Sandy Point State ParkAnnapolis | Anne Arundel CountyOpen year roundWeekends: $5 per person; Winter: $3 per vehicle, Bay Front Park- Brownie BeachChesapeake Beach | Calvert CountyOpen ONLY to Chesapeake Beach residents, open year round.Free, Breezy Point Public BeachChesapeake Beach | Calvert CountyOpen year roundStarting at $6-$20/person, Calvert Cliffs State ParkLusby | Calvert CountyOpen year round$5 per vehicle, Flag Ponds Nature ParkLusby | Calvert CountyOpen year roundApril October:$5 per vehicle (in-county residents), $15 (non-residents); November- March: $5 per vehicle, Purse Park10200 Riverside Rd, Nanjemoy | Charles CountyOpen year roundFree, Point Lookout State ParkScotland | St. Marys CountyOpen Year Round, dailyMD residents: $5 per person peak season, $3 per vehicle off-season, Terrapin State Nature ParkStevensville | Queen Annes CountyOpen year roundFree, Betterton BeachBetterton | Kent CountyOpen year roundFree. Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. We chose Brownie Beach, near Chesapeake Beach in northern Calvert County, which is renowned for the fossilized shark teeth found on its shores. Or, you can bring your items in a bag or backpack. Low spring tides during full moon or new moon periods can be even better than . Wondering how to beat the winter blues, especially if budgets are tight? 6. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Tigertail Beach, Marco Island As intriguing as the name of this beach may sound, the Tigertail Beach is one of the best places to find seashells in Florida for more reasons than one. The mailbox is actually the inspiration behind Nicholas Sparks novel Every Breath. You can go swimming, fishing, and boating. Its not all about sunny days when it comes to Maryland beach places to visit. There's a nice sandy beach on the Sanibel and the Captiva side and . But, one small fix becomes a big problem for Ant as the entire engine has to be Mike finds a true unicorn of the car world: a '95 Volvo 850 T-5R, a station wagon with a racing pedigree. While exploring its pristine shoreline, youre likely to come across some amazing shell fragments like scallops, oysters, clams and mussels. I love the idea of using the shell bags when hiking. UPC: 832972481. Point Lookout State Park is a 1,079-acre county park and historic preserve at the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac Rivers tip. The best time, in general, is at low tide especially when the tides are low early in the morning. But Christmas in Annapolis proved quite different. Your prized finds here will include lion's paws, moon shells, lightning whelks, and coquinas. A stroll along one of the prettiest beaches in Maryland is perfect when you just want to feel at peace. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), 12 other most dangerous beaches in the world, guide to the best Florida beaches that locals want to keep secret, gorgeous pink sand beaches around the world, blue holes, which are one of the most stunning deep-sea sights in the world, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Amazing shells, and very different than the shells on west coast beaches! There have been piles and piles around 42nd Ave. The island is also rife with wildlife, including alligators, sea turtles, deer, goats, foxes, and lots of birds. **CLIFFS SAFETY NOTICE** With 10 miles of lifeguard-patrolled sands overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, ample bars and restaurants, and plenty of rental condos, beach houses and hotels for accommodations, Ocean City makes for an excellent getaway. There is also a kayak trail that leads to the island, which is about three miles. You have a chance to find lots of different types of shells in Florida! The tranquil waters of the Chesapeake Bay make for perfect conditions for finding interesting seashells. This entertaining ocean attraction is a huge reason why Ocean City is among the most popular beaches in Maryland. All you really need is a bag or bucket to put the shells ina separate bag for the more fragile shells is helpfuland, unless you are an expert, a good shell identification guide is a must. Thanks! Hart-Miller is accessible only via personal boat and has a 3,000-foot sandy beach for you to enjoy. Will Virginia Ever Get Its Glass Poop-Emoji Building? The Gulf of Mexico is kind to these islands, especially when it comes to the quality and variety of shells that wash ashore. Deep Creek Lake is the largest lake thats inland in the state. How do they make beef biltong? All Rights Reserved. May have to take a road trip this summer. Getting to Bird Island is easy. I found dozens of intact, unbroken, and magnificent sand dollars. Pssst: heres a guide to the best Florida beaches that locals want to keep secret. I love shelling! A full moon or new moon have the most extreme tides so this is a great time to shell. If you want fossils, head to Calvert Cliffs, which boast 30 miles of the most productive coastal fossil grounds in the entire United States. 6. Get outside and do some winter beachcombing in Maryland. A word of caution to all well-intentioned seashell gatherers: Collecting seashells from any beach may disrupt the local aquatic ecosystem (they provide homes for hermit crabs, a place for small fish to hide, and material for birds to build their nests), so its best to admire, take pictures, and then leave them in their natural habitat. Read on to learn more about this hidden gem and keep this spot in mind for a beautiful day trip full of fascinating finds. According to one successful shell hunter, Ramp 59 on the northern end of the island is a fantastic place for shelling. Search Hotels.com for the best places to stay on Bald Head Island.Search VRBO.com for the best places to stay on Bald Head Island. Shell hunting is good anywhere on Ocean Isle, but the East End is the best spot to find shells, especially if you go early in the morning at low tide. The kayak tour even takes you to a private beach for shelling, swimming, and fishing. Yorktown Beach, Yorktown, VA. Im glad you pointed out that shelling can be mentally healthy. Its awesome. The beautiful scenery and natural wildlife provide an even more enjoyable experience as you wander along its sandy shores. So if beach destinations are what youre itching to go to, theres no better place than the Free State. Sand dollars have imprinted a leaf which is so perfectly designed that at first sight seems impossible that arent manmade. Although it may be very tempting to bring some shells home with you, its actually forbidden to do so in San Blas. It even has picnic areas for when you need a break. I really havent spent time on NC beaches but boy this makes me ready to go shelling! Assateague Island National Seashore is 37 miles long. Evidence suggests aliens are hiding in the unexplored depths of the ocean. Time your excursions a few hours before low tide to a few hours after low tide. This stretch of beach, too pebbly and steep for sunning and often too windy for comfort, delivers a nice walking workout with your beachcombing. Join the group to stroll the local public beaches, then learn about the history of sea glass and beachcombing at a lecture afterward. Cunningham Falls is the largest cascading waterfall in the state and is located in the 6,080-acre Cunningham Falls State Park. There are gorgeous white sand beaches, and some of the best beaches for shelling on Sanibel are still-undiscovered gems. Spend it playing on Gunpowders day-use park. Bird Shoal Island is another uninhabited Island, but Beaufort is close by and a lovely place to stay. During an annual Sea Glass Weekend, docents at the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center lead guided treasure hunts that begin at their headquarters in Grasonville. Among the nice beaches to go swimming in Breezy Point Beach. To connect with like-minded shell-lovers, dont miss the annual Shell Festival held each fall. For travelers who don't want to bring their own food, a small concession stand and grills are available on-site. Im veering away from shell hunting for a bit to show you a really cool spot to find shark teeth in between Wrightsville and Carolina Beach. The car has perfect bodywork, but it has Mike finds what he thinks is the finest-handling front wheel drive car: the Lotus Elan M100. The most popular shelling beach in Ocean City is located on the northern tip of Assateague Island. Pam's blog is the go to place for Sanibel Island Shelling Tips, Shelling Adventures, and a sea of great photographs of beaches and shellers.Pam is quite a shell-ebrity! They are so much fun. $10 for a seven-day vehicle pass. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Lol. And you can even swim in the ocean (provided you stay near a lifeguard). Live, love, love this post! San Jose Island, Texas. What a great resource for finding sea shells in North Carolina. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. Some people prefer to carry bags or waist packs in which to drop treasures. An excellent spot for a quick daytrip from Baltimore or other northern Maryland towns, Gunpowder Falls State Park features many amenities and activities for beachgoers to enjoy. Exasperated, my husband and I looked at each other, pondered the cold, bitter day and decided, Why not? Located at the western end of Sanibel, Bowman's Beach is one of the premier beaches to find good shells on Sanibel. The beach is on the smaller side but open for lounging and swimming, plus rentals for umbrellas, chairs, kayaks and paddleboards are available here. This phenomenon generally happens in late fall to spring, so be sure to bring your camera to capture it! See Also:Worst things about living in Santa Fe. 7 Cunningham Falls State Park Swimming Area. Along with the breathtaking scenery, visitors can find a variety of shells along this shoreline that are perfect for collecting. Also, dont overlook the possibility of finding large shark teeth like Great White and Megalodon. As you go further, you will see fewer people. best shelling beaches in maryland. (Ferries to leave from the city dock next to 1108 W. Main Street, Crisfield, Maryland.). Pull on your sneakers, bring a bag and head for the rugged beaches of Maryland to find your own bits of these recycled treasures. You can find shells on the sound side or ocean side of Shackleford Banks. Matoaka Beach: A Maryland Beach Full Of Seashells And Fossils Posted in Maryland Nature, On The Water March 25, 2021 by Jamie Alvarenga This Hidden Beach Along The Maryland Coast Is The Best Place To Find Seashells And Fossils When it comes to beaches, Maryland is mostly known for its most touristy spot, Ocean City, Maryland. Be careful of frostbite, especially for children. Its waters are relatively shallow and calm, so even young kids and novice swimmers can enjoy dipping in the Chesapeake Bay. Wow, this is an awesome post! Plus, its easy to access since a state park trail runs parallel to the beach. Search Hotels.com for the best places to stay near Cape Lookout. They will bring your kayaks right to the water at River Road Park. To start your search, head to Tolchester Beach, on the Eastern Shore near Chestertown. If you're looking to do some shelling on the Atlantic Coast of Florida, Jupiter Island is a great place to be. High tide will leave a line of shells on the shore line and you can pick thru that line after the tide goes out. Wow. Jamie Alvarenga is a writer and editor for Only In Your State. Padre . Wow! At the southernmost end of North Carolina is Bird Island. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sagamore Pendry Baltimore, 10540 H G Trueman RoadLusby, MD 20657(443) 975-4360. Here you can explore rock jetties full of shells just waiting to be discovered. Might be more on Assateague, don't know for sure. Ocean City is among the most well-known resort towns in the area. They tend to belong to the same type, like big clams, but they come in many different sizes, colors, and shapes. When it comes to beaches, Maryland is mostly known for its most touristy spot, Ocean City, Maryland. Even during peak season visitors can find themselves with plenty of space and time to hunt for their favourite types of shells without interruption. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a9a5a9bbecd08fa4e4fa6c54028a836e" );document.getElementById("i5f2c67744").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); The Ultimate Sea Shell Identification Guide. The closest place to stay near Fort Macon State Park is Atlantic Beach, which is also a wonderful place to go shelling. An archipelago on the Caribbean shore of Panama, the San Blas islands are some of the most beautiful, remote beaches in the world, with coral reefs and lots of shells. We recommend our users to update the browser. The colder climate and long, dark days proved an unhappy adjustment not only for me but also my Polynesian husband and young children. The beach is accessible on foot only, so plan ahead and bring supplies such as food and drinks since there wont be any stores nearby. 1100 E College Parkway. The water is warmer on Frisco Beach than on east-facing beaches on the Outer Banks, and there are even times during the year you will have an oceanfront sunset. Im a nut about beaches and seashells (I like to say that my birthstone is a seashell! Not only is the fort one of the coolest things to see in the area, but the shelling is also great. Maryland's Shellfish Harvesting and Closure Area Map. It was also named 2nd best beach in the United States in 2014. Mike finds a 2002 Chevy Corvette Z06 that can do zero to sixty in under four seconds. Pretty cool, huh? There can be biting midges on this island, so bring bug spray, or wear long sleeves and pants. And I will definitely have to look into both the purse and the sifter for our next trip! What's more, there are several short hiking trails for those who want to explore more of the park. Bowman's Beach. Its important to wait until after these events since they expose large amounts of shells that were previously hidden beneath the surface. 4 Bed 3 Bath Sunset Beach HouseJust Steps From Kindred Spirit Mailbox. The later parking option only has 10 parking spaces, so youll want to get there early. Mike Rowe descends into the depths of an aging manhole in Tennessee. It also helps that its only accessible by boat, ferry, or kayak. Theyll carry you and your vehicle across the sound for a scenic ride. The shells are gorgeous What a great insight! Beachgoers also report finding sand dollars and starfish in the tidal pools there. Bear Island is accessible by catching a ferry during the warmer months at Hammocks Beach State Park (info here) or booking a Shelling Adventure Cruise with Marsh cruises (info here). Ive never seen some of the ones in this post! #2 Shelling Tip- Look at the moon phase. They are beautiful!! 10540 H. G. Trueman Rd., Lusby, Maryland; 301-743-7613. Youll love Bear Island for its uncrowded beaches, beautiful views, public restrooms, and drinking water. Visit in the Spring or Summer to see live Coquina Clams come up to the surface briefly before burying themselves in the sand. Pea Island is named after the wild pea vine that grows in abundance there. Nontraditional. Sanibel Island. Very often, the low tides leave an amazing array of shells behind, says Carlos Quintero, founder of Andalusia Lifestyles, a company that helps American citizens navigate retiring to Spain. We're staying down on 9th Ave this year and it's pretty slim pickings. Hart-Miller State Park is an uninhabited island near the Middle River located on the Chesapeake Bay. In town, vacationers will find an array of novelty shops, antiques stores and art galleries worth exploring, as well as casual and upscale dining options and a history museum. With fewer crowds and more extreme weather patterns, beachcombing from fall through spring is actually the best time to hunt for treasures in the sand. There are several beaches on Marco Island that are great for shelling. Whether youre an avid shell collector or simply looking to take home a memento of your beach vacation, Maryland offers some of the best shelling beaches in the country. And how do they build monster bulldozers? Wrightsville Beach's white sandy beaches are an ideal setting to beachcomb for shells as they are easier to recognize against the lighter background. North Beach is a small town located on the west side of the Chesapeake Bay in Calvert County. 6 Jun. Located in the Chesapeake Bay Community of Maryland, Matoaka Beach stretches for miles on the Atlantic Coast, offering visitors an opportunity to relax and collect shells. I love sand dollars, too, and didnt even know that Sand Dollar Island existed! Bring a shovel to dig up partially buried shells. Shelling must be one of the least expensive hobbies available. There are also picnic areas and grills for when you want to take a break and eat snacks. A famous UFO case occurs above Alaska when an unidentified flying object pursues a Boeing 747. When it comes to activities, travelers can mini-golf or head to the boardwalk to shop, play games and enjoy amusement rides. And since youre in the bay, you can even swim in the significantly calm waters. During low tide, walk around in shallow water and look in rock pools or along sandy areas. Looking for somewhere to go canoeing or other water activities? Blind Pass separates Sanibel from Captiva and the pass tends to be a place where shells collect. It has lovely Maryland beaches that you can go to for relaxing strolls. These reefs are just off the beaches and there are barely any tides, so its possible to search for shells at any time, says Jorge Bastos, editor of Travel Drafts. Sometimes the best treasures are not at the wave break but further up along the strandline that place where waves roll in at high tide and dump things before rolling back out to sea. 2 Assateague Island National Seashore. Especially love the insiders tips to the secret shelling spots! Or go to one of the fantastic shows at the Ingram Planetarium. On calmer parts of the beach, there is a better chance of finding the more fragile shells, such as Duck Clams, Pen Shells, Razor Clams, and Angel Wings. The best shelling beaches locations can help with all your needs. 11. This looks like a blast. It really surprised me how many you can find on Sand Dollar Island. When you work up an appetite, head to a bayfront eatery to savor delicious seafood like Maryland crabcakes. This mailbox holds notebooks where you can write your innermost thoughts. I love exploring nature, quaint towns, fantastic restaurants, and unique travel destinations. Check out these other gorgeous pink sand beaches around the world. From tiny periwinkles and colorful conchs to giant whelks and gleaming oysters, this beach offers a wealth of different species. See Also: 7 Best Sea Glass Beaches in New Hampshire. Dont bend too often to pick up treasures.