Shelling 101: Turn Your Beach Walk into a Treasure Hunt
- Kristen Meeker
- 21 hours ago
- 3 min read
If you love collecting seashells, you'll find the uninterrupted shoreline of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the perfect place to search! We have some tips to help you make the most of your shelling adventure.
Key Points
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Right Time
You’ll find that early morning is a great time for shelling, as the best shells haven’t been picked over. Shelling is especially fruitful after a big storm or full moon, with the strong tides bringing in more shells. If you can get to the beach one hour before, or after, low tide you’ll have the most access to the fully exposed shoreline.
Right Place
You’ll discover shells at any of the local beaches, and the top spots are Huntington Beach State Park and Myrtle Beach State Park. If you’re willing to travel a little farther, try Litchfield Beach, Pawley’s Island, Cherry Grove Point, or Crescent Beach. Seashells can be found in many different beach zones, including the shoreline, any area with wet sand, beneath the top layer, mixed in with rocks, or even a few feet into the ocean.
Right Equipment
Polarized sunglasses reduce the glare from the water, which will help with spotting shells in the shallows. You may be surprised just how many shells appear just a step or two into the water!
While you can use any bag to hold your shells, a mesh one will keep your shells clean by allowing sand and water to drain away.
Always remember to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated!
Right Shells
Check for inhabitants! Make sure to leave living creatures in their natural habitat. They are beneficial for our beaches and would appreciate being returned to the water so they can keep living their best life.
Low tide is the best time to find empty, washed up shells. If you decide you don’t want a particular shell, please place it back on the sand.
And remember to explore next to sand dunes rather than on top.
Right Attitude
How many shells should you collect? How many is enough? It’s helpful to take a moment and consider how essential shells are to their sandy homes. All shells play important roles in their natural ecosystems: many creatures make their homes on top of dead shells, other creatures depend on the remains of washed up sea creatures for food, and they’re often used for camouflage and shelter.
Come Stay with Us!
We'd love to help you find your perfect shell! You can catch a ride to the beach on Grand Palm Resort's convenient beach shuttles. Check out our beach shuttle schedule here!
Click here to book your stay with us at Grand Palms Resort!
Remember!
Visit the beach at low tide
Look all around the beach area - not just at the edge of the water
Bring polarized sunglasses and mesh bags
Leave living creatures where they are
Consider how many creatures rely on shells for survival
Kristen Meeker
(She/her)
Kristen spent her childhood on the Grand Strand. She studied English and editing in college, spent time in Appalachia and currently lives in the Pacific Northwest. Kristen enjoys quilting, reading, and traveling with her family. She makes her way back to the beach as often as she can!
