About the project

A community map of sea glass beaches around the world

Sea Glass Map is a free, community-driven map that helps collectors and beachcombers discover where to find sea glass. Instead of guarding secret beaches, our community shares the sea glass spots they love, so anyone can find a frosted piece of history on the shoreline near them.

Why we built a sea glass map

For years, sea glass collectors have relied on word of mouth and scattered forum posts to learn which beaches produce sea glass. There was no single, living map of sea glass beaches that everyday beachcombers could actually use. We wanted to change that: to build one welcoming place where the community pins its finds, shares photos, and turns a solitary hobby into a shared adventure.

Every pin on the map is a real spot dropped by a member: a cove, a stretch of pebbly shore, a historic harbour beach. Tap a spot to see photos, notes from the person who found it, and how to get there. The more people contribute, the richer the map becomes for everyone who loves sea glass hunting.

How to find sea glass with the map

1. 01Open the interactive map and pan to your coastline to see the sea glass spots the community has shared.
2. 02Tap a spot to view photos, read the finder's notes, and get directions to the beach.
3. 03Drop your own spots after a good beachcombing day to help the next collector, and earn badges as you build your collection.

Collect with care

Sea glass is a gift from the tide, not a resource to strip. We encourage members to take only a few pieces, leave beaches as they found them, and respect local rules and protected areas. Beachcombing is at its best when it stays gentle, curious, and kind to the coast, for the collectors who come after us and for the shoreline itself.

Frequently asked questions

What is Sea Glass Map?

Sea Glass Map is a free, community-driven map of sea glass beaches and spots around the world. Collectors drop the locations where they have found sea glass, share photos of their finds, and help each other discover new beaches to explore.

How do I find sea glass beaches near me?

Open the interactive map and zoom into your region. Each pin is a spot a fellow beachcomber has shared, with photos and notes. Pan the map along your coastline to see every nearby sea glass beach the community has added.

Where is the best place to find sea glass?

Sea glass forms best on beaches near historic towns, old harbours, and former dumping grounds where glass entered the water decades ago. Rocky and pebbly beaches with strong wave action tend to tumble glass into smooth, frosted pieces. The map's shared spots point you to beaches that have already produced finds.

Is Sea Glass Map free to use?

Yes. Browsing the map, viewing spots, and reading the community feed are completely free. Creating an account is free too, and lets you drop your own spots, upload photos, comment, and collect badges.

How is sea glass formed?

Sea glass starts as broken bottles, jars, and tableware that end up in the ocean. Years of tumbling against sand and rocks round the edges and etch the surface into the soft, frosted gemstone-like pieces collectors love.