One of the most unique traditions on the Oregon Coast is searching for Lincoln City glass floats. Every year, thousands of hand-blown glass floats are hidden along Lincoln City’s seven miles of public beaches as part of the popular Finders Keepers program. If you’re lucky enough to find one, it’s yours to keep.
Whether you’re visiting Lincoln City for the first time or you’ve been hunting for years, these tips can help you make the most of your search.
What are Lincoln City glass floats?
The Lincoln City glass floats are handcrafted by Pacific Northwest artists and carefully hidden by volunteer “Float Fairies” as part of the Finders Keepers program. More than 3,000 glass floats are hidden throughout the year, making every beach walk an opportunity to discover a one-of-a-kind piece of art.
Each float is unique, with different colors, patterns, and sizes that make every find special.
Where can you find Lincoln City glass floats?
One of the best things about hunting for Lincoln City glass floats is that they can be hidden anywhere along Lincoln City’s seven miles of public beach.
Popular places to begin your search include:
- D River Recreation Site (when open)
- Roads End State Recreation Site
- NW 15th Street Beach Access
- Canyon Drive Park
- Siletz Bay
You don’t have to search every beach access point to be successful. Sometimes the first stretch of beach you visit is where you’ll spot your treasure. You might even get lucky enough to find one along the beach just steps away from your Sea Gypsy condo!
Look above the high tide line
Many first-time visitors assume Lincoln City glass floats wash in with the waves. They don’t.
The Float Fairies intentionally place them above the high tide line where they’re easy to discover during a beach walk. They’re never buried in the sand or left where the ocean can carry them away.
Don’t search in the dunes
Glass floats aren’t hidden in the beach grass, buried under driftwood, or tucked into unsafe places. Instead, they’re placed where visitors can safely find them while enjoying a walk along the beach. If you’re searching the dunes, you’re probably looking in the wrong place.
Take your time
The best way to find Lincoln City glass floats is simply to slow down. Walk at a relaxed pace and keep your eyes moving several feet ahead. The colorful glass often catches the sunlight, making it surprisingly easy to spot once you know what you’re looking for.
Visit more than once
One of the best parts about the Finders Keepers program is that the beaches are constantly changing.
If you don’t find a float during your morning walk, don’t be discouraged. Try again later in the day or explore a different section of beach tomorrow. Every walk offers another chance.
Watch for special float drops
Although Lincoln City glass floats are hidden throughout the year, Explore Lincoln City also announces special float drops during holidays and community events. These special weekends include extra floats hidden along the beach, giving visitors even more opportunities to find one.
For example, the 2026 Special Float Drop Schedule includes:
- January 9–11: Opening Weekend – 100 floats
- February 6–16: Retro Expo – 100 Japanese antique-style floats
- April 22–25: Earth Day – 50 floats
- June 19–20: Chinook Winds Casino Anniversary – 31 floats
- September (TBD): Fall Kite Festival – 10 floats
- October 30–November 1: Halloween – 50 floats
The schedule changes each year, so before planning your trip, check Explore Lincoln City’s website and follow their social media pages for the latest announcements and special drop dates.
Even if you don’t visit during a special event, remember that Lincoln City glass floats are hidden year-round, making every visit a chance to find one.
Enjoy the hunt
Finding a glass float is exciting, but don’t let it become the only reason you visit the beach. Some visitors find one within minutes. Others search for years before discovering their first.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy incredible ocean views, fresh sea air, beautiful sunsets, and maybe even find agates, shells, or other beach treasures. Sometimes the search is just as rewarding as the discovery.
Register your glass float
If you find one of the famous Lincoln City glass floats, don’t forget to register it with Explore Lincoln City. Registration allows you to receive a Certificate of Authenticity and learn about the artist who created your unique piece.
Can’t find one? Make your own!
If your search for Lincoln City glass floats comes up empty, you can still bring home an unforgettable souvenir.
The Lincoln City Glass Center offers workshops where you can create your own hand-blown glass float with guidance from experienced artists. It’s a fun experience for couples, families, or anyone looking to make something truly unique.
Not interested in making your own? The Glass Center also has a gallery filled with handcrafted glass floats available for purchase. You can even pick up a decorative stand to display your float at home, whether you found it on the beach or chose one from the gallery.
Stay close to the beach at Sea Gypsy Rentals
The more time you spend on the beach, the better your chances of finding Lincoln City glass floats.
At Sea Gypsy Rentals, you’re just steps from the sand, making it easy to head out for an early morning search, take a break for lunch, and return for another beach walk before sunset—all without ever moving your car.
Every oceanfront condo includes:
- Direct beach access
- Private ocean-view balcony
- Full kitchen
- Comfortable living space
- Self check-in
Whether you discover one of Lincoln City’s famous glass floats or simply enjoy the thrill of the hunt, Sea Gypsy Rentals is the perfect home base for experiencing one of the Oregon Coast’s most cherished traditions. Book your oceanfront stay with us today!
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