Where to go Sand Sledding in Los Angeles!
(Updated for 2024) There's nothing quite like sand sledding in Los Angeles with your kids. It's an amazing experience that can provide hours of fun and excitement for the whole family. With its warm temperatures and sandy beaches, LA is the perfect place to experience the thrill of sand sledding and have a memorable outdoor adventure. The experience of sand sledding is like a roller coaster ride but with the sand as your track. The thrill of sliding down a sandy slope, the exhilaration of the wind whipping through your hair, and the laughter and joy that fills the air will make for a memorable family adventure. Whether a leisurely slide down a gentle slope or a wild ride down a steep incline, sand sledding in LA is an exhilarating experience that your kids won't forget!
Quick Links: Sand Sledding Near Me
What is sand sledding?
When you go sand sledding, you ride down a sand dune sitting on a sled. It is an incredible experience that many kids love. It is the perfect outdoor adventure in warm weather like Los Angeles, California. There are many places you can go sand sledding. You can go to a beach, a dune, or a sand pit. This is a great outdoor activity for kids because they get to be outside, exercise, and have a ton of fun!
7 Best Places for Sand Sledding in LA
The beaches of Los Angeles are the perfect place to experience sand sledding. You can go sand sledding on the beaches of Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and more! If you want sand sledding on a dune, you can head to the Santa Clara Dunes or the Dunes near Gaviota. Depending on where you go, you can slide down a sandy slope, ride a sandy slope like a wave, or climb up a sandy slope and then slide down. You can also bring a shovel and create your sand pit. Imagine creating a giant sand pit with a smooth slope so you can slide down on a sand sled!
2700-3100 Ocean Front Walk,
Venice, CA 90291
The legendary Venice Beach of California is renowned for its sand dunes and berms, the most popular sledding areas in the state. You and your children have enough space to slide to your heart's content.
The official sledding spot is near the Venice Pier and stretches along the south parking lot. It is usually the largest of its kind, perfect for anyone looking for a thrilling ride. December to January is the ideal time to visit as the sand is packed and provides a smoother, faster ride.
There are three paid parking lots open from 6 am to 10 pm, or you can look for a metered spot on Washington Blvd. Parking in the lot might be more expensive on the weekends.
30000 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
For a fun and exciting day out in the sun, nothing beats sand sledding at Zuma Beach! Zuma is ideal for sand sledding as the berms are enormous, not as busy, and features several dunes. Located on the coast of Malibu, California, this stunning beach is the perfect place to let loose and have a good time. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sand sledder, Zuma Beach has something for everyone.
The sand berms at Zuma are long and less crowded than Venice and Hermosa, which also means they are not as slick. For a better experience, the adults should take a few trips down the slope to create an excellent pathway for the children to enjoy. The beach break at Zuma Beach is great for a more challenging slide. It’s a little closer to the water, so you’ll want to be careful of the waves.
Parking is quite accessible during the winter, even on warmer days, with plenty of public lots available.
9000 W. Pacific Coast Highway,
Malibu, CA 90265
The Point Mugu Sand Dunes are an excellent spot for sandboarding and sand sledding, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Malibu sunset. A vast dune is located on the east end of Thornhill Broome Beach. The slope ends very close to the highway, so it is not recommended for younger kids, but the ride is slow and will spare you a trip back to your car. This is one of the few spots in L.A. where you can sand sled year-round.
12000 Vista Del Mar,
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
The beach is expansive with lots of sand, so it is the perfect spot for a less crowded sand sledding experience. Dockweiler State Beach has 3.7 miles of ocean frontage and 288 acres of beach. The only drawback here is its proximity to Los Angeles International Airport; the noise can get quite loud for some. The nearby parking lots have over 1,200 spaces and are open Monday through Thursday from 6:00 am to 8:30 pm, while Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays hours are from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Hermosa Avenue & 33rd Street
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Hermosa Beach is ideal for sledding for families with young children, as the dunes are gentler and less abrupt. Climbing up and sledding down the sand berms near the Hermosa Pier offers plenty of space to have fun. The sand hills are not as steep, making them suitable for timid sledders. The closest parking is at the two metered lots on Hermosa Avenue, at 11th and 13th Streets.
Bell Ave. & 33rd St.,
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.
The Manhattan Beach Sand Dune Park is a hidden gem located in the heart of Southern California. This unique park offers an array of activities for visitors, including sand sledding, a thrilling and memorable experience. The dunes have been around for centuries, and the area remains relatively untouched.
With its undulating hills, rich wildlife, and beautiful views, the park is one of the few places in the area where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Sand sledding is the perfect way to explore the dunes and an adventure that the whole family can enjoy.
This three-acre park includes a fenced small children's play area with swings, a merry-go-round, and climbing equipment. The park has shaded picnic facilities for about 20 people each, an open pavilion, and two picnic tables. The park is open from 8 am to 7 pm. Reservation is needed for this park.
200 Pier Ave,
Oceano, CA 93445
The coastal dunes are some of the most extensive in Southern California. They are surrounded by the town of Oceano on one side and the actual ocean on the other. Sand Sledding is allowed on the dunes; many families with kids bring their sleds and have fun sliding downhill. The sand is super-fine and soft, and it’s a picturesque place to wander around since there isn’t anyone here. There are many hills to sled through, and you’ll need to find a path with less plant foliage.
Tips to Prepare for Sand Sledding
Wear the right clothes for sand sledding
You'll want to wear clothes that protect you from the sun and are suitable for the weather. Wear long pants and long sleeves to protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. Ensure that your clothes don't snag on the sand because that can be dangerous. Sand is often very coarse and can easily snag clothing. Also wear a hat to shield your head from the sun.
Wear shoes that protect your feet
You'll be walking on the sand, so you should wear shoes that protect your feet. Flip-flops, sandals, and open-toed shoes aren't great for walking on sand because they can quickly get filled with sand and cause you to trip.
Wear sunscreen
You'll be spending time in the sun and sand, so you should wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Make sure to apply sunscreen generously on your skin, including your hands, arms, legs, and face.
Stay hydrated
The excitement and physical activity of sand sledding can quickly deplete your energy and make you feel thirsty. Make sure to drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
Bring a backpack or a bag for your stuff
You'll be walking, so you'll want to bring a backpack or a bag. Keep your valuables, like your phone, money, and wallet, safe in a secure bag or a hidden pocket.
How to have the best sand sledding experience
Find a place with soft sand
Choose a sandy place with soft sand, so you and your kids don't get hurt while sand sledding.
Create a smooth and wide path
Make sure the path you create is smooth and wide enough to accommodate the sand sled you build.
Gears you need for sand sledding
If you want the ultimate sand sledding experience, we recommend purchasing a Sand Sled. It is expensive ($185) but made explicitly for Sand Sledding. The Venomous Sand Sled is a hardwood ply sled with a Race Base bottom. The Sand Sled comes with 1″ foam seat cushion, grip tape foot placement, and 2 durable rubber grip-covered nylon side handles. The Sand Sled is lightweight, fast, and fun for the family. The size allows for one or even 2 small children depending on their size.
This Sled is Made of heavy gauge Bethlehem steel. Metal flying saucer won’t pop like snow tubes or crack like plastic sleds. Grab the rope handles and hold on as you careen down the sand. This disc is excellent for snow sledding and sand sledding too!
These discs feature an innovative linking mechanism that allows the saucers to hook together quickly through the heavy-duty sled connectors. Link multiple discs together for the ultimate social sledding experience. This disc pack contains 2 snow caterpillar disc sleds and is perfect for siblings. The side handles feature an ergonomic design that facilitates a comfortable grip.
Safety Tips for Sand Sledding
Bring water and snacks
Bring water and snacks when you go sand sledding.
Never slide face first
Don't face down on your sled.
Stay away from the cars
Stay away from the cars when sand sledding.
Stay away from the surf
Stay away from the surf because it can be dangerous when it comes in.
Stay away from steep dunes
Stay away from steep dunes because they can be dangerous and lead to injury.
Stay close to your kids
Stay close to your kids while sand sledding.
