What to Do and See at Glass Beach, Port Townsend
Glass Beach, Port Townsend, is a unique and eco-friendly beach destination in Washington State, where you can find tons of sea glass in various shapes, sizes, and colors. It is also a place to enjoy stunning views, diverse wildlife, and rich history and culture.
Have you ever wondered what happens to the glass bottles and jars that end up in the ocean? Some of them get smashed by the waves and currents, turning them into smooth and colorful pieces of sea glass over time.
This blog post will show you what to do and see at Glass Beach and Port Townsend and how to plan a perfect day trip from Seattle. By the end of this post, you will be ready to pack your bags and head to Glass Beach, Port Townsend, for an unforgettable adventure.
Harris Beach: A Family-Friendly Destination For All Seasons
Best time to visit Glass Beach, Port Townsend?
The best time to visit Glass Beach, Port Townsend, is late spring to early fall when the temperatures are warm and there is less crowd. You may also want to check the tide charts and plan your visit during low tide, as you may find more sea glass then.
Glass Beach, Port Townsend, is a unique and eco-friendly beach destination where you can find tons of sea glass in various shapes, sizes, and colors. It is also a place to enjoy stunning views, diverse wildlife, and rich history and culture.
How do you get there from Seattle?
There are different ways to reach Glass Beach and Port Townsend from Seattle, depending on your preferred mode of transportation.
Here is a brief overview of some of the options:
By ferry and bus:
You can take the Seattle-Kingston Fast Ferry from Pier 50 Seattle Dock to Kingston Ferry Dock. Then, you can take bus 14 from Kingston Ferry Terminal to Haines Place Park and Ride. The total travel time is about 2 hours and 51 minutes.
You can take the Greyhound bus from Seattle to Port Townsend 4 Corners Park & Ride. The journey takes about 2 hours and 22 minutes. Alternatively, take the Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service from Seattle to Port Townsend Amtrak Bus Stop. The trip takes about 2 hours and 42 minutes.
By car:
You can drive from Seattle to Port Townsend via I-5 N and US-101 W. The distance is about 112 miles, and the driving time is about 2 hours and 17 minutes.
Once you reach Port Townsend, you can access Glass Beach from North Beach Park. You must walk about 1-2 miles along the beach to the west until you reach the cliffs at McCurdy Point. This is where you will find the most sea glass.
You should check the tide charts and plan your visit during low tide, as you may find more sea glass then.
What to do at Glass Beach, Port Townsend
1: Sea glass hunting
Sea glass hunting is a fun activity that involves searching for pieces of glass that have been smoothed and frosted by the sea. Sea glass can be found in different colors, shapes, and sizes; each piece has its history and story.
Here are some tips and guidelines for sea glass hunting at Glass Beach, Port Townsend:
- Plan your visit during low tide, as you may find more sea glass then.
- Start your trip at North Beach Park and turn left (west) on the beach. Walk about 1-2 miles until you reach the cliffs at McCurdy Point. This is where you will find the most sea glass.
- Look for sea glass among the beach’s pebbles, shells, and debris. Sea glass glows, so hold the pieces to the light to see if they are genuine.
- Use a small rake or a scoop to help you dig through the pebbles or shells and find the hidden sea glass. You can also use a mesh container to scoop out the water and sort the contents on the beach.
- Be selective and ethical when collecting sea glass. Only take the well-rounded and frosted pieces and leave the sharp or clear ones. This way, you will preserve the quality and quantity of sea glass for future hunters.
- Respect the environment and the wildlife of the beach. Do not litter or leave any trash behind. Follow the rules and regulations of the beach and the park.
- Enjoy the scenery and the experience of sea glass hunting. You may also find other interesting items on the beach, such as polished shells, hag stones, or agates. You may also see some landmarks and attractions that showcase the history and culture of the area.
2: Sea glass crafts and jewelry
Another way to use your sea glass finds is to turn them into beautiful crafts and jewelry. Sea glass crafts and jewelry are not only fun to make but also make great gifts and decorations.
There are many ways to make seaglass crafts and jewelry, depending on your skill level and preference. Here are some of the most common methods:
Wire wrapping:
Wire wrapping is a popular method for creating seaglass jewelry because it allows for much flexibility and variation in design. You can use different types of wire, such as copper, silver, or gold, to wrap around your seaglass pieces and create pendants, earrings, bracelets, rings, and more.
To wire-wrap sea glass, you will need some essential tools, such as wire cutters, round nose pliers, flat nose pliers, and a wire gauge. You can find a step-by-step guide to wire-wrapping sea glass.
Stringing:
Stringing is a simple and easy method for creating sea glass jewelry, such as necklaces and bracelets. Use stringing materials like cord, leather, silk, or nylon to thread your sea glass pieces and make various patterns and styles. Add beads, knots, or clasps to your stringing sea glass jewelry.
Drilling at Glass Beach:
Drilling is a more advanced method for creating sea glass jewelry, requiring a unique tool and some practice. Drilling allows you to make holes in your sea glass pieces, which you can then use to attach them to other components, such as jump rings, chains, or ear wires.
Drilling gives you more options for creating different shapes and designs with your sea glass pieces. You will need a rotary tool, such as a Dremel, a diamond-coated drill bit, and safety goggles to drill sea glass.
Gluing:
Gluing is another simple and easy method for creating glass crafts and jewelry, especially if you have irregularly shaped or flat pieces of sea glass. Gluing allows you to attach your sea glass pieces to various bases, such as metal, wood, or glass, to create pendants, earrings, magnets, coasters, or other items.
What to see at Glass Beach, Port Townsend
1: The scenery and wildlife
One of the attractions of Glass Beach, Port Townsend, is the scenery and wildlife you can enjoy while exploring the beach. The beach offers stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Whidbey Island, and the San Juan Islands.
You can also see the Olympic Mountains and the Cascade Range on a clear day. The beach is also home to various wildlife inhabiting the shore and the water. You may encounter birds like seagulls, crows, eagles, herons, and sandpipers.
You may also spot marine animals like seals, sea lions, otters, dolphins, whales, and fish. You may even find crabs, starfish, or sea anemones among the rocks and shells. The beach is a great place to observe and appreciate the diversity and abundance of nature.
Do not approach or chase any marine mammals, as they are protected by law and may feel threatened. Keep a safe distance and use binoculars or a camera to admire them.
2: The history and culture
Glass Beach, Port Townsend, is not only a place of natural beauty but also a place of historical and cultural significance. The beach reflects the past and present of Port Townsend, a town that was once a bustling seaport and is now a bohemian paradise.
The history of Glass Beach dates back to the late 1800s when Port Townsend was a thriving port city and a gateway to the Pacific Northwest. The town was home to merchants, sailors, immigrants, and adventurers who brought goods, ideas, and cultures worldwide.
Port Townsend was also a strategic military site, with forts and batteries guarding the entrance to Puget Sound. The town was full of grand Victorian buildings and ambitious plans for the future.
However, Port Townsend’s fortunes changed in the early 1900s when the railroad bypassed the town, and the economic depression hit hard. The city became isolated and forgotten, and many of its residents and businesses left.
The trash remained hidden until the 1960s when the town decided to clean up the beach and restore its natural beauty. The city removed most of the garbage, but some were too deep or difficult to reach. The waves continued to wash up the remaining trash, especially the glass pieces, and over time, they smoothed and frosted them into sea glass.
The sea glass became a treasure for beachcombers, who came to the beach to hunt for the colorful and unique pieces. The sea glass symbolizes the town’s resilience and creativity, transforming something ugly and unwanted into beautiful and valuable.
Where to Eat at Glass Beach, Port Townsend?
Many restaurants near Glass Beach and Port Townsend offer a variety of cuisines and atmospheres. Here are some of the most popular and highly rated ones:
Hudson Point Cafe:
This cozy and casual cafe serves American and international dishes, such as burgers, sandwiches, salads, pasta, and seafood. It also offers a great view of the marina and the water. It is open for breakfast and lunch at 130 Hudson St.
Silverwater Cafe:
This elegant and contemporary restaurant specializes in seafood, such as salmon, crab, scallops, and oysters. It offers other options, such as steak, chicken, pizza, and vegetarian dishes. It is open for lunch and dinner at 237 Taylor St.
The Oystercatcher:
This intimate and rustic restaurant features local and organic ingredients, such as oysters, cheese, bread, and produce. It also has a rotating menu that changes with the seasons and the availability of the products. It is open for lunch and dinner at 901 Water St.
Conclusion
You’ve discovered how to find and collect sea glass, turn your sea glass finds into beautiful crafts and jewelry, and explore the scenery, wildlife, history, and culture of this fantastic place. Now it’s time to pack your bags and head to Glass Beach, Port Townsend, for an unforgettable adventure. Are you ready?
