North Myrtle Beach is known for many things: gorgeous beaches, family-friendly attractions, awesome restaurants, and one or two golf courses (wink, wink!). With all these alluring activities, it’s easy to overlook one of the most fulfilling and relaxing beach pastimes, shelling!

NMB has 9 miles of coastline that all offer fantastic opportunities to find treasures of the deep. There are several sections of North Myrtle Beach where you can find different varieties of shells, but anywhere there’s sand and surf, you’ll be sure to walk away with some beautiful finds and great memories.

We're sharing some shelling direction, so you don’t feel…shell-shocked.

The Best time for Shelling

There’s really no bad time for shelling, but there are, however, some times that are better than others:

Low Tide – Not only will you have more beach to explore, but the receding tide will also pull more sand, revealing layers of shells with each ebb and flow. Pro Tip: Keep an eye on our tide chart to find the low tides. 

After Storms – After a storm the ocean floor has been churned up, which will bring new shells to the shore. Just don’t leave your…shell-ter until after the storm!

Strong Tides – Full and new moons make the tides more dramatic, which will help in your shelling. Keep an eye out if there are going to be “King Tides” which are the highest seasonal tides that occur each year. There are usually 6 or 7 throughout the year and these are some of the best times to find unique and rare shells.

Fall & Winter – This one is easy: Less people on the beach = more opportunities for YOU!

Book your own time – Reserve times with the experts at Kokopelli Surf Camp or Great Escapes Kayak Tours, who will not only take you on an adventure exploring the natural beauty of our area, but will bring you to Waites Island only accessible by boat, where you’ll find a great variety of shells.

Shelling Hot Spots

Finding a unique shell or a particular one you are looking for can be pure luck. But, there are several places in North Myrtle Beach where you may have greater success.

Cherry Grove – “The Point” in Cherry Grove is the northernmost tip of the beach, where Hog Inlet meets the Atlantic Ocean. This is an excellent place to find shells, as the strong currents to and from the inlet will churn more bottom.

Crescent Beach – Between 21st Ave and 29th Ave South, lies the Crescent Beach neighborhood, which is a very quiet area, with less crowds, often yielding good finds!

Windy Hill – This beautiful area is home to a swash that feeds right off the ocean. This swash collects lots of shells and at low tide, where they are easily found. Pro Trip: you can easily access this location with a short walk if you are staying at nearby accommodations Beach Cove Resort. 

Shelling Tips

Safety First – Be sure to stay hydrated if you are planning on a long excursion, especially when it’s hot. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a beach hat are highly recommended. 

Have the Right Gear – while a Ziploc bag or your pocket is certainly a great option, there are other items you can purchase at many beach shops or retailers like Boulineau’s IGA Food Plus or Barnacle Beach Shoppe. A sand sifter stick will make things easier on your back and is particularly handy when you spot the perfect shell just as the waves are about to reclaim it. Small mesh bags are good for managing sand and water, and waterproof shelling guide is always helpful! Pro Tip: if you happen to be in NMB, stop by our Visitor Information Center for a free copy of our shelling and sustainability guide! 

Proper Shelling Etiquette

It’s always good to respect the environment when shelling, particularly if you dig. Please be sure to fill back in the holes. Be aware of any beach ordinances, mind the dunes, and look up from time to time if you are walking along a shell line in the surf. You must share the beach with others, don’t be…shellfish.

Shelling is a rewarding activity – not only will you find souvenirs, but it's also a relaxing way to spend your time on the beach. 

Get out there during your next North Myrtle Beach vacation for some much-needed Shell-f-indulgence!