Shelling is a big part of Florida culture. There are even shell museums, shelling tours, and shell shops selling shells of all kinds. But there's nothing better for a shelling enthusiast than simply visiting a beach and finding their own specimens. There are countless beaches along the long coastline of the Sunshine State, and some are much better for shelling than others.
Honeymoon Island
Honeymoon Island, located just a short ways away from Tampa, provides an escape from bustling city life for both tourists and locals alike. Over four miles of beach at one of the most loved state parks of Florida offer plenty of room for fun in the sand. Bicycling, hiking, shelling, fishing, and swimming are popular recreation activities at Honeymoon Island. The state park also features a nature center, where visitors can learn about the natural resources and history of Honeymoon Island, and a trail approximately three miles in length through some of the few virgin slash pine forests that still exist.
1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698
Captiva Island
Just north of Sanibel Island sits the long, slender Captiva Island. Captiva and Sanibel were once the same island but got split up in the 1920s after a bad hurricane hit the area. Now, Captiva Island is one of the top shelling destinations in Florida, with countless shells being washed up on the sands all around this island throughout the year. The best time to look for shells at Captiva Island is after a storm.
Marco Island
Just a little drive away from the beautiful coastal city of Naples, Marco Island offers some super shelling opportunities in the Sunshine State. One of the best beaches for shell collecting on this little island is Tigertail, which is situated on the northern part of Marco Island and also features several amenities and even a play area for children.
Cayo Costa
If you're looking to do some shelling in Florida, Cayo Costa is a must-visit location, but you'll need to be prepared as it's not actually possible to get to this beach by foot or car. Cayo Costa, located near Captiva and Sanibel, is only accessible by car but is one of the most pristine spots in all of Florida and is consistently filled with gorgeous, untouched shells just waiting to be plucked from the sand. Due to the difficult accessibility of this location, it never gets too crowded, so you can have the place to yourself if you choose the right times.
Venice Beach
Not far from the city of Sarasota, Venice Beach is a very unique shelling spot. Why? Well, this beach is actually one of the best places in all of Florida to search for fossilized shark teeth. Plenty of pretty, colorful shells can also be found at this location, which offers gorgeous views of the Gulf of Mexico. Try looking near the pier for the best shelling results.
Jupiter Island
If you're looking to do some shelling on the Atlantic Coast of Florida, Jupiter Island is a great place to be. Not far from West Palm Beach, Jupiter comes with an entry fee that goes towards the conservation of this beautiful beach. More than 200 different kinds of shells have been found on this beach.
Naples Beach
Naples beach is best known as a gathering spot for locals and residents to surf, sunbathe, and watch the sunset, but it's not a bad spot for shelling either. The fishing pier is a good spot to look for shells, and you can find some real gems at low tide.
Sanibel Island
This is unquestionably the number one shelling spot in all of Florida. Ask any Floridian resident for the best beach to do some shelling, and they'll immediately tell you to take a trip to Sanibel Island. Located on the Gulf Coast near Fort Myers, Sanibel is a little island that can be reached by a causeway and is well-known for its wildlife and lighthouse, along with its soft, welcoming beaches. Hundreds of different types of shells have been found at Sanibel over the years, with the gentle waters just off the coast providing the perfect conditions to keep the shells as shiny and damage-free as possible.
Barefoot Beach State Preserve
Barefoot Beach State Preserve is one of the top rated beaches in the United States and encompasses more than 340 acres of land. One of southwest coastal Florida's last undeveloped barrier islands, the preserve is home to many different animals, such as various species of sea turtles and the gopher tortoise. While the white sand at Barefoot Beach Preserve is soft, it's advised for visitors to wear shoes due to the plentiful shells that can be sharp. In addition to the natural beach, the park also consists of estuary waters for kayaking and canoe tours and a boardwalk nature trail.
505 Barefoot Beach Blvd, Bonita Springs, FL
Amelia Island
While Amelia Island is only around thirty miles from Jacksonville, it feels worlds apart. Horseback riding is possible at the Amelia Island State Park beach at the south end, while beachcombers can find shells and shark’s teeth at Fort Clinch. Families often head to Main Beach for its beach dining, oceanfront miniature golf, pristine beaches, and more. Main Beach also provides handicap access, as well as beach wheelchairs. The picture-perfect quartz-sand beaches of Amelia Island are the result of meticulously enforced regulations that keep them picturesque for visitors. It's also possible to see an osprey, dolphins, and possibly even a whale.
Lovers Key State Park
The land of Lovers Key State Park was donated so that its mangrove forests and beaches could be preserved for everyone to enjoy. Once secluded barrier islands that could only be reached by boat, this park has now become a popular spot for beachside weddings. Visitors can jump in a kayak and explore lagoons and canals and maybe spot shorebirds and manatee, lounge on the sandy beach, look for seashells, and possibly even spot the fin of a dolphin breaking the calm turquoise waters.
8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Little Talbot Island State Park
Little Talbot Island State Park provides a unique experience in Northeast Florida as one of the region's few remaining undeveloped barrier islands. There are three miles of trails for biking and over five miles of great beaches. There are also diverse ecosystems and untouched natural beauty to explore throughout the park. Typical of high energy coasts, Little Talbot Island State Park features rolling surf and white sand. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, hiking, fishing, surfing, and beachcombing on Little Talbot Island, as well as camping in a forest hammock or taking a winding kayak trip along the Myrtle Creek bluffs.
12157 Heckscher Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32226
Pensacola Beach
The crystal clear water, white sand beaches, and mild temperatures of Pensacola Beach attract environmentalists, fishing enthusiasts, beach lovers, and shell collectors alike. Stretching for miles along the Gulf and anchored at Florida's western tip, the barrier island offers both locals and tourists an array of coastal experiences. For beachcombers looking to add a variety of shells to their collection, the winter months are probably the best time to visit Pensacola Beach. With the beach less trafficked during this season, visitors will have longer stretches of beach possibly to themselves with plenty of space to search for seashells.
Shell Island
Shell Island features a sugar white sandy beach bordered by sparkling clear waters and is a unique chance to experience a Florida beach without distractions, as nature intended. Offering around seven miles between St. Andrew Bay and the Gulf of Mexico of “undeveloped, preserved nature that is still accessible to visitors. As the name suggests, Shell Island has countless indigenous shells, making it a great destination for any shell collectors. Other popular activities at the beach include snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and sunbathing. Several species of Florida wildlife also call Shell Island home, such as sea turtles, ghost crabs, and even deer.
Anna Maria Island
The beaches of Anna Maria Island are well known for their shells, white sand, and beauty. While visitors can spend the day swimming or lounging on the sandy beach, shell collecting is why many people come to Anna Maria Island. People travel from all across the country, and the world, to find beautiful and colorful shells to take home as souvenirs. The key beaches on the island that are particularly great for shelling are Coquina Public Beach, Bean Point, Bayfront Park, Palmetto Avenue Beach, and Manatee Public Beach. Low tide is a great time to look for shells on these beaches.
