Top spots for a seashell treasure hunt on the Gulf Coast

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Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, seashells, beaches
Photo via Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

Shell hunting on the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is always an adventure. No matter when you decide to hit the beach for we’re sharing some top spots and tips for a shellabratory treasure hunt. 

Top spots to shell in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

seashell
Happy as a clam. Photo via Aleksandra Khoroshykh/Unsplash

First things first. You have to know where to go if you’re going to go on a seashell hunt. Here are the top four spots to find wow-worthy seashells in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach:

1. Alabama Point

At Perdido Pass Bridge in Orange Beach, you’ll discover 6,000 feet of coastline. You know what that means don’t you? Beaucoups of space to roam for seashells! 

Visit at 27853 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561.

2. Gulf State Park Beach

This Gulf Shores spot is one of my favorites, especially when going on a shell hunt. With a 2.5-mile stretch of beach and minimal crowding, it’s perfect for a shelling excursion. 

Visit at 22250 East Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542.

3. Fort Morgan Beaches

Seeking a variety of seashells? I have just the spot—the beaches at Fort Morgan. Here you’ll find a treasure trove of endless colors, shapes and sizes. 

Visit at Fort Morgan Road, Gulf Shores, AL 36542.

4. West Beach at Little Lagoon Pass

Known as a haven for fishermen, mollusks and crustaceans are attracted to the area, which means it’s also a paradise for shellers like you. 

Visit at 1660 West Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542.

Types of shells ready to be discovered

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, seashells
The number of shells you will find at the beach is endless. Photo via Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

How many times have you been roaming the beach and thought wow, I wonder what kind of shell this is? For me, it happens quite often. Especially when my daughter asks me this very question and I wish I were smart enough to know the answer without a quick Google search.

So here are just a few of the many shell types you may discover along the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach:

  • Auger
  • Common Egg Cockle
  • Coral
  • Giant Cockle
  • Moon Snail
  • Sand Dollar
  • Surf Clam

The ideal time to go shelling for seashells in Gulf Shores + Orange Beach

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, seashells, beaches
Photo via Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

While there’s no shortage of shells on the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach (shell yeah!), there are some key times of day when shelling is at its peak.

Here are some key times:

  • At sunrise when daily tide changes have caused new shells to wash up on shore.
  • During low tide when shells are easily visible.
  • After a period of rough waters or after a storm when large amounts of shells are often moved to shore. 

Important shelling tips

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, seashells
Treasures await you in on the beaches of Gulf Shores. Photo via Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

Before you head to the beach for a day of shelling, keep these important tips in mind:

  • Only take shells that are washed up on shore and are no longer inhabited by sea life.
  • Avoid removing shells from the surf.
  • Collect conservatively and don’t disturb the habitat as you make your way through.
  • Understand local rules and regulations, especially if you are shelling in a state or natural park. 

Following these tips help maintain the ecosystem and protect local marine life, so be a responsible sheller. 

Ready for an amazing shelling experience? Before you grab that bucket, learn more about what Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism has to offer. Visit their website and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

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