Finders Keepers: How to Find Glass Floats in Lincoln City

Photo courtesy of Explore Lincoln City

Imagine walking along the Oregon Coast and finding a colorful glass ball in the sand. This can be your reality by participating in Lincoln City’s Finders Keepers. 

More than 3,000 hand-blown glass floats are scattered along the city’s seven miles of sandy beaches each year. True to the name, if you find one, it’s yours to keep.

Here’s how you can go an a special beach adventure: 

Finders Keepers: How to Find Glass Floats in Lincoln City

The Finders Keepers adventure unfolds every day of the year. A team of “Float Fairies” discreetly place these handcrafted glass balls along the shoreline from Roads End in the north to Siletz Bay in the south.

This beloved tradition offers a whimsical touch to beachcombing in Lincoln City, where visitors of all ages can embrace the thrill of the hunt.

Tips for Finding Glass Floats in Lincoln City

Here are some guidelines to make the experience enjoyable and fair for everyone:

• Start your hunt at public beach access points from Roads End to Siletz Bay.
• Glass floats are found above the high tide line and below the beach embankment. Floats are meant to be found. 
• Floats are hidden throughout daylight hours. There’s no set schedule.
• Floats are hidden rain or shine, with the exception of extreme weather, such as King Tides.
• Treasure hunters are asked to respect the environment and avoid disturbing beach grass.
• A limit of one float per household per year ensures everyone has a chance to participate.

Register Your Glass Float

Finding a glass float is just the beginning. Once you’ve claimed your treasure, register it by calling 541-996-1274, filling out an online form or stopping by the Lincoln City Visitor Information Center at 801 SW Hwy 101, 4th floor, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Registration ensures you receive a certificate of authenticity along with information about the artist who created your float.

Special Glass Float Drops

Throughout the year, Lincoln City hosts special glass float drops to mark holidays and notable occasions. During these events, additional floats are placed on the beaches.

Here are the upcoming dates: 

• February 8-17, 2025: Retro Expo 100 Japanese antique-style floats.
• February 14-16, 2025: 50 red, pink and white Valentine’s Day floats.
• March 22-April 19, 2025: 200 Spring break floats
• April 19-22, 2025: 50 Earth Day floats
• May 9-11 2025: 50 Mother’s Day floats
• June 13-15, 2025: 50 Father’s Day floats
• June 20-21, 2025: 30 Casino anniversary floats
• June 21-22, 2025: 10 Summer Kite floats
• August 30-Sept 1, 2025: 40 Ocean Conservation floats
• September 20-21, 2025: 10 Fall Kite floats
• October 11-14, 2025: 50 Indigenous Peoples Day floats
• October 31-November 2, 2025: 50 Halloween floats
• November 14-16, 2025: 50 Restoration Pow-Wow floats
• December 12-14, 2025: 50 holiday floats

Trash for Treasures and Glass Float Drawings

Looking for more ways to earn a float? As part of the “Trash for Treasures” initiative, visitors who collect a bag of beach trash can enter a special monthly drawing for glass floats. Simply take a photo of your full bag, upload it online with your name and contact information, or bring the photo to the Lincoln City Welcome Center.

Also, for those unable to beachcomb due to physical limitations, monthly float drawings are also available by visiting the Lincoln City Visitor Information Center.

Finders Keepers in Lincoln City is more than just a beach activity—it’s a celebration of artistry, community and the natural beauty of the Oregon coast. The magic of discovering a glass float is an experience you’ll treasure forever. Let the hunt begin!

Visit Explore Lincoln City’s website for more information about Finders Keepers. 

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