This Sea Glass Beach on the Olympic Peninsula Just Made Travel + Leisure’s Best in the U.S. List

While there is a famous “Glass Beach” in Fort Bragg along the Northern California coast, few people outside of the region are familiar with the beach that was just named among the country’s best by Travel + Leisure.

This Glass Beach sits at the northern tip of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, just minutes from my former home in Port Townsend. Tucked into a more remote location, it provides what the publication calls the “perfect spot” for finding “jewelry-quality sea glass.” While it may no longer be a best-kept secret among locals, you’re unlikely to encounter any big crowds here. 

Like other glass beaches, much of the sea glass collected comes from old trash dumps. This was once a site for refuse, with trucks backing up to the edge of the bluff at McCurdy Point to dump it onto the shoreline. After the practice was discontinued in the late 1960s, items like glass bottles were worn down by the waves over time, polishing them into the smooth pieces you see today. With a sharp eye, you’ll discover all sorts of colorful sea glass today. 

As you search, you might notice a bald eagle soaring above or perched in the trees along the bluffs. Looking out to the water, watch for marine mammals that pass by, including orcas, humpbacks, gray whales, harbor seals, and sea lions.

Wear hiking boots or sturdy water shoes, as there are sharp rocks and pebbles along the shore. You’ll want to bring your own supplies too, including water, snacks, and a bucket or bag for any treasures you find. Use your hands to rake through the pebbles, or bring a small hand rake, which can be helpful for finding hidden pieces.

While the season you visit doesn’t matter (the area enjoys a relatively mild climate with only rare winter snow), your timing is critical. You’ll want to check tide tables online or pick up a tide table chart to ensure you visit at low tide (ideally below one foot), with plenty of time to walk out and back to the beach safely. More than a few have not heeded this advice, only to end up getting stranded. At high tide, the water rises against the bluffs, potentially trapping visitors.

From downtown Port Townsend, you’ll want to head to North Beach County Park, 2.5 miles away, just west of popular Fort Worden State Park. Walk toward McCurdy Point, about three miles away, and you’ll soon start to notice pops of color along the shoreline. You don’t have to cover the entire three miles as you’re looking to find plenty of pieces along the way.