Hunt For Seashells On The Beautiful And Easy Cape Lookout National Seashore Walk In North Carolina

When you are looking for a great way to stretch your muscles while breathing in the fresh, sea air, hunt for seashells along the 56 miles of Cape Lookout's undeveloped barrier islands. These islands offer bare beaches which are perfect for finding fresh discoveries of Whelks, Scotch bonnets, gray sea stars, oysters, and many other interesting shells. Pack a picnic, and see what's been washed up along the salty shores. While competition can be thick, go out in the winter months, in the early hours, at low tide, or after a storm, for more success in collecting these natural beauties.

This narrow ribbon of sand running from Ocracoke Inlet to Beaufort Inlet is the breathtaking Cape Lookout National Seashore, well-stocked with free shells.

This Knobbed Whelk shell points to the picturesque Cape Lookout Lighthouse.

Watch out for identified bird nesting areas, as these brand-new little fuzzy ones could be easy to miss.

Sometimes we find Scotch Bonnet shells, the North Carolina state shell.

Just look at this gigantic helmet shell. The one on the right is the normal size on Cape Lookout beaches, and the person on the left just had a great day.

See baby turtle hatchlings pop out of their nests of several species, including Loggerheads and Greens.

Again, watch out for protection zones.

And the most amazing vision on Shackleford Banks, the southernmost barrier island in Cape Lookout National Seashore, is the graceful, wild horses.

Look out for the first baby foals of the season.

When you pick up shells, be sure they are empty. If the mollusk still lives there, please leave it on the beach.

These gray sea stars are just as magical as the ones in the sky.

Look at the underside of this oyster shell with its several barnacles attached.

And if you invest more time for yourself in this beautiful place, which we hope you do, this spectacular horizon, just like the shells, is also available for free.

This photo was taken on the Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year.

While this trip is something you may consider only in the summer, comb the beaches during the winter to hunt for seashells. Several types of boats are used as ferries to get to Cape Lookout National Seashore.