Last Updated on November 29, 2023

Every year in fall and winter, beaches around Los Angeles turn into hip sand sledding destinations, with flocks of people of all ages rushing to have fun sliding down the artificial sand dunes.

Around Thanksgiving day, before the weather gets too cold, the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors builds artificial sand hills and berms to protect the shores from flooding due to high tides and winter storms.

At the same time, the people of SoCal rush to enjoy their favorite winter sport: sledding on the dunes!

Californian kids of all ages (…including adults) love to hit the slopes with their sleds and toboggans.

Sand Sledding Venice Beach Pier
Kids sand sledding in Venice Beach

Sand Sledding Season 2023-2024

Sand sledding in SoCal is an annual winter tradition. With the exception of Point Mugu (which is a natural sand dune and can be accessed all year around), you can only sled at the LA beaches from November until late February.

Usually the construction of the berms begins in the second week of November and is ready for sledding by Thanksgiving, which marks the beginning of sand sledding season in LA.

What to use for sand sledding

People use all kinds of sleds and boards for sand sledding in LA.

Using a regular sled, disc saucer or toboggan for sand dunes is fine on the beaches of SoCal.

Sandleds and sandboards with a laminate bottom for waxing reach higher speeds, but they are pricier and mostly meant for longer rides on steep desert dunes.

Perhaps something to consider next time you head to the Mojave Desert?

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Sand Dune Sledding Los Angeles
Sand Sledding in LA

Best Sand Sledding in Los Angeles

Point Mugu – Malibu

The most well-known sandboarding spot in Los Angeles is Point Mugu in Malibu.

The Point Mugu Sand Dunes make an excellent spot for sandboarding and sand sledding all year round, where you can also enjoy stunning views the Malibu sunset.

On the east end of Thornhill Broome Beach there is a massive sand dune.

The slope ends near the highway, but the ride is slow and will save you from having to return to your vehicle.

Address: 9000 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265.

Point Mugu Sand Dune, Malibu
PCH Sand Hill near Point Mugu, Photo Courtesy of Jacob Montgomery

Zuma Beach – Malibu

Sand berms are erected every year at Zuma Beach after Thanksgiving as a protection from winter storms and floods, and provide a seasonal alternative to Point Mugu for sandboarding in Malibu.

This is the best sand sledding spot if you are looking for large, steep dunes and a good workout.

Address: 30000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265.


Venice Beach

Possibly the most popular spot for winter dune sledding in LA, a vast sand berm located south of the Venice Beach Pier is constructed every year at the end of October until spring.

The closest berm to Venice Beach is 50 to 60 yards from the Washington Boulevard parking lot.

Address: 2700-3100 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291.

Venice Beach Sand Sledding - Los Angeles, SoCal
Venice Beach, Los Angeles, Southern California

Hermosa Beach

Another beach where artificial sand dunes are built in winter and are publicly accessible for sand sledding is Hermosa Beach.

Hermosa Beach is located in the outskirts of Los Angeles and its slopes are not very steep, making it one of the best spots for dune sleddings for young kids to practice their skills.

Address: Hermosa Avenue & 33rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.

Sand Sledding in LA: Hermosa Beach
Venice Beach, Los Angeles, Southern California

Manhattan Beach Sand Dune Park

Manhattan Beach Sand Dune Park is not really a beach but rather part of the Manhattan Beach Sand Dune Nature Preserve, a recreational area with 100 ft tall sand dunes, hiking trails, picnic areas and wildlife.

There is a very steep sand hill designated for sledding, once you climb it up you also get to admire a lovely view of the residential area.

Unfortunately dune sledding is only allowed with cardboard which will not make for a smooth ride but kids will have fun nonetheless.

Address: Bell Ave. & 33rd St., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.


Dockweiler State Beach

Located not too far from the Los Angeles International Airport, the Dockweiler State Beach is one of the few locations in California with an oceanfront RV park.

It is a popular beach to make bonfires, but you can enjoy winter sand sledding there as well.

This location is great if you are looking for someting less crowded.

Address: 12000 Vista Del Mar, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293.


Sleds for Sand Dunes


Slippery Racer
Downhill Falcon
Foam Toboggan


AIRHEAD
CYBER RYDER Foam Sled
Flexible Flyer Metal Snow Disc Saucer Sled. Steel Sand Slider
Flexible Flyer
Steel Sand Slider
Browse more sleds for desert and beach dunes

USA Sandboarding Map

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