Adventure’s Calling: This Beach Is Ideal for Discovering Seashells in South Carolina

My mother absolutely loved beachcombing. She would wake up at the crack of dawn to search for sand dollars to bring home, where she would paint them Looney Tunes/Disney characters, and they would become our Christmas tree ornaments. Regretfully, our tree fell every year, so they did not last into my adulthood. 

Beachcombing in South Carolina is a fantastic way to spend a day at the beach. Luckily, there are several places to go beachcombing in South Carolina. Myrtle Beach State Park is one of my favorites, and I think it’s one of the best places to look for seashells in South Carolina. 

Coastal South Carolina offers plenty of seashelling opportunities. I know many head over to Folly Beach for seashells, but since Myrtle Beach State Park is a stop for many visiting the area, it makes sense to knock out two birds with one stone. 

Myrtle Beach boasts a long, uninterrupted shoreline, making it an ideal spot for discovering a variety of shells and sea glass. 

Before you begin, please remember some rules for beachcombing in South Carolina:

• Never take live animals
• Stay off the sand dunes
• Avoid protected areas
• Never bring glass to the beach

While it's generally acceptable to hunt for seashells on South Carolina’s public beaches, always check the local regulations before you head out. 

The best time to go beachcombing is at low tide, after a storm. Storms are awesome for beachcombing because the strong weather kicks up even more than usual. The best places are generally near the wrack line (where the seaweed collects) and the high tide line. If you struck out in the morning, try again in the evening… or the next morning! And the good news is that the ocean spits out new treasures twice a day.

If you’re lucky, you can find some beautiful shells. Scallops, cockle shells, and coquina clams are some of the more commonly found seashells in this region, but you never know what the shoreline holds! Check out this seashell guide to learn about all of the common beachcombing finds on Myrtle Beach.

You don’t need anything to go beachcombing, but I would recommend a bucket and a shovel at the very least. It never fails that when you spontaneously decide to look for shells, you’ll find a ton and have your pockets full. 

Beachcombing is an ideal family-friendly activity that families with kids of all ages will enjoy. Teach the youngsters what to look for, and they’ll be entertained for hours! Plus, the seashells and sea glass you find make excellent souvenirs to bring home. You might even be inspired to take a page out of my mother’s playbook and turn them into holiday decorations!

After a long day at the beach, head over to Broadway at the Beach, an epic shopping center and entertainment complex in Myrtle Beach with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities. 

Share this article with someone you want to go beachcombing in South Carolina with. For more summertime adventures, check out some of our favorite hidden beaches in South Carolina.