Beloved sandcastle sculptor banned by San Diego luxury hotel over 'political messages'

A decades-long tradition on the sands of Coronado Beach has reached an abrupt end, igniting a community uproar.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Bill Pavlacka, known as 'The Sandcastle Man,' has been barred from building his intricate creations in front of the iconic Hotel del Coronado after nearly 19 years. The hotel cited policy violations, including the display of 'political or controversial messages,' as the reason for terminating their relationship.

Why it matters

The situation with The Sandcastle Man raises questions about the boundaries of artistic expression in public spaces and the increasing scrutiny of potentially 'controversial' content. This trend is fueled by a combination of factors, including heightened political polarization, concerns about public safety, and the desire of private businesses to control their brand image.

The details

The immediate catalyst for the ban appears to be a sandcastle featuring a quote attributed to Mark Twain: 'Gain your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.' According to Pavlacka, a hotel manager, Nick, considered this 'the final straw.' The hotel has also accused Pavlacka of consuming alcohol on the property, a claim he denies.

  • Bill Pavlacka has been creating sandcastles in front of the Hotel del Coronado for nearly 19 years.
  • The hotel recently terminated their relationship with Pavlacka.

The players

Bill Pavlacka

Also known as 'The Sandcastle Man,' Pavlacka is a beloved local artist who has been creating intricate sandcastles on Coronado Beach for nearly two decades.

Hotel del Coronado

An iconic luxury hotel located in Coronado, California, that has hosted the Sandcastle Man's creations for many years.

Nick

A hotel manager who Pavlacka says considered a sandcastle featuring a Mark Twain quote to be the 'final straw' leading to the ban.

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What they’re saying

“This is a huge loss for the people of San Diego.”

— Kimberly Weed (Coronado Times)

What’s next

Pavlacka has stated he will continue to build sandcastles, though likely not at the Hotel del Coronado. The hotel's decision has drawn significant criticism from locals and visitors, and the situation raises broader questions about the balance between private property rights, artistic freedom, and public access to diverse forms of expression.

The takeaway

The case of The Sandcastle Man serves as a microcosm of a larger debate about the role of art in public life. As public spaces become increasingly regulated and commercialized, artists face greater challenges in expressing themselves freely, highlighting the need to preserve artistic freedom and cultural vibrancy in our communities.