Breaking This New Law At California's Del Mar Beach Could Get You Fined Up To $1,000

Digging holes in the sand is one of the biggest joys of going to the beach when you're a kid. An activity surpassed only by the building of spectacular sandcastles surrounded by moats ready to welcome the first waves of water brought in by the tide. And what could possibly be more fun than burying your least favorite sibling in a carefully prepared hole and covering them with sand? Well, it seems those days are over at Del Mar Beach.

A law that took effect on March 25, 2026, specifically states that the digging of hazardous holes on a public beach is now prohibited. It's more of a safety concern than trying to stop people having fun. "Staff and concerned members of the community have observed an increase in the digging of hazardous holes and the burying of individuals," the City of Del Mar stated (via Times of San Diego). "This has resulted in safety concerns including collapse hazards, trip-and-fall risks, impediments to emergency vehicles and equipment, and potential injury or suffocation."

Holes up to 2 feet deep can still be dug but must always be filled in afterwards. Anyone caught breaking these new rules will receive a $100 fine, should a verbal warning be ignored. This increases with each subsequent violation, reaching up to $1,000. The law also prohibits leaving holes unattended and burying anyone below the sand grade level — meaning you can't cover anyone with sand in a way that leaves them trapped beneath the surface. Signs have already gone up on the beach, but opinions are mixed. Per one commenter on Facebook, "I understand the safety part of it cause I also stumbled and tripped on those holes sometimes. But people should be allowed to dig a hole at the beach and have fun."

Del Mar is a charming Californian village that makes for a perfect beach vacation. Only a half-hour drive north of San Diego, more than 3 million visitors arrive on its shoreline every year to enjoy the wide range of activities on offer. The new law may have some people wondering what will be banned next, and it's worth taking some inspo from this ultimate beach packing guide, knowing some of the other rules in place.

Open fires are prohibited at all times, and that includes charcoal barbecues. Fines for breaking this rule can also reach up to $1,000. Alcohol is not permitted on Del Mar beaches from March 1 through Labor Day, and that includes beach access points, parks, and parking lots.

One rule you may not yet be aware of concerns sunshades. Even the most dedicated sun worshipper needs a bit of respite from the heat on occasion, but if you do bring a canopy to the beach, make sure it measures no more than 10 feet x 10 feet. This too is for safety measures, as anything bigger prevents lifeguards from being able to scan the beach properly. A similar rule exists at Laguna Beach, where beachgoers are charged $500 for breaking this shade rule. And if you're thinking of heading to Laguna Beach, Huntingdon Beach, Newport Beach, or Imperial Beach to dig your giant holes in the sand instead, think again. These Californian beaches have rules on digging holes too.