If you love searching for seashells, Florida is basically your dream come true.
With miles of sandy coastline, this state is packed with beaches where you can score everything from shiny coquinas to giant conchs.
Some spots have so many shells, you’ll feel like you’re walking on a crunchy, colorful treasure chest.
But not all beaches are created equal, some are way better than others for beachcombing, and we’re only talking about the really good ones.
Think quiet islands, stretches of sand with zero crowds, and secret spots where rare shells actually show up.
Grab a shell bag and get ready because these 8 beaches are where the real shelling magic happens.
1. Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is just off the southwest coast of Florida, about 40 minutes from Fort Myers, and it’s basically seashell heaven.
It’s famous for having over 250 types of shells that wash up on its shores thanks to the island’s unique shape.
You can hit up Bowman’s Beach for quiet shell-hunting or Lighthouse Beach Park to spot the 1884 Sanibel Lighthouse while you search.
The sand is soft, the water is clear, and you’ll probably end up doing the “Sanibel Stoop” (aka bending over to grab shells) all day.
2. Amelia Island
If you’re heading to Florida’s northeastern corner, Amelia Island is a beachcombing gem, just a 40-minute drive from Jacksonville.
It’s known for its 13 miles of beaches where you can find shark teeth, coquina shells, and even bits of sea glass.
Fernandina Beach is the go-to spot here, and it’s got a mix of history, pirate legends, and pastel Victorian buildings just steps from the sand.
You can also kayak or take a boat to nearby Cumberland Island in Georgia, which is home to the famous wild horses.
3. Caladesi Island State Park
Next up is Caladesi Island State Park, and the only way to get there is by boat or ferry, it’s that off-the-grid.
This barrier island sits off the coast of Dunedin and feels like one giant, untouched sandbox just waiting to be explored.
You’ll find piles of lightning whelks, conchs, and olive shells along the quiet shoreline, especially near the north end.
There’s even a 3-mile nature trail through the island’s pine forest if you need a break from all the shell-hunting (but let’s be real, you probably won’t).
4. St. George Island
St. George Island is way out in Florida’s Panhandle, and if you’re into peaceful beaches with fewer crowds, this one’s a dream.
It’s part of a 28-mile-long barrier island, and the best beachcombing is at Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park on the island’s eastern tip.
You can find scallops, sand dollars, and a variety of other shells, especially after low tide.
Plus, dolphins love to hang out just offshore, so while you’re scanning the sand, keep an eye on the waves too.
5. Captiva Island
Located right next to Sanibel, Captiva Island feels like Sanibel’s laid-back cousin with fewer crowds and just as many awesome shells.
It’s a tiny island at just 5 miles long, but the beaches are packed with shells like lion’s paws, conchs, and colorful scallops.
Turner Beach is the top spot for beachcombing, especially early in the morning before everyone else gets there.
After shell hunting, you can swing by The Bubble Room, a super unique restaurant full of Christmas lights, vintage toys, and giant cake slices the size of your face.
6. Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach brings a totally different vibe—it’s fun, buzzy, and only about an hour from Orlando.
This is a great spot for finding shells, with conch, scallop, whelks, and sand dollars being the most common in Cocoa.
It’s also one of the best places to watch a rocket launch from Kennedy Space Center while you’re digging through the sand for treasures.
And if you need a break from shelling, the Cocoa Beach Pier has seafood snacks, souvenir shops, and front-row views of the waves.
7. Shell Key Preserve
If you’re up for a little adventure, Shell Key Preserve near St. Pete Beach is a shell lover’s dream that feels totally wild and untouched.
You can only get there by kayak, boat or ferry, which keeps the crowds low, and you might find conchs, olives, or even sand dollars along the shore.
There are no restrooms, no snack bars, and no buildings—just you, the shells, and miles of quiet shoreline to explore.
Pro tip: head out early and bring a shell bag, because you’re definitely not leaving this place empty-handed.
8. Marco Island
Last but definitely not least, Marco Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast is a total hotspot for shelling with bonus ocean views that go on forever.
Tigertail Beach is the best place to start.
Walk across the tidal lagoon and you’ll hit a stretch of sand where you can find lightning whelks, tulip shells, and, if you’re lucky, even a rare junonia.
The island’s strong tides and currents keep the shoreline fresh with new treasures, especially after a storm rolls through.
And when you’re done scooping up shells, you can rent a paddleboard, look out for wildlife, or just kick back and relax on the beach.
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