If you’re on the hunt for natural beach treasures for souvenirs, the Grand Strand is a wonderful place for seashell hunting. The wide beach, ocean waves, and ever-changing tides make this stretch of the South Carolina coast ideal for finding shells, shark teeth, and even pieces of sea glass.
Skip the crowded stretches of shoreline and head where locals go: quiet inlets, early-morning tide lines, and those just-out-of-the-way beaches where the ocean quietly drops its best finds overnight. From delicate coquinas to perfectly spiraled whelks, the real treasures aren’t random—you just have to be there at the right time, in the right spot, with a little insider know-how.
When you book your stay at the oceanfront at Landmark Resort, you’ll have easy access to the shoreline and some of the best locations for shelling. Here is our guide to help you find your next unique treasure, including where to look, when to look, and tips.
Myrtle Beach State Park: Classic Shelling and Shark Teeth
One of the top places in the Myrtle Beach area for finding shells is Myrtle Beach State Park. This protected state park is known for its preserved natural beauty, fewer crowds, and a less crowded stretch of sand.
Because development is limited, the ocean floor just offshore remains relatively undisturbed, which helps bring in a variety of seashells.
Look hard enough, and you may spot lettered olive, calico scallops, clam shells, and coquina clams washed up along the shoreline. Keep your eyes open for shark teeth in the darker wet sand, especially after a storm when waves churn up the bottom.
Tips for this beach:
- Visit during low tide to search the water’s edge where new treasures appear.
- Check the tides schedule before your walk.
- Move slowly and look for anything shiny or unusually brown or pink.
Huntington Beach State Park: Variety and Wildlife
Just south of the main resort areas, Huntington Beach State Park is another excellent state park for seashell hunting. This shore offers three miles of wide beach, and many visitors consider it one of the best spots on the Grand Strand for the best shells and shark teeth.
Look for knob and channel whelks, giant heart cockles, calico scallops, augers, shark-eye moon snails, and the occasional sand dollars. After strong waves, it’s possible to see starfish, small fish, or sea urchins that have washed ashore. Always remember to protect the environment and leave anything alive in the sea.
Tips for success:
- Search right after a storm when fresh shells appear.
- Focus on the wet sand and areas near tidal pools.
- Early mornings during a new moon or full moon often bring strong tides that uncover new souvenirs.
Cherry Grove Beach: North Myrtle Beach Favorites
At the northern end of the Grand Strand, Cherry Grove Beach is a favorite for locals who enjoy hunting for shells and shark teeth. The nearby inlet helps move sediment and brings in other shells that are not always found farther south.
Look for sand dollars, coquina clams, and conch shells near the shoreline. You might even spot starfish, if you’re lucky!
Tips for this location:
- Visit at low tide and walk toward the inlet.
- Search in clusters of shells and debris left by receding waves.
- Keep an eye out for partially buried treasures just below the surface.
Pawleys Island: Quiet Beaches and Unique Finds
For a quieter beach experience, Pawleys Island offers an excellent opportunity for seashell hunting. This area is known for the Imperial Venus clam, banded tulips, lettered olive, and heart cockles.
Because the shore here is less developed, you’ll often find the best shells washed up after changing tides.
Tips:
- Walk long stretches of shoreline to increase your luck.
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds.
- Check for sand dollars, but keep only those that are no longer alive.
What Time of Day and Year Is Best for Shelling?
Timing plays a huge role in finding shells. The best shells often appear when tides, moon cycles, and weather work together.
Low tide is key. During low tide, more of the beach is exposed, allowing you to search areas normally covered by ocean waves. The days surrounding a new moon and full moon often create stronger tides, which bring in fresh seashells, starfish, and shark teeth.
Storms can help. After a coastal storm, the waves stir the ocean floor, uncovering buried treasures. This is one of the best times to find seashells, especially larger conch shells.
Season matters:
- Fall and winter typically bring fewer crowds and better shells.
- Summer offers more fun, but competition can be higher.
What Types of Shells and Sea Life Can You Find?
The Myrtle Beach region offers an impressive variety of seashells and marine treasures. Some of the most popular include:
- Atlantic moon snail shell
- Lettered olive
- Calico scallops
- Heart cockles
- Coquina clams
- Banded tulips
- Sand dollars
- Shark teeth
- Starfish
Always remember to protect the sea and local wildlife. If you see anything alive, gently return it to the ocean to help preserve the coast for future visitors.
Tips for a Successful Seashell Hunting Trip
Here are a few simple tips to help you make the most of your seashell hunting experience in Myrtle Beach:
- Check tides before you go.
- Wear comfortable shoes for long walks on sand.
- Bring a bag or bucket for your souvenirs.
- Search in the wet sand and just above the tide.
- Look for shiny or unusual shapes.
- Be patient. Sometimes luck is the key to a great favorite find.
- Stay hydrated and wear sun protection like sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Respect the dunes and local habitats.
Creative Ways to Turn Your Myrtle Beach Shells Into Meaningful Keepsakes
After a successful day of seashell hunting, many visitors love turning their shells into fun souvenirs. It’s a great way to extend your Myrtle Beach vacation memories and create something unique to display at home.
Shadow boxes and home décor
One of the easiest ways to showcase your favorite find is by creating a beach-themed shadow box. Arrange sand dollars, lettered olive, calico scallops, and small clam shells with photos from your trip.
Add a little sand, a map of the Grand Strand, or even a handwritten note about where you found each piece. These make great conversation starters and a meaningful decoration.
Shell frames and mirrors
Glue smaller seashells like coquina clams, heart cockles, and pieces of sea glass around picture frames or mirrors. This is a fun craft for families and a creative way to protect your travel memories while adding coastal charm to your space.
Jewelry and accessories
Lightweight banded tulips, tiny pink scallops, or smooth shiny pieces of sea glass can be turned into necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. You can also make keychains or bag charms to carry a piece of the sea with you wherever you go.
Holiday ornaments and gifts
Many travelers enjoy making ornaments or small gifts using their collected treasures. Write the year, location, and beach name on larger shells with a permanent marker. These thoughtful keepsakes are perfect for sharing with friends and family who want to remember your trip to Myrtle Beach.
Educational displays for kids
If you’re visiting with kids, use your collection to create a simple activity. Label different seashells, talk about how they formed, and talk about which ones came from creatures that were once alive in the ocean.
It can also be a fun and interactive way to keep the excitement of your beach adventure going long after you return home.
No matter how you use them, your collected shells become more than just objects. They become core memories of sunrise walks, quiet moments along the shore, and the thrill of discovering new treasures.
Plan Your Shelling Adventure and Stay Oceanfront at Landmark Resort
Whether you want to spend mornings walking the shoreline, afternoons relaxing by the pool, or evenings watching the moon rise over the sea, your next unforgettable beach getaway begins here.
With exclusive money saving discounts, a relaxing atmosphere, and convenient access to the shore, it’s the perfect home base for your next Myrtle Beach vacation.
Ready to start your own seashell hunting adventure? Book your stay at Landmark Resort and enjoy direct oceanfront access to the beach, family-friendly amenities, and easy drives to the top shelling spots across the Grand Strand.
