Why It's Worth the Stop

Sandcastle University offers hands-on lessons on the Gulf Shores beaches, where professional instructors teach visitors of all ages the real techniques behind building elaborate, competition-worthy sandcastles right at the water’s edge.

Founded by professional sand sculptor Janel Hawkins, the classes go far beyond simple bucket-and-shovel play, teaching structural principles like compaction and carving that are used by world-class sand sculptors in international competitions.