Special Float Drop Days You'll find our Float Fairies in a generous mood from time to time. Throughout the year extra glass floats are placed on Lincoln City beaches to find and keep.
Learn MoreFinders Keepers
Be on the lookout for the colorful twinkle of a hand-blown glass float when you’re exploring our beaches. As the name says, Finders Keepers!
Rediscover the magic of Finders Keepers, Lincoln City’s tradition of hiding handblown glass floats on the beach. The 2026 season returns to the heart of what makes the experience unforgettable: the simple joy of stumbling upon something beautiful on the beach.
Throughout the year, more than 3,000 artisan-made floats will be placed along Lincoln City’s seven miles of shoreline, ready to be found and treasured. Inspired by the historic Japanese fishing floats that once washed ashore, this one-of-a-kind program invites visitors to slow down, wander, and experience the coastline with a sense of wonder. Less chasing. More meaning.
Basic Rules of the Hunt
- Floats can be found above the high tide line and below the beach embankment.
- Floats are placed on the beach during daylight hours only.
- Floats are hidden throughout the day, not just at one time.
- Floats are out there every day rain or shine. On rare occasions, weather and ocean conditions can create unsafe situations. Official notice of any cancellations will be made on our social media channels and website.
- Be mindful of the environment when hunting. Be kind to the Coast.
- Floats will not be found in the beach grass.
- One float per household, per year. Spread the love!
A Few Tips and Words of Advice
- We use the term “hide” loosely; we want our treasures to be found!
- Start your hunt at public beach access points.
- Finders Keepers floats are placed at random times and locations. There is no specific drop site — even City staff don’t know where or when floats are dropped.
- The registration number is located on or near the “button” on the underside.
Float Registration
When you find a glass float, give us a call directly at 541-996-1274 or visit our registration page to register your treasure. You’ll receive a Certificate of Authenticity and information about the artist who crafted your float.
If you would rather register your float in person, stop by the Lincoln City Visitor Information Center at 801 SW Hwy 101, 4th floor Monday through Friday 8am - 5pm.
Don’t forget to share a photo on our Facebook, Instagram (@LincolnCityOR) or Twitter (@LincolnCityOR) pages and use #FindersKeepersLC.
Special Glass Float Drops
In addition to the floats placed on the beach daily, we place extra floats on the beach for holidays and special occasions. Learn more about Special Drops.
Trash For Treasures & Glass Float Drawings
Special drawings are held monthly for glass floats. Collect a bag of beach trash between Roads End and the Siletz Bay as part of Trash for Treasures. Take a picture of the full bag and upload the photo of your good deed, including your name, email, and mailing address, or bring the photo to the Lincoln City Welcome Center.
People with physical disabilities who are not able to beachcomb are also eligible to enter a monthly float drawing by visiting the Welcome Center.
The Welcome Center is located inside City Hall at 801 SW Hwy 101, 4th Floor. Stop by Monday - Friday from 8 AM - 5 PM (excluding holidays). At this time, we are only mailing to US addresses.
Learn More
Learn more about the glass artists behind the floats, or discover how it all began with the history of Finders Keepers in Lincoln City.
Finders Keepers 2026 | From Fire To Fire
Fire to Fire visually explores the two halves of every float’s story: its fiery beginning and its fateful discovery. At the center is a striking match cut, the same float seen in two worlds: once glowing and molten in the artist’s hands, and again, cool and complete, resting on the beach, waiting.
2026 Finders Keepers Poster
Available after the start of the new year
Pick up at:
Explore Lincoln City Welcome Center
801 SW Hwy 101 #401
Lincoln City, OR 97367
Finders Keepers | Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the glass floats hidden?
Glass floats are hidden anywhere on Lincoln City’s seven miles of beach—from Roads End in the north to Siletz Bay in the south. They are placed above the high tide line and below the beach embankment.
When are glass floats hidden?
Float Fairies (Lincoln City's Glass Float Volunteers) drop Finders Keepers floats throughout during daylight hours, year-round, rain or shine. There isn’t a set time, and even organizers don’t know exactly when or where they’ll be hidden.
How many glass floats are hidden each year?
Over 3,000 floats are placed annually by local “Float Fairies,” with additional extra floats during special occasions and theme drops.
Are there special float drops or themed events?
Yes — In addition to regular placements, extra floats are hidden for holidays, special occasions, and anniversary celebrations. These special drop dates can offer hundreds of bonus floats to discover.
How do I find a glass float?
Start your search at public beach access points and look above the high tide line and below the beach embankment. Floats aren’t hidden in beach grass and are intended to be found with a little persistence and luck.
What do I do once I find a float?
When you find a glass float, you can register it by calling 541-996-1274 or visiting the registration page. You’ll receive a Certificate of Authenticity and details about the artist. You can also register it in person at the Lincoln City Visitor Information Center.
Is there a limit to how many floats I can find?
Yes — to spread the joy, there is a one float per household, per year rule.
Can kids participate?
Absolutely! The glass float hunt is family-friendly and enjoyed by treasure hunters of all ages. Just be sure to stay safe and respect beach rules.
Are dogs allowed while hunting for floats?
Leashed dogs are welcome on the beach. Be respectful of other beachgoers and clean up after your pet.
What should I know about safety and beach conditions?
Floats are hidden year-round, but in unsafe weather or ocean conditions, placements may be paused. Always be mindful of tides, sneaker waves, and coastal hazards.
In This Section
Glass Artists Have you ever wondered who makes the Finders Keepers magic happen? Talented artists handcraft each and every glass float that hits the beach.
Learn More
History It all had to start somewhere. Learn about the history of the Finders Keepers program in Lincoln City.
Learn More
Top 10 Things to Do on the Beach One of the best places to begin your Lincoln City adventure is on our seven miles of soft, sandy beach.
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A Beachcombers Guide to Lincoln City Lincoln City is the epicenter for treasure hunting on the Oregon Coast.
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Family Friendly Activities in Lincoln City Pack your bags and head to the coast! Lincoln City has everything you need for a fun filled family vacation. With seven miles of oceanfront property to rent, your home base will be filled with sunsets, vast ocean views and serenity. When you rally the troops and head out to explore, here’s some of the best adventures you’ll find.
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