6 Coastal communities that draw families with real treasure hunts for one-of-a-kind glass floats
It’s really kind of genius! In an attempt to entice families to coastal towns during the late fall, winter, and early spring, some coastal communities have developed a game of hide-and-seek. Called “float fairies” in some areas, local volunteers hide stunning, glass-blown orbs above the high tide line. If you find one, you can keep it! The idea is thought to have originated in Lincoln City, Oregon, where old Japanese fishing floats used to wash up on its shores.
Head to one of these coastal towns and turn your family’s day at the beach into something more. Who knows, you may end up taking a unique souvenir home with you.
1. Lincoln City, Oregon
Thought to be the originators of the glass float hunts, the folks in Lincoln City run a program called Finders Keepers. Once limited to special weekends, volunteers are now hiding more than 3,000 year-round! And the town sponsors special drops over holiday weekends like Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, and Mother’s Day. The town commissions glass studios from around the region to create the translucent art pieces.
KidTripster Tip: If your kids don’t find a glass float on the beach at Lincoln City, they can actually make their own at Jennifer Sears Glass Art Studio (4821 SW Highway 101) in town. 30-minute session starts at $65; ages 8 and up; classes available Wednesdays through Sundays only.
If you do find a float, look for a sticker with instructions for registering it. You can register your ball by calling the Visitor Information Center at (800) 452-2151, going online, texting FLOATS to 24587 or by visiting the Visitor Information Center in person. Each registered float comes with a certificate of authenticity and a biography on the artist who created it.
2. Jekyll Island, Georgia
In the early 1900s, East Coast fishermen used hollow glass balls on their nets as markers. Sometimes, the floats would break loose and wash ashore for lucky beachcombers to find. Collecting these rare floats became a hobby in the 1950s. Today, your family can hunt for Island Treasures on Jekyll Island in Georgia during January and February. Each day, volunteers, called “Beach Buddies,” hide the floats, which are created by glass artists from across the country.
Each ball is marked with a special tag. If you find one, you’re asked to register it at the Jekyll Island Guest Information Center, where you can pick up a certificate of authenticity and artist biography for your float.
KidTripster Tip: If you’re a first timer, check this map for hints on the best places to hunt.
3. Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
From October to March, you can discover Tidal Treasures on the beaches of Vancouver Island’s Oceanside region in British Columbia. An army of “Float Fairies” drop more than 300 handcrafted, glass floats and hundreds of other glass creations – like starfish, seahorses sand dollars, and scallops – above the high tide line on the beaches stretching from Nanoose Bay in the south to Deep Bay in the north. The fairies place the floats at random times and locations.
If you find a starred float (look on the underside), bring it to the Parksville Visitors Centre. You’ll receive a certificate of authenticity and information about the artist. And you’ll win a prize like a resort stay, dinner at an area restaurant or a gift certificate to a local shop! Even if you find a float or glass art piece without a star, you can take it to the visitors centre for a certificate, and your name will be entered in a prize drawing.
4. Block Island, Rhode Island
Situated off the coast of Port Judith in Rhode Island, Block Island’s Glass Float Project actually begins in June instead of during the off-season. The glass floats – 550 in all – are dated, numbered, and stamped with the shape of Block Island. Created by Rhode Island glass artist Eben Horton, all the floats are clear except for a few colored orbs. Plus, there’s one special orb that’s made out of gold leaf. All the glass floats are hidden along the Greenway Trails or on the beaches above the high tide mark.
If you find a float, you’re asked to register it online.
5. Gold Beach, Oregon
From February to April, it’s Treasure Hunting season in Gold Beach along the southern Oregon coast. Volunteers here hide about 125 glass floats each week in the driftwood and beach grass from the South Rogue River Jetty to Kissing Rock State Wayside. Before you start hunting, stop at the visitor center on the south end of Gold Beach to pick up a map and a list of retailers that participate in an indoor treasure hunt.
Find a float? Bring it to the visitor center, and you’ll be entered in a monthly drawing for a Gold Beach mini-vacation package that includes an overnight stay, dinner, and two tickets for Jerry’s Jet Boat. If you come up short, you have a second chance! Shop at one of the retailers on the list, spend at least $25, and bring your receipt to the visitor center. You’ll get a free float!
KidTripster Tip: During the week of Valentine’s Day, the town hides special, red floats that you can give to your sweetheart.
6. Langley, Washington
In Langley on Whidbey Island about 30 miles north of Seattle, the Sea Float Scramble is run more like an Easter egg hunt. The glasses treasures, crafted by local artist Callahan McVay, are placed in plain sight along Seawall Park on the first Saturday after the New Year’s weekend. A separate area just for kids (5 and under) is located on 2nd Street and Anthes Avenue. The event is free, but you do need to register. Registration starts at 9 a.m. with the hunt beginning at 11 a.m. In all, 500 floats are up for grabs.
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