Jaunted - Imperial Beach

The U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition Proves Playing in the Sand Isn't Just Kid's Stuff

cmb — 2011-08-03T12:06:03-05:00

If you think you can build a pretty good sandcastle, you might want to think again.

On July 23 & 24, the U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition brought the world's best sandcastle artists to Imperial Beach, CA where they had only a few hours to build their masterpiece before the tide washed it away.

A total of 32 teams competed in both amateur and masters categories including the team I.B. Posse which won first place in the masters division for its tribute to American Troops. The group won last year too for their sand-centric view of the BP oil spill.

Play in the Sand at the 31st Annual U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition

Jennifer Kester — 2011-06-28T12:56:45-05:00

When you hit the beach, it's likely for some fun in the sun or just some relaxing. But to others, it's work to play in the sand—hard work. Artists will head to Imperial Beach, California, for the 31st annual U.S. Sandcastle Competition from July 22 to 24.

More than 350,000 spectators visit the small Southern California beach town to see sand carvers create amazing life-size sculptures out of nothing but sand. This year, the artists will come from all over the country to compete for more than $21,000 in cash prizes.

John from Cincinnati Brings Luke Perry Back To Cali

pbb — 2007-06-08T16:21:41-05:00

Looks like Palm Springs won't have all the Television Travel fun. This Sunday, John from Cincinnati debuts on HBO, yet again blowing up the California tourism spot like The OC, The Hills and Laguna Beach before it. (And 90210 before them. Speaking of, we're thrilled that JFC brings Luke Perry back to Cali!)

Unlike Hidden Palms, the new HBO "surf noir" series will be set in Imperial Beach instead of the blazing desert oasis of Palm Springs--and we're ok with that. After all, any time surfers are on screen, it means hot bods, which is what we're watching TV for in the first place, right? (Prime example.)

Imperial Beach has a few spots that could become the next great travel pilgrimages, if the series doesn't tank. Says the local paper--the Eagle & Times-- the new Peach Pit will be called Beach & Beans:

Producer David Milch has used the shop regularly as a set for his new HBO series John from Cincinnati. Just like a character, the shop will have its own fictional name, Beach & Beans

We'll be eating yogurt parfaits until Luke comes to sweep us away on his longboard.

Related Stories:
· Imperial Beach Hotels [HotelChatter]
· John from Cincinnati [Official Site]
· Imperial Beach [Official Site]
· Surf Travel [Jaunted]

Written in the Sand

sedona — 2005-07-08T09:43:27-05:00

As we noted a few weeks ago--there is nothing quite like building a sand castle at the beach, well for about five minutes, and then letting someone else take over while you hit the snack bar.

It's the prime season for sandcastle building, and today's NY Times highlights a slew of annual nationwide festivals taking place-esp the the biggest and baddest-the U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition in Imperial Bch, CA.

They dish out more than $21,000 in cash prizes. You might want to rethink that trip to the snack bar and get digging...Last year's winner is pictured above--so you can size up the competition.

Read on for the complete competition list.