If you’ve ever dreamed of finding a real shark tooth in the sand, Florida is the place to make it happen.
From ancient megalodon teeth to tiny fossilized finds, the Sunshine State is basically a giant treasure chest just waiting to be explored.
All you need is a sifter, some sunscreen, and a sense of adventure as this road trip will take you straight to the best beaches for scoring serious shark tooth loot.
We’re talking quiet hidden spots, famous fossil zones, and a few surprises along the way… ready to find out where they are?
1. Fort Clinch State Park
Fort Clinch State Park is way up in northeast Florida on Amelia Island, near the Georgia border.
It’s known for its super well-preserved 19th century brick fortress, where you can explore tunnels, climb the watchtowers, and even catch reenactors in full Civil War gear.
The park also has 3 miles of beach where visitors often search for shark teeth, especially after storms or low tide so bring a sifter and keep your eyes peeled.
You can also bike under mossy oak trees, stroll the short Willow Pond Nature Trail, and maybe even spot a gopher tortoise or two.
2. Mickler’s Landing
A little over an hour from the fort, Mickler’s Landing in Ponte Vedra Beach is a totally different vibe but still a total shark tooth hotspot.
This pink-toned coquina sand beach is famous for being the go-to spot to score black fossilized shark teeth, with access via a wooden boardwalk over the dunes.
It’s super easy to get to, with free parking, restrooms, and even beach showers, so you can dig through the sand and rinse off after your treasure hunt.
Plus, it’s right near some fancy beachfront mansions, so you’ll be hunting fossils with stunning oceanfront views.
3. Vilano Beach
Next up is Vilano Beach, just 10 minutes from downtown St. Augustine, and yep—it’s another shark tooth goldmine.
This stretch of shoreline is a popular spot for shark tooth hunting, where the black fossilized teeth often stand out among the shells.
There’s a fun retro vibe with a cool tiled fountain at the entrance, plus you can even drive your car in designated sections of the beach.
Stick around for sunset too, Vilano’s got some seriously photo-worthy views over the water and the St. Augustine skyline.
4. Venice Beach
Now let’s head way down the Gulf Coast to Venice Beach, aka the Shark Tooth Capital of the World.
This beach is famous for its abundance of fossilized shark teeth, just chilling in the sand like it’s no big deal.
There’s even an annual Shark’s Tooth Festival here, plus you can buy sifters and scoops from nearby shops if you forgot to bring your own.
Make sure to check out the Venice Fishing Pier too which is a great spot for dolphin watching and grabbing fish tacos at Sharky’s on the Pier.
5. Caspersen Beach
Just a few minutes south of Venice Beach, Caspersen Beach is wilder, quieter, and hands-down one of the best places to score shark teeth.
The beach here is more natural and rocky, so it doesn’t get as crowded and that means more fossils for you.
There’s a paved walking trail and boardwalks through coastal hammocks if you need a break from sifting sand.
Pro tip: hit the spot where the current pushes up fossils, you might just find some larger shark teeth if luck’s on your side.
6. Manasota Key Beach
About a 25-minute drive south, you’ll reach Manasota Key Beach, a laid-back local favorite that’s packed with shells and shark teeth.
This beach is super chill, with soft white sand, clear blue water, and way fewer crowds than its bigger-name neighbors.
There’s free parking, picnic tables, and even shady spots under sea grape trees which are perfect for taking a break between treasure hunts.
Shark teeth often show up along the shoreline, so bring a scoop and get ready to dig through shell piles like a pro.
7. Stump Pass Beach State Park
At the southern tip of Manasota Key, Stump Pass Beach State Park feels like your own secret shark tooth island.
It’s a narrow stretch of beach with minimal development—just sand, surf, some driftwood, and ancient teeth waiting to be found.
You can hike the trail through mangroves and dunes, kayak through calm waters, or beachcomb along the shore where fossils wash up daily.
Since there’s limited parking, getting here early is key but the peaceful vibe and prime tooth-hunting totally make it worth it.
8. Juno Beach
Now swing over to Florida’s Atlantic Coast and hit up Juno Beach, where you can find shark teeth and sea turtles, too.
This beach is known for its long pier, turquoise water, and sandy stretches that are perfect for sifting up smaller, darker shark teeth.
It’s also a nesting spot for loggerhead turtles, so if you visit during summer, you might catch a sunrise patrol checking nests (how cool is that?).
Grab a snack at a nearby café, then head back to the shoreline as the best tooth finds here are usually along the sand, especially after storms.
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