Discovering Florida's Hidden Treasures: The Best Beaches to Find Shells in the Sunshine State

Florida is known for its stunning beaches and crystal clear waters, but did you know that it is also a great place for shell hunting? With over 1,350 miles of coastline, Florida has some of the most diverse and abundant collections of shells in the world. Whether you're a serious collector or just enjoy strolling along the beach, here are some of the best beaches in Florida to find shells

1. Fort De Soto Park

Located in Pinellas County, Fort De Soto Park has over seven miles of beaches with plenty of opportunities for shelling. This park is also known for its historic fort, fishing piers, and camping facilities. Get there early in the morning to find the best shells.

Address:

Fort De Soto Park

3500 Pinellas Bayway S.

Tierra Verde, FL 33715

2. Sand Key Park

Just a few miles south of Clearwater Beach, Sand Key Park has a wide beach and plenty of shells to discover. It also has a nature trail and playgrounds for families to enjoy.

Address:

Sand Key Park

1060 Gulf Blvd

 Clearwater, FL

3. Boca Grande 

Boca Grande is a small town on Gasparilla Island, located on the Gulf Coast of Florida. This quiet beach is a great spot to find rare shells, especially during low tide.

Address:

Port Boca Grande Lighthouse

880 Belcher Rd

 Boca Grande FL 33921

4. Tigertail Beach 

Located on Marco Island, Tigertail Beach is a popular spot for shelling. It also has a lagoon for swimming and kayaking, as well as a playground and picnic area.

 Address:

Tigertail Beach

430 Hernando Dr

 Marco Island, FL 34145

5. Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island is considered by many to be the "shelling capital" of the world. This Gulf Coast Island has over 15 miles of beaches and is home to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum.

Address:

Sanibel Island

Periwinkle Way

Sanibel, FL 33957

6. St. Andrews State Park

Located in Panama City Beach, St. Andrews State Park has a beautiful beach with plenty of shells to collect. It also has a nature trail and fishing opportunities.

Address:

St. Andrews State Park

4607 State Park Ln

 Panama City Beach, FL 32408

7. St. George Island

St. George Island is a barrier island located in the Florida Panhandle. This quiet beach is a great spot for shelling, and you can also explore the nearby state park and lighthouse.

Address:

St George Island State Park

1900 E Gulf Beach Dr

 St George Island, FL 32328

8. T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park

Located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, this state park has miles of white sandy beaches and is a popular spot for shelling. It also has camping facilities and hiking trails.

Address:

T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park

8899 Cape San Blas Rd

 Port St Joe, FL 32456

9. Mexico Beach

Mexico Beach is a small town located on the Gulf Coast of Florida. This quiet beach is a great spot for shelling, especially after a storm.

Address:

Driftwood Inn

2105 US-98

 Mexico Beach, FL 32456

10. Cayo Costa Island

Cayo Costa Island is a barrier island located off the coast of southwest Florida. This secluded beach is a great spot to find rare shells, and you can also camp and hike on the island.

Physical Address:

4 Nautical Miles West of Pine Island (26.685789, -82.245381)

Cayo Costa, FL 33922

11. Honeymoon Island

Located near Dunedin, Honeymoon Island has a wide beach with plenty of shells to discover. It also has a nature trail and picnic areas for you to enjoy.

Address:

Honeymoon Island

1 Causeway Blvd

Dunedin, FL 3469

12. St Augustine

St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States and has a beautiful beach with plenty of shells to collect. You can also explore the historic downtown area and nearby attractions.

Address:

Ocean Sands Beach Inn

3465 Coastal Hwy

 St. Augustine, FL 32084

13. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

Located in Palm Beach County, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park has a beautiful beach and plenty of shells to discover. It also has hiking trails and a nature center.

Address:

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

10900 Jack Nicklaus Dr

 North Palm Beach, FL 33408

14. Little Talbot Island State Park

Located near Jacksonville, Little Talbot Island State Park has a wide beach and plenty of shells to collect. You can also explore the nearby nature trails and marshes.

Address:

Little Talbot Island State Park

12157 Heckscher Dr

 Jacksonville, FL 32226

15. Stump Pass Beach State Park

Located in Charlotte County, Stump Pass Beach State Park has a secluded beach and plenty of shells to discover. It also has hiking trails and fishing opportunities.

Address:

Stump Pass Beach State Park

900 Gulf Blvd

 Englewood, FL 34223

Happy Shelling!

       Sherri

Discover the Hidden Gem of Naples, Florida: Exploring the Beauty and Adventure of Tigertail Beach

If you're looking for a stunning beach experience in Naples, Florida, Tigertail Beach is the place to go. This hidden gem offers a pristine white-sand beach, a lagoon, and an abundance of wildlife that is sure to impress visitors of all ages.

Getting to Tigertail Beach is easy, as it's located just off Collier Boulevard, which is the main road that runs through Naples. Once you arrive, you'll find plenty of parking spaces, although it can get crowded during peak season.

As you make your way towards the beach, you'll cross a boardwalk that takes you to the lagoon. This is an excellent spot to see a wide variety of birds, such as herons, egrets, and even bald eagles. You can also rent kayaks and paddleboards to explore the lagoon on your own.

Once you reach the beach, you'll be greeted by miles of pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters. The beach is relatively secluded and is perfect for those who want to relax and soak up the sun without the crowds.

One of the unique features of Tigertail Beach is the tidal lagoon that is located behind the beach. This lagoon is separated from the Gulf of Mexico by a sandbar and is perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. The water in the lagoon is warm and shallow, making it an excellent spot for families with small children.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can take a walk along the sandbar that separates the lagoon from the Gulf of Mexico. This sandbar is a popular spot for shell collecting, and you'll find a wide variety of shells that have washed up on the shore.

There are plenty of amenities available at Tigertail Beach, including restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and grills. There's also a concession stand that serves snacks and cold drinks.

Overall, Tigertail Beach is an excellent spot for those who want to enjoy the beauty of Naples' natural environment without the crowds. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the lagoon, or go bird watching, Tigertail Beach has something for everyone. So, if you're planning a trip to Naples, be sure to put Tigertail Beach on your list of must-visit attractions.

Location:

Tigertail Beach is located on Marco Island in southern Naples. It is a hour (57 miles) drive from the Fort Myers/ Sanibel Island area and a 2 hour drive (110 miles) from Miami.

Address:

430 Hernando Dr
 Marco Island, FL 34145

Enjoy Your Visit!

       Sherri