15 Beaches Where You Can Find The Best Shells
From sand dollars and coquinas to cockles and conchs, looking for seashells can be a magical experience. The best time to find seashells is in the morning or at low tide when more of the beach is exposed. The big secret to finding seashells is that not all beaches are created equal. Today, we’re going to let you in on the secret and tell you which beaches are the best for shelling.
Creole Nature Trail, Louisiana
The secluded beaches of the Creole Nature Trail, including Holly Beach, are ideal for shelling enthusiasts. With minimal development, these peaceful shores offer treasures like whelks, skate egg cases, angel wings, and colorful sea glass. The clear waters and white sands create a perfect environment for finding unique shells and coastal gems, making it a must-visit for beachcombers.
Pawley’s Island, South Carolina
Pawley’s Island offers beautiful, undeveloped beaches perfect for finding jingle shells, lettered olives, and banded tulip shells. Just a short distance away, Myrtle Beach State Park spans 312 acres, providing ample opportunities to explore the expansive Grand Strand coast and discover even more shelling treasures.
Padre Island National Seashore, Corpus Christi, Texas
The Padre Island National Seashore in Texas offers 70 miles of undeveloped coastline, making it the longest barrier island in the world. Little Shell and Big Shell beaches are prime spots for shelling, where you can find cockles, quahogs, and coquinas. Big Shell Beach is especially known for its smooth, polished shells, a result of ocean currents that wash up millions of tiny treasures in diverse shapes and colors.
Sanibel Island, Florida
Sanibel Island is renowned for its abundance of shells, with collectors often spotted in the iconic “Sanibel stoop” as they search for cockles, whelks, and moon snails. For even more shelling opportunities, cross over to Captiva Island. Take a break from your hunt at the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, where you can explore fascinating shells collected by others from the area’s beaches.