A sea glass island somewhere in USA?

Spectacle Island Glass Shards

Spectacle Island Glass Shards

Photo by eedrummer


There is an island in the US that you can see all the sea glass you want BUT can't take any?????


Additional Information on Spectacle Island from Readers' Comments


Oct 15, 2011
    National Park
by: Annie

The glass on Spectacle Island in Boston MA, is not allowed to be taken because Spectacle Island is controlled by the National Park Service.

Removing anything "natural" from a National Park is considered a federal offense and is punishable by law.

Spectacle Island actually has signs posted and rangers monitoring the beaches. :(

I got into a conversation once with a ranger about how sea glass was originally man-made and therefore how could it be considered natural when it's basically trash that nature has thrown around for a while? (I'm an avid collector).

The consensus also seems to be that the glass and pottery on the island is very old (back to 16-1700's), considered to be of historical significance, and they want you to leave it there for future generations to enjoy.

I believe Glass Beach in CA has the same rules. Still, it does kinda suck.


Sep 02, 2011
    Spectacle Island seaglass
by: Pookie

The island used to be a city dump.

Then they covered it with dirt and grew grass and trees.

The glass comes out of the ground when it rains and washes out into the harbor and back again onto the island.


Jun 23, 2011
    Spectacle Island
by: Anonymous

I might add that the photos I have seen of Spectacle Island show very poor quality sea glass. It is hardly tumbled at all and barely frosted.

It is basically glass shards that have been sitting in the sand and mud for awhile.

Comments for A sea glass island somewhere in USA?

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Oct 28, 2015
 Previous comments
by: >>>

Nov 06, 2014
Good Sea glass beaches in MA
by: Anonymous

There is absolutely PLENTY of glass on the coast of MA. I have everything but orange, and yes it does wash up from old dumps.

It doesn't come from fairy dust, it needs a source.

See Where to Find Sea Glass

Finding glass is a challenge, I basically had a rock collection for the first year.

Hint< night time, low tide, flashlight at least 180 lumens. Patience and perseverance.


Aug 06, 2014
I don't get it
by: Anonymous

Why can't we take sea glass it's basically just litter am I right?

I understand that it's a national park beach but still really people kids just want souvineirs. I just really don't understand.


Aug 31, 2013
No photos?
by: Diana B.

Did you take any pics of the glass there?

With different opinions as to the glass, I would like to see some actual photos of supposedly well-rounded sea glass on Spectacle Island.

Seeing is believing :-)


Aug 04, 2013
went there last week!
by: Anonymous

The pictures from Spectacle Island that I've seen are all pretty terrible.

I went there last week. I saw every color if the rainbow in sea glass.

About three quarters if the glass thee is well rounded.

This place is in Boston harbor, and a fifteen minute ferry from the central wharf, close to the green way.

I found everything, from green bottle stoppers in perfect condition to yellow, blue, and white fused "bonfire" glass.

It kinda accidentally feel into my pocket... Oops. definitely worth it.


Jun 23, 2011
Boston MA
by: Anonymous

Spectacle Island in Boston harbor has sea glass that you can look at and take pictures of but, NO taking the glass of the island.


Jun 10, 2011
Horror Film (insert the voice of the guy that does intros)
by: K. Johnson

Sounds like an intro to a glass picker's horror film... :)


Jun 02, 2011
island
by: Anonymous

is this a nightmare you are having??


Jun 02, 2011
Sea Glass Island
by: Sue

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