Sea glass is worth its weight in gold to beachcombers. There’s nothing like seeing the pretty green, blue, and amber bits catch the light on the sand. Whether you’re an old hand at picking up these beach gems or are looking for a new pastime this summer, here are some of the best beaches for Massachusetts sea glass.
1. Nantasket Beach, Hull
Nantasket Beach is one of the South Shore’s coastal gems, and you can be sure of finding some of your own in its sands. Sea glass in Massachusetts is bountiful here, especially after a high tide or intense storm. Nantasket Beach is also famous for its incredible sunsets and sunrises, so don’t hurry away if you’ve spent the day picking through the sand. Linger awhile and admire your haul in the setting sun’s rosy glow.
Take a look at this video of Nantasket Beach by @movementumrealty:
2. Craigville Beach, Centerville
Craigville Beach is a great place to find glass on Cape Cod due to its unique positioning. The beach sits in a gap between Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket that allows the currents around Cape Cod to deliver treasures right to its shores. Its basin shape also makes it a magnet for sea glass accumulation. Glass hunters here should keep an eye out for turquoise-colored finds, as they’re more common at this beach than usual. When you’re done sifting through the sand, there’s plenty of space at Craigville to stretch out and enjoy the sun and surf.
3. Race Point Beach, Provincetown
Race Point Beach is something of a gold mine when it comes to sea glass on Cape Cod. Most of the glass here comes from the north due to the way the currents behave, so you’re likely to spot some rare finds from Maine and New Hampshire. Beachcombers are in for a feast of beautiful green and blue glass here. While you’re hunting, be sure to look up occasionally and admire one of the most scenic Massachusetts beaches.
Take a look at this video of Race Point Beach by @MileMarker4k:
4. Skaket Beach, Orleans
Skaket Beach is located on the bay side of Cape Cod, so it catches all sorts of glass from the surrounding towns. You’ll also be treated to glass caught in the Western Main Coastal Current. It’s one of the best beaches if you're looking at where to find sea glass in Massachusetts. It's also a beautiful place to watch the waves or hang out at sunset, especially if you’ve spent the day combing its sands for sea glass.
5. Spectacle Island, Boston
Spectacle Island is a unique place to hunt for seaside jewels due to its history. This island, which you can get to via ferry, was originally a landfill that was capped off in the 1990s. Because of this, the island’s shores are covered with fascinating finds like old tea cup handles, bits of smooth pottery, and plenty of sparkling sea glass. You can be sure to find something marvelous here. Please note that it is not permitted to remove sea glass from Spectacle Island beaches and take it home with you. The park rangers request that you return any finds to the sand or bring them up to the Visitors Center for display in order to keep the beaches full of glass for years to come.
Take a look at this video of Spectacle Island by @ArthurCaverly:
Have you been to any of the best sea glass beaches in Massachusetts? If so, did you find any treasures while beachcombing? Let us know!
If you're on the hunt for sea glass or just want to see some in real life, these Massachusetts beaches are a good place to start. Keep in mind that even though sea glass has been found in these places more than others in the state, it is still a rare occurrence, much like finding that perfectly intact, unique sea shell. Please remember to follow all posted signs regarding beach use and to respect private property. For more incredible Massachusetts beaches, check out these gorgeous beaches in Massachusetts.
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