliable. Some recommend tracing a large circle in the sand and building up a pile of sand using shovels.

Step two is adding a lot of water, which means buckets and buckets. Try pouring the water, packing it down with your feet, and repeating several more times.

Step three is building up the pile so it is a good height, about two feet tall. One secret weapon master sandcastle sculptors use is a five-gallon bucket with the bottom cut out to help form the towers and other structures of the castle. To begin forming a tower, place the bottomless bucket upside down on top of the pile of sand.

Step four is filling the bucket one-third full with sand and adding more water until the water level is above the sand level. Next, stir the sand by hand to ensure uniformly wet sand. Then, gently tap the sides of the bucket to help uniformly pack the sand down. You can use varying bucket sizes with the same technique to get towers with different heights. Make sure you let the form drain for a few minutes before gingerly removing them by carefully pulling the buckets over the top of the tower.

You can also get creative by building walls to connect the towers and drawing in details on the towers with the end of a paintbrush. Consider shaved-out sand to form tunnels and cut details into towers with an icing spatula or other kitchen tool. A melon baller can help make doors and windows.

What Do Professional Sandcastle Builders Use to Make a Sandcastle?

Having an arsenal of tools and building materials is the secret weapon when it comes to how to build a sandcastle that will stand the test of time. Many of these tools are inexpensive and easily already found around the house:

• Big plastic or metal shovel
• Simple sand shovel
• Stainless steel straw or paper straw for little details
• The back of a paintbrush for drawing
• Melon baller for windows
• Five-gallon buckets
• One-gallon buckets
• Icing spatula for more details on towers
• A hack saw blade for creating majestic rounded staircases

If you purchase some of these tools and don’t have room to bring them back home, the next vacationer will be happy to use them to create their own work of art.

What is the American Sand Sculpting Championship on Fort Myers Beach?

One of the most Florida traditions has returned to Fort Myers Beach, and it is a must-see if you take a beach vacation in Southwest Florida during the fall.

The Annual American Sand Sculpting Championship has been a Fort Myers Beach staple for over 30 years, attracting more than 15,000 attendees to celebrate world-class artistry, creativity, and community spirit.

It’s normally held in late November and showcases a handful of Master Sculptors and Advanced Amateur Sculptors from around the world. The sand sculpting championship is worth visiting each year to see these amazing artists showcase their extraordinary talents in the art of sand sculpture.

In addition to a relaxing day at the beach and an excuse to explore Fort Myers Beach, the festivities include a wide range of food and beverage options, live entertainment, and offers lessons in sandcastle building. For younger visitors, there is a dedicated sand play area for children to enjoy building their own masterpieces.

The Sand Sculpting Championship is one of our favorite parts of the fall in Southwest Florida. Some of these structures are gigantic; you’ll never forget the detail. In the past, artists have created castles that look like they could come out of a Disney movie, and other types of imaginative creatures. This gallery of past winners doesn’t do them justice, but it gives you an idea of what you’ll find.

How Do I Find a Vacation Home in Southwest Florida on the Beach?

By following this guide on how to build a sandcastle on vacation you can be proud of, you’ll not only learn a new skill, but you’ll create special lasting memories with your loved ones that you’ll be able to treasure for years to come.

Whether staying on Fort Myers Beach, where the Sand Sculpting Championship happens each year, is more your speed, or you prefer to discover the beaches on Sanibel and Captiva Islands, the Gulf Coast is full of miles of coastline to enjoy.

Fort Myers Beach is the best option if you enjoy more nightlife and walkable restaurants. Sanibel and Captiva are more private and enjoy a slower pace. Locals call it getting on Island Time.

Whether you’re looking for a spacious home on the beach that can accommodate all members of your group, a cozy two-bedroom bungalow within walking distance to the beach, or a luxury high-rise with sweeping views of the coast, we can help you find the perfect home to set a soothing tone for your vacation. Give us a call today to get started.