Is There Still Sea Glass at Glass Beach, California?

Glass Beach, located in Fort Bragg within MacKerricher State Park, is legendary for its sea glass—tiny, frosted, colorful fragments formed from decades-old dumpsites. But as of 2025, is it still abundant enough to justify a visit? Let’s dive in.

📜 The Fascinating History

From roughly 1906 to 1967, Fort Bragg residents used several coves (now known as Glass Beach Sites 1–3) as dumping grounds for household waste, glass bottles, appliances—even vehicles. Waves tumbled the glass, smoothing and frosting it over decades. In 2002 the area was cleaned up and incorporated into the state park. More on the history of Glass Beach.

🌊 What’s There Now?

Recent reports (2024–2025) confirm the beach still contains sea glass. Visitors frequently find small shards in shades of white, green, brown, and sometimes rare reds or blues. According to TravelHoppers, tiny bits of glass are still scattered across the site, particularly after high tides or storms.

📉 Depletion: Myth or Reality?

Sea glass is indeed less abundant than it once was. With thousands of visitors each year, natural wave erosion, and frequent (though illegal) collecting, the visible supply has decreased. Still, sites 1 and 2 are less trafficked than the main beach and may contain better finds. Travel blogs and sea glass enthusiasts continue to report finds in these areas.

🚫 Can You Take Sea Glass?

No—collecting is prohibited. Glass Beach is now part of a protected California State Park. Signs throughout the area remind visitors not to remove sea glass or disturb the environment. While some locals argue enforcement is lax, responsible visitors are encouraged to leave all glass in place.

🧭 Tips for Spotting Sea Glass

• Visit during low tide or just after a storm
• Check tidepools and rocky crevices at Site 1 and Site 2
• Look closely—some pieces are smaller than a fingernail
• Bring a camera to capture finds rather than take them
• Wear sturdy shoes for rocky terrain

🔬 Sea Glass and Ecology

Though manmade, sea glass supports marine life. In some tidepools, small crustaceans, snails, and algae make use of embedded glass for shelter or surfaces. Preserving the glass in place helps maintain this unusual ecosystem. Learn more about how sea glass forms and changes.

💡 Want to Bring Home a Souvenir?

If you’d like a physical reminder, consider stopping at the Sea Glass Museum nearby, or browse Fort Bragg gift shops selling ethically sourced and artistically arranged sea glass jewelry.

📅 Should You Visit in 2025?

Yes—especially if your goal is the experience, not a haul. You'll likely spot some glass (especially micro-pieces) and enjoy stunning scenery. Glass Beach may not be what it was in the 90s or early 2000s, but its story and remaining fragments are still worth the trip.

🔗 More from Odyssey Sea Glass

📝 Conclusion

Yes, there is still sea glass at Glass Beach. While it’s not as abundant as it once was, dedicated beachcombers and curious visitors can still spot beautiful, natural sea glass—especially in less trafficked spots. Just be respectful: take only photos, leave only footprints, and keep this fragile piece of history alive for generations to come.