Stay Eat Events Weather Beaches


South Beach Sandcastle Contest Returns to Central Oregon Coast's Newport

Published 07/10/25 at 7:15 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Newport, Oregon) - One of the few events of its kind organized by Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) returns this month to the central Oregon coast and promises a rollicking but artistically-engaging time for all ages on the beach.

Latest Coastal Lodging News Alerts
In Seaside:
Includes exclusive listings; some specials in winter
In Cannon Beach:
Includes rentals not listed anywhere else
In Manzanita, Wheeler, Rockaway Beach:
Some specials for winter
In Pacific City, Oceanside:
Some specials for winter
In Lincoln City:
Some specials for winter
In Depoe Bay, Gleneden Beach:
Some specials for winter
In Newport:
Look for some specials
In Waldport
Some specials for winter
In Yachats, Florence
Some specials for winter
Southern Oregon Coast Hotels / Lodgings
Reedsport to Brookings, places to stay; winter deals

South Beach State Park in Newport is set to host its annual sandcastle competition from 10 a.m. to noon on July 26.

The family-friendly contest has been a highlight at the park since 2001, drawing participants and spectators for its creative energy and coastal charm. Competitors may enter solo or as part of a team, with first, second, and third place winners receiving prize baskets. The top prize includes four tickets to the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

Not far from here is Yaquina Bay Lighthouse and its curious history.


Registration begins on site at 9:30 a.m. on the beach near the South Beach day-use parking lot. Ranger Patrick Newhall said the event offers a chance for visitors to showcase their sand sculpting skills and connect with park staff and volunteers.

In 2024, the event saw 20 teams and 65 competitors crafting castles and sea-themed sculptures, as nearly 200 spectators looked on.

The contest takes place on the beach at the southern edge of Newport’s South Beach district. Parking is free.

South Beach State Park is one of the largest parks on the Oregon coast, stretching nearly a mile down the southern shore of Yaquina Bay. It offers over 200 electric and water hookup sites, alongside biking and walking trails that wind through brush, marsh, and open dunes. The beach itself opens tup o about a dozen miles of shoreline from the South Jetty southward.

Also see Not THAT South Beach: Newport's South Beach Mix of Oregon Coast Whimsical to Atmospheric.

For more information, visitors can contact South Beach State Park at (541) 867-7451 Ext. 0.

Hotels in Newport - Where to eat - Newport Maps and Virtual Tours

 


Agate Beach Motel.

Nye Beach Condos & Cottages



MORE PHOTOS BELOW





OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews)

Kiwanda Coastal Properties - Pacific City Hotel Reviews
Rates rock bottom now, but for an extra 10 perc use code 'BEACHCONNECT'. Click to see

Two Vacation Home Openings This Time of Year on Oregon Coast? Yes, Even in Pa...
Rare openings this week, later in August and some booking tips. Pacific City hotel reviews, vacation rentals

Lincoln City Openings for Sept (Including Holiday) Going for Less Than Much o...
One has openings on Labor Day Weekend - Sept normally summer prices. Lincoln City hotel reviews, availability

Some New Options for Spending the Night at N. Oregon Coast's Pacific City
At least four new finds in the world of vacation rentals. Kiwanda Coastal Properties reviews,Pacific City hotel reviews, Pacific City vacation rental news



 

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....


Coastal Spotlight


Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Redfish Music Festival Floods S. Oregon Coast: North Bend, Port Orford, Bando...
19 Jul 2026 at 9:06am
July 24 - August 2, with gigs even in northern California. South coast events, Bandon events, Port Orford events, Brookings events, Gold Beach events, North Bend events

Adorable Fawn Rescued from - of All Places - A Rooftop in Oregon Coast's Astoria
5 Jul 2026 at 5:18pm
Baby deer needs rescue on 4th of July: Reminder of wildlife encounter issues. Safety, sciences

Famous Orcas from Alaskan Rescue Effort Pop Up on Oregon Coast, Blowing Up So...
26 Jun 2026 at 6:51am
The pair were stuck in a lake in 2023 and freed by elaborate means. Marine sciences, Newport

Oregon Coast Weekend: Missing 4-Year-Old Near Oceanside, Brush Fire Threatens...
5 Jul 2026 at 5:21pm
Updates. Fire started by fireworks with eight arrested; girl missing for hours ends up in hospital. Safety, traffic

Star Parties Liven Up Oregon Coast Range, Rooster Rock in Astronomical Ways
16 Jul 2026 at 9:36am
July 18, Aug 12 and Sept 12. Portland events, Seaside events, astronomy, science, Columbia River Gorge

Wednesday Night: Man Drowns in Seaside - Armed Standoff Near Oregon Coast Range
30 Jul 2026 at 9:34pm
41-year-old one of two in distress. Man near Chehalem arrested for firing weapon. Rescue, true crime, McMinnville, Hillsboro

Rarest of Finds for Oregon Coast Holiday Weekend: Handful of Hotel Openings Left
3 Jul 2026 at 9:36pm
Two in Lincoln City and two in Newport. Newport hotel reviews, Lincoln City hotel reviews. Coho Oceanfront Lodge, Hotely Sylvia, Inn at Nye Beach, Surfland Hotel

This is the Week for Spotting Comet 10P/Tempel 2 for Oregon, Washington - But...
13 Jul 2026 at 9:20pm
No moon is about the only way to see it, says NASA. Astronomy. Weather


Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted