If there’s one thing Floridians cherish the most, it’s our gorgeous coastline, bordering nearly our entire state with over 1,000 miles of sun-kissed shores and stunning ocean views. Some of our fondest memories happen at the beach, whether it’s engaging in friendly athletic competition with our friends or families, or a solo sunrise session for those mornings we push ourselves to wake up early. No matter the season, one of the most consistent charms found and collected among all Florida beaches are seashells.
Thanks to their abundance, seashells are common decoration in many coastal homes. They not only add a natural touch to your space, but collecting them is also a fun and fulfilling hobby. Finding a perfectly intact, smooth conch or scallop shell can put a smile on anyone’s face, no matter age.
This hobby can feel like a real accomplishment at times – if done right. It is also a budget-friendly activity to do with the whole family. To find the best shells, you’ll need to get acquainted with the best practices to become the ultimate beachcomber.
Where you’ll find the best shells
From years of visiting every beach in Florida, Michael Warren, an accomplished photographer and writer in Florida, outlined a handful of the best cities for seashell hunting and collecting. This list takes variety and abundance of shells into consideration:
- Sanibel & Captiva Islands
- Cedar Key
- Panama City Beach
- Little Talbot Island State Park, just south of Amelia Island
- Venice Beach
- Fernandina Beach
When and how to start your search
Summer seemingly lasts forever in our state. But did you know that winter is actually the best season to go shelling? According to Warren, your best beachcombing will most likely be between December and March. It is also good during low-tide and after storms, as many treasures tend to wash up on the shoreline.
But what, exactly, should you be looking for? Most Floridians know the basics – what a conch looks like (and that it mimics the sound of the ocean when you hold it to your ear) and that a sand dollars are considered lucky. But many may not know that most shells belong to past mollusks and fall under two main classes. FloridaPanhandle.com, the most authoritative source for all things recreational and leisure in the Florida Panhandle, outlines gastropods and bivalves as the two dominating types of shell found on our shores. Gastropods are typically made up of one shell with a spiraled design (like a classic conch). Bivalves consist of two clam-shaped shells joined together at the base.
You can find many more seashell varieties within these two classes. But with this basic information, one can begin their search and know exactly what they’re looking for.
Rules and regulations for seashell collecting
Before you embark on your shelling journey, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission advises against certain practices and has a few regulations that beachgoers must follow before beginning. Check with each individual beach policy, and keep the universal rule in mind: Never collect coral. This is a nationally protected species. And if it’s alive, it needs to return home.
Starting a new family tradition of seashell collecting can form memories that will be cherished forever, and learning what you can on the subject can make all the difference. Happy hunting!
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