Davenport Sea Glass

I am blessed to live right up Hwy 1 from one of the greatest sea glass beaches in the world, Davenport, California. The story of Davenport Sea Glass is amazing. A glass artist James Lundberg started a glass studio in the sleepy little town of Davenport, California. Davenport is a wide spot in the road, blink and you’ll miss it, just north of Santa Cruz. Lundberg was a phenomenal glass artist and as many glass blowers do, he put all his tailings and end of project glass in containers on the deck of his studio. and one winter 50 years ago a rare California El Nino storm had the San Vicente Creek, which bordered Lundbergs studio, over flow its banks and wash away the containers with all th Lundberg glass ends down the creek and out to the Pacific Ocean. And the ocean did its thing and around 2000 surfers started seeing amazing sea glass. this wasn’t your normal bottle glass, this was a whole new level of sea glass. Though is was alot easier to find sea glass at Davenport 5 years or more ago, you can still find a piece here and there. It is a dangerous beach, you must watch the tides. And unfortunately you also will contend with crazy folks who will do anything for a piece of glass including knocking you down.

The studio is still there, the beach is beautiful and there are some good eats in Davenport. OK, there’s only 2 places to eat but they are pretty good.. A glass artist James Lundberg started a glass studio in the sleepy little town of Davenport, California. Davenport is a wide spot in the road, blink and you’ll miss it, just north of Santa Cruz. Lundberg was a phenomenal glass artist and as many glass blowers do, he put all his tailings and end of project glass in containers on the deck of his studio. and one winter 50 years ago a rare California El Nino storm had the San Vicente Creek, which bordered Lundberg’s studio, over flow its banks and wash away the containers with all the Lundberg glass ends down the creek and out to the Pacific Ocean. And the ocean did its thing and around 2000 surfers started seeing amazing sea glass. This wasn’t your normal bottle glass, this was a whole new level of sea glass. Although it was alot easier to find sea glass at Davenport 5 years or more ago, you can still find a piece here and there. It is a dangerous beach, you must watch the tides. And unfortunately you also will contend with crazy folks who will do anything for a piece of glass, including knocking you down.

The studio is still there, the beach is beautiful and there are some good eats in Davenport. OK, there’s only 2 places to eat but they are pretty good. Davenport sea glass commands crazy out of control prices, a little over the top actually and because of this there are folks manufacturing Davenport glass. I am lucky to have a good collection so I won’t get caught up in “is it fake?” mess. But there is no denying it, Davenport glass is amazing. You’ll jut have to see for yourself.

Beach Glass Beaches

A REALLY good day at Linda Mar beach in Pacifica, CA

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Fort Bragg

Glass Beach-Heading north on Hwy 1 thru Fort Bragg and at the end of town turn left on Elm Drive and drive to the end. There is a parking area to the right. Walk down long walk-to the right is blackberry vines to the left is a big old lumber yard which is fenced off. At the end of the walk there are beaches to the left and right with beach glass. To reach the famous “glass beach” proceed to the left, right after the path ends along the chain link fence until you reach an impassable area-look down to the left and you should see a small beach that appears to be whitish. It is completely covered with sea glass. The beach is reachable by climbing down the small cliff.

To reach the more southern beaches you must climb out of the “glass beach” and proceed down the bluff (this is a no trespassing area so do so at your own risk). There are multiple beaches with beach glass and to reach them just find an easy way down. Don’t forget you must come back up. Also this is still McKericher State Park and removing any object is not allowed. Dogs must be on a leash.

 

Pacifica

Linda Mar State Beach: there is beach glass here at the north end of the beach. Look for it among the small rocks that the tide washes up. There used to be more and it was nonexistent during the summer but big waves and storms have brought some back. You must pay to park at this beach. Dogs must be leashed.

Mussel Rock: Park at the parking lot just past the Recology Transfer Station off Palmetto Blvd. There are several walking paths but stay on the highest/east trail until it ends. At that point you are looking down at a small beach. There is a small cliff face to negotiate. I haven’t been there for several years but it wasn’t too hard. There was quite a bit of good beach glass there. Not safe for dogs-there have been coyote sighting and reports of attacks, most likely due to the proximity of the dump.

Half Moon Bay

Redondo Beach: This beach is just south of Half Moon Bay. There is a sign for the beach. Proceed down the road and there is a dirt parking area on the left. Proceed north (right out of the parking are) to the 3rd cliff gully. That is the easiest way down. The beach is long and may connect with a beach to the north. The Ritz is on the south. The beach has a lot of beach glass, great rocks, good other types of beach combing as well. A dog friendly off leash beach.

Benicia

A glass beach is located in the bay, so much of the sea glass is not too frosty. The lack of water movement is not conducive to creating the more beautiful thicker shards of sea glass.

To find Benicia Glass Beach, follow the West Sixth Street to Cove Way and go left to Elane Way. Follow public access sign to the water. Plan to go a few hours before low tide. Wear good shoes; much of the glass may have sharp edges.

DOWN THE CALIFORNIA COAST

Bean Hollow

Reports of beach glass here but personally haven’t located any in 2 tries.

Davenport

The town of Davenport is just a few miles north of Santa Cruz. If you’re looking for multicolored sea glass shards, Davenport is the best place to find these brilliant shards in Northern California.

The source of the multicolored sea glass in Davenport comes from the broken glass that had been dumped into the Vicente Creek that flows into the ocean by Lundberg Studios, a glass company that specializes in multicolored blown glass.

If you’re going to go to Davenport Beach, be sure to go an hour or two before low tide. Going before the first low tide after a storm will increase your odds of finding sea glass.

The town of Davenport is just a few miles north of Santa Cruz. If you’re looking for multicolored sea glass shards, Davenport is the best place to find these brilliant shards in Northern California.

The source of the multicolored sea glass in Davenport comes from the broken glass that had been dumped into the Vicente Creek that flows into the ocean by Lundberg Studios, a glass company that specializes in multicolored blown glass.

If you’re going to go to Davenport Beach, be sure to go an hour or two before low tide. Going before the first low tide after a storm will increase your odds of finding sea glass.

Happy sea glass hunting!

Gail