Top California Beaches for Finding Sea Glass: A Complete Guide
If you’re a sea glass enthusiast, California offers a variety of beautiful beaches where you can hunt for these colorful treasures. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway or a more popular spot, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to explore and collect smooth, colorful pieces of glass washed up by the ocean. Here’s a guide to some of the best sea glass beaches in California, from the northern coast to the southern shores.
If you are in a hurry, here is a quick summary of where to find sea glass in California:
Overall, the best place for sea glass in California is Glass Beach in Fort Bragg Mendocino.
Other beaches where you have a high chance to find these colorful treasures:
- Big River Beach, Muir Beach, Davenport Beach in Northern California
- Carmel River State Beach, Sand City Beach, Moonstone Beach in Central California
- Shell Beach, Crystal Cove State Beach, Zuma Beach in Southern California
10 Best Sea Glass Beaches In California
Glass Beach in Fort Bragg – Mendocino
Located in Mendocino County in Northern California, Glass Beach is arguably the most famous sea glass destination in the state. Once a garbage dump in the early 20th century, this beach has transformed into a stunning natural treasure trove. Today, Glass Beach is part of MacKerricher State Park, offering the highest concentration of sea glass on the west coast.
You’ll find sea glass in hues of green, amber, and rare colors, scattered in abundance along the shore. The sparkling glass against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean makes for a truly magical experience. In addition to sea glass hunting, Glass Beach offers incredible scenic views of dramatic cliffs, rocky shorelines, and the Pacific Ocean. It’s also a popular spot for photography, nature walks, wildlife watching or a romantic escape.
Access: Glass Beach is located in the northern part of Fort Bragg, off Glass Beach Drive. There are several viewpoints along the way, and a short walk from the parking area leads you to the beach.
Big River Beach – Mendocino Headlands State Park
Big River Beach, located within Mendocino Headlands State Park, is another fantastic spot for sea glass in Northern California. While it might not be as well-known as Glass Beach, it’s a quieter, more secluded beach where you can find smooth pieces of sea glass, mainly in white. The glass has been polished over time by the waves, creating the perfect beachcombing opportunities.
The beach is situated within the Big River estuary, known for its serene natural beauty. In addition to searching for sea glass, visitors can enjoy the peaceful environment, explore the picturesque coastline, and even spot various bird species. It’s a great place for kayaking, canoeing, and wildlife watching as well.
Access: To reach Big River Beach, head into Mendocino and follow the signs to the Big River entrance. From the parking area, a short trail leads you down to the beach.
Muir Beach – Marin County
Located just north of San Francisco, Muir Beach is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is about 10 miles northwest of the Golden Gate Bridge. This small, secluded beach is surrounded by cliffs and dense vegetation, making it a picturesque location for hiking, picnicking, and beachcombing.
While sea glass is not as abundant here as at other beaches, it’s still possible to find some colorful pieces, especially after storms or high tides. The beach’s rocky shoreline and tides make it a prime spot for searching for sea glass. It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for those seeking a more tranquil coastal experience.
Access: From San Francisco, take Highway 101 north, exit onto Panoramic Highway, and follow the signs to Muir Beach. The beach is just a short walk from the parking area.
Davenport Beach – Santa Cruz County
Davenport Beach, located along California’s stunning Highway 1 coastline in Santa Cruz County, is another excellent destination for sea glass hunters. This rugged, rocky beach is known for its beauty and variety of sea glass, including some rare dark pieces.
The beach does require a bit of effort to reach, with a steep climb and a rope to help you down. But the stunning views and the chance to find multi-colored sea glass make the hike worthwhile. Davenport Beach is also home to a natural arch and a small waterfall during late spring and summer.
Access: To get to Davenport Beach, head north on Highway 1 and turn onto Davenport Road, just past the small town of Davenport. Follow the road to the beach access point, where you’ll find a modest parking lot. A short walk leads you to the shoreline.
Carmel River State Beach – Carmel-By-The-Sea
Just outside the serene town of Carmel-by-the-Sea on California’s central coast, Carmel River State Beach offers a peaceful setting for beachcombing. While not as famous as Glass Beach, the area is known for its sea glass, particularly near the river’s mouth. Most pieces are green and clear, likely from old bottles or jars.
The beach is a fantastic spot for birdwatching, as the river attracts various species of birds. You may also spot otters, seals, and other wildlife. The sand here can be a bit coarser compared to other beaches, and the surf can be strong, so it’s not ideal for swimming. However, it’s perfect for a relaxing walk and beachcombing.
Access: Exit Highway 1 at Rio Road, then follow the road to the beach. A short walk from the parking area brings you to the shoreline.
Sand City Beach – Monterey County
Nestled between Monterey Bay and Carmel, Sand City Beach is a quiet, hidden gem with wide sandy shores and breathtaking ocean views. It’s an excellent spot for those looking for a peaceful beach experience away from the crowds. The beach also has its share of sea glass, which can be found near the dunes.
While the surf here can be a bit strong, Sand City Beach offers opportunities for beachcombing, photography, and simply unwinding by the water. It’s a great spot to relax, take in the scenery, and look for smooth, colorful pieces of sea glass.
Access: Take the Sand City Exit off Highway 1, and park at the small lot off California Avenue. From there, it’s a short walk to the beach.
Moonstone Beach – Cambria
Located along California’s Central Coast, Moonstone Beach in Cambria is famous for its smooth, sparkling pebbles known as “moonstones.” These glistening stones are believed to bring good luck and add to the beach’s charm. In addition to moonstones, the beach also boasts an abundance of sea glass in various colors, including green, blue, brown, and clear.
Whether you’re enjoying a sunset walk or hunting for sea glass, Moonstone Beach offers a memorable coastal experience. The beach’s calm and laid-back atmosphere makes it a perfect place to explore and relax.
Access: Take Highway 1 and follow the signs to Moonstone Beach Drive. There’s a parking lot near the beach, and it’s just a short walk from there to the sand.
Shell Beach – La Jolla
Shell Beach, located in La Jolla, San Diego, is a small and serene beach known for its abundance of seashells and sea glass along California’s southern coast. The beach gets its name from the many seashells scattered across the sand, but it’s also a hidden gem for sea glass enthusiasts.
During low tide, the beach reveals fascinating tide pools filled with marine life like starfish, anemones, and crabs. Shell Beach is quieter than other beaches in La Jolla, making it an ideal spot for beachcombing and relaxing by the ocean.
Access: Take the Coast Walk Trail, where you’ll find a small staircase that leads you down to the beach.
Crystal Cove State Beach – Laguna Beach
Crystal Cove State Beach in Laguna Beach, Southern California, is known for its natural beauty, rugged cliffs, and tide pools. It’s also a great spot for finding sea glass, particularly along the rocky shorelines. The combination of coastal erosion and historical activity at the beach contributes to the occasional discovery of colorful glass pieces.
The nearby historic cottages, built in the 1920s, add charm to the area, making Crystal Cove one of the most picturesque beaches in Southern California.
Access: To get to Crystal Cove, use the parking lot at Crystal Cove State Park. Some parts of the beach may require a short walk from the parking area.
Zuma Beach – Malibu
Zuma Beach in Malibu is one of the largest and most popular beaches in the area, known for its wide sandy shoreline and beautiful coastal views. While sea glass isn’t as abundant here as at other locations, it’s still possible to find small pieces along the shore, especially in more secluded spots.
Plus, this spacious beach is also one of the family-oriented beach destinations in Southern California. It offers plenty of room to spread out and enjoy a day by the ocean. The calm, gentle waves make it an ideal spot for children to play safely in the water, while parents can relax on the sand.
Access: Zuma Beach is located at 30000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA. There’s ample parking available, and the beach is easily accessible from the parking lot.
Tips for Finding Sea Glass and Best Times to Visit
If you’re planning to hunt for sea glass, there are a few tips and tricks that can increase your chances of finding the most beautiful pieces. Additionally, knowing the best times to visit these beaches can make all the difference. Here are some helpful tips:
Focus on Rocky Areas
Sea glass tends to collect in areas where the ocean’s waves crash against the rocks. Look around tide pools or along rocky shorelines for the best finds.
Check After Storms
After storms or strong waves, sea glass often washes up on the shore in larger quantities. The rough weather stirs up the ocean and brings glass pieces to the surface. Visit shortly after a storm for the best chances of finding fresh treasures.
Low Tide is Your Friend
Sea glass is most accessible during low tide when the water recedes and exposes more of the beach. It’s also easier to spot glass against the wet sand.
Search for Smooth, Polished Pieces
The best sea glass pieces are smooth and polished from the ocean’s tides and waves. Glass with rounded edges is the most desirable. Avoid sharp or jagged pieces, as they haven’t been tumbled by the water for long enough.
Look for a Color Variety
While green and clear are the most common colors, keep an eye out for rarer colors like blue, purple, and amber. These are often more sought-after by collectors.
Go Early or Late
Early mornings and late afternoons often offer fewer crowds at the beach, giving you more time and space to search. Plus, the soft light at these times makes the glass sparkle, making it easier to spot.
By following these tips, you’ll have a higher chance of collecting some of California’s most beautiful sea glass pieces. Happy hunting!
