While people in the mid west are dreaming about spring, residents of Southern California are enjoying the perks of living in a warm climate. We are thrilled to have warm weather and beautiful beaches almost year round. There are many places in Southern California to enjoy the snow, but instead of heading to the mountains to go snow sledding, why not go to the beach and go sand sledding with your family!
Sand sledding can be fun with just the right gear and condition. In fact, it is exhilarating! The proper position for sledding is to sit or lay on your back on the top of the sled, with your feet pointing downhill. While the dune sand is soft, the area at the base of the dune is hard, which makes for the perfect ride.
Kids who are ready for an adventure can surf down the slope, while other kids can dive on to their boogie boards head first. Just be careful and make sure to explain the rules of sand sledding ahead of time with your children.
7 Places To Go Sand Sledding in Los Angeles
Every winter a few area beaches get their annual sand berms, which are designed to protect against winter storms and violent surf. They can even be as high as 15 feet! But for us SoCal natives, we see these sand berms as ripe for sand sledding!
Venice Beach Sand Sledding
The most well-known slopes for beach sledding are at Venice Beach, located near the life guard station. The city generally erects them towards the end of October and the building lasts approximately a week or two. The Venice Beach sand berm stretches from the pier all along the length of the south parking lot, and they are known to be some of the biggest berms on the west coast. Paid parking is available onsite.
Hermosa Beach Sand Sledding
Every year the city of Hermosa Beach builds a sand hill by the boardwalk at the end of Pier Ave (pass the Strand). The Hermosa Beach sand berms stretch out from both sides of the Hermosa Pier and are a little less steep making them the best spot for the youngest or more cautious sledders.
It is free to the public and you can bring your kids and their boogie boards or round saucers along to play. The closest places to park are the two public metered lots on Hermosa Avenue at 11th and 13th Street.
Zuma Beach Sand Berms
For bigger ones, check out the sand berms at Zuma Beach in Malibu. The berms here are long and much less trafficked than Venice and Hermosa, which also means they aren’t as smooth and slick. So, they better for using your snowboard on. Parking is located across the street in the paid parking lot.
Similar sand berms are erected seasonally in Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey, and at the south end of Dockweiler State Beach. All of these places are comparable in size and stature.
In general, the berms are usually set up by Thanksgiving weekend. It’s best to go towards the beginning of the season when the berms are at their highest. By early February, the berms are much lower, but good for little kids to go down.
For the more adventurous type, you may want to check out the year-round sand dune at Point Mugu State Park.
Happy Field Tripping!
Jilleen
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Peter
Sunday 3rd of January 2021
I live near Venice and want to try this with my kids. Can you recommend a sled that works well on sand?
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[…] 7 Places To Go Sand Sledding in Los Angeles […]
Jennifer
Monday 30th of November 2020
We just took the kids sand sledding at Venice Beach last week. The kids loved it. I want to know if there's a place in San Francisco Bay area that we can go sand sledding? Thanks.
Jilleen
Monday 30th of November 2020
Hello! I am glad you have a wonderful time. That's the whole point why I write this blog. For families to find fun things to do in SoCal. You made my day! Thank you for sharing. I do not know of any places in the San Fran area though. Maybe do a quick internet search and a local blog resource will also pop up. Good luck and please, keep in touch!
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