Don’t want to “shell” out a lot of money on souvenirs to bring back from your beach vacation? Shelling in Myrtle Beach is a free and popular activity that both visitors and locals enjoy. The Grand Strand’s coast reaches over 60 miles, providing plenty of opportunities to get your hands on some amazing treasures. In this article, we’ll cover the types of shells to look for (including South Carolina’s state shell), the best times to search, helpful tools to use, popular beaches to visit, Myrtle Beach shelling tours, and creative ways to display the shells you find.
Let’s dig into some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your shelling experience in the Myrtle Beach area:
Types of Local Shells
Some popular shells to look for while cruising down the Myrtle Beach or North Myrtle Beach coast include the Lettered Olive, Knobbed and Channelled Whelks, Calico Scallops, Coquina Clams, and Jingle Shells. You might even get lucky and come across a few sand dollars or shark teeth during your hunt!
Lettered Olive shells are smooth, cylindrical, and usually a brownish shade. Whelks are large and spiral-shaped, often appearing in shades of orange or brown. Calico Scallops are small, fan-shaped shells freckled with pink, purple, or orange. Coquina Clams are tiny, vary in color, and are often found in striped patterns along the shore. Jingle Shells are shiny and translucent, with a silver or golden appearance.
South Carolina’s State Shell
South Carolina’s state shell is the Lettered Olive. It can be found in shallow areas of water along the shoreline. This shell has a smooth, cylinder-like shape and a shiny coating. It is typically tan in color with brown or purplish zigzag patterns across its surface.
Dr. Edmund Ravenel of South Carolina first recognized the shell and chose the name “lettered” because the pattern of the shell reminded him of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs.
Best Time to Find Shells Around Myrtle Beach
Shell yea – it’s low tide! The best time to look for shells is during low tide or as the tide is inching back out. Be sure to check local tide charts before planning your treasure hunt. Beat the crowds and catch the best finds by heading out early in the morning to shell.
Search along the shoreline, the high-water line, and in shallow pools left behind at low tide. Areas with wet sand or even a few feet into the ocean can hide great seashells resting on the ocean floor. Shelling after a storm is rewarding, with strong waves and tides uncovering hidden gems along the shore. Full or new moons create strong tidal movements, exposing more of the seabed, increasing your chances of finding unique shells.
Tools To Use To Find Shells
When searching for seashells in Myrtle Beach, a few simple tools can make collecting easier. Carry a bag or sand pail to hold your seashell finds as you go. If you want help digging, consider using a sieve or small shovel, although you can always go the old-fashioned route and dig them out with your hands!
Popular Beaches to Look for Shells
Some of the best beaches for shells in the area include Myrtle Beach State Park, Huntington Beach State Park, Pawleys Island, and most “espe-shell-y,” The Point in Cherry Grove Beach.
Myrtle Beach Shelling Tours
There are several different shelling tours Myrtle Beach has to offer. If you are looking for an in-depth shelling tour, take a 4-hour field trip with Cap’n Rod’s Lowcountry Tours in Georgetown, which includes a boat ride to remote islands, history on the surrounding area, and plenty of time for shelling. If your idea of fun leans more towards learning about eco and wildlife, consider Myrtle Beach Shell Island & Murrells Inlet Eco Cruise, a 2-hour tour that offers a “live touch tank” demonstration and 30 minutes on a secluded beach for shelling. Either way, you’re sure to have a “shell of a good time.”
Different Ways to Display Shells
You can “shell-ebrate” the beautiful seashells you find on vacation in a variety of creative ways. Commemorate your trip by filling a glass container or shadow box with sand from the beach you visited and the shells you collected along the coast. Glue shells onto household items like picture frames, mirrors, or lamp bases to give your home a beachier touch.
You can also craft wind chimes or wall hangings using string and shells, or bring the beach back to your family and friends by filling clear glass ornaments with small shells and sand from your beach vacation.
North Myrtle Beach Vacation Rentals
Book a beautiful oceanfront condo in North Myrtle Beach for your next beach vacation. We’ve got a wide variety of beach houses, luxurious condos, and golf villas to make your shelling getaway an unforgettable experience.
