It’s incredible the treasures that can be found when walking the sands of the Washington Coast. From beach glass and agates to glass floats and jewelry, you never know what you may find. Beachcombing in Westport definitely takes a bit of luck, but there are also tricks known by long-time beachcombers that up your chances of finding precious items. Here is where to beachcomb in Westport, along with a few tips.

Half Moon Bay can be a fun place to beachcomb in Westport. Photo credit: Kristina Lotz

Westport Beachcombing Spots

There are a couple of beaches in Westport that are great for beachcombing. The Westport Light State Park (1600 W Ocean Avenue) is a good place to start if you want something close to town. Grab a Discover Pass to park here. At Westport Light State Park people often find driftwood and large debris – people have even found rubber duckies!

Half Moon Bay is another Westport beach that is good for beachcombing. It has a long coastline and a good wrack, so you just might find some treasures, though as a popular beach it may be more of a challenge.

If you want to explore a bit, there are a couple of great beachcombing beaches near Westport. You may want to try Twin Harbors Beach, just head south from Westport on the 105. People often find glass floats, sea glass and agates at there.

Or head to Bottle Beach State Park, located between Westport and Aberdeen at 33 Ocosta Third Street, Aberdeen. This beach is great for those combing for old items, artifacts, fossils, etc.

a glass float next to a large piece of driftwood on a Westport beach.
If you really want a glass float, check when the bi-annual WildFloats is happening next and plan your Westport beachcombing adventure around it. Photo courtesy: Westport South Beach Historical Society

WildFloats From Westport South Beach Historical Society

If you are determined to find glass floats, be sure to check in with the Westport South Beach Historical Society and find out when they are doing their annual WildFloats! Twice a year – once in the spring and once in the fall – they hide one thousand authentic Japanese glass floats for beachcombers to find!

Tips for Beachcombing in Westport

Here are some beachcombing tips for Westport to help you find those amazing treasures like glass floats, sea glass, fossils, agates and more.

  • Beachcomb in winter! It’s one of the best times to beachcomb in Westport.
  • Beachcombing at low tides often results in better finds. Two hours before or after the lowest point is what some suggest.
  • Beachcomb after storms! Storm waves are bigger and stronger, bringing in better ocean treasures.
  • Early morning (before others have had a chance to comb the beach) is also a good time to find treasures.
  • Walk the wrack. You know that line of kelp and debris that marks where the tide was? It’s a great place to check for treasure.
  • Bring a metal detector. If you are looking for unnatural finds, including jewelry and coins, don’t forget that metal detector.

Please don’t remove anything that is still alive. But if you find a dead starfish, sand dollar, etc., you are free to take them home with you.

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