Most trips to the beach usually involve a treasure hunt of sorts, whether that be for unique seashells or loose change. Journey to Virginia’s Colonial Beach and you can search for something else altogether: ancient fossils. Virginia’s coastal plains are a treasure trove for fossil hunting. In fact, the first fossil discovered in North America was hiding along these very shores. One such place in the Northern Neck is a Westmoreland State Park, featuring an aptly named Fossil Park. It’s here you can discover ancient shark teeth as well as other unique fossils. And the best part? It’s completely free!

Few people realize that Virginia is one of the leading states for fossil hunting. A trip to Westmoreland State Park in Montross will reveal just that.
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Fossil Beach can be accessed by means of the scenic Big Meadow Trail.
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Situated along the Potomac River, this breathtaking coastal landscape is a nature enthusiast's dream come true.
TyleeteBruce/TripAdvisor
With camping sites, miles of hiking trails, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool, Westmoreland State Park offers endless recreational opportunities.
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As you approach the water, you'll notice visitors carefully scouring the shoreline for tiny signs of prehistoric life.
Virginia State Parks/flickr

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A whole variety of fossils can be discovered in this area. Some even date back to the Miocene Era, nearly 20 million years ago.
Maggie McCain/flickr
Searching the beach, you're likely to find a whole range of fossilized shark teeth. Be sure to keep your eyes out for teeny tiny ones...
Bob D /TripAdvisor
..as well as massive teeth that once belonged to the Megladon!
Virginia State Parks/flickr
The best time to search Fossil Beach is at low tide, when more shoreline is exposed.
gjrienzi/TripAdvisor
Whether or not your search for fossils is a successful one, you'll be grateful for a chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery at Westmoreland State Park's Fossil Beach.
Virginia State Parks/flickr

While searching for the fossils is free, keep in mind there is a small parking fee at Westmoreland State Park. The address of the park is 145 Cliff Rd, Montross, VA 22520. Have you ever discovered any shark teeth here? Be sure to share your stories with us! For more information about the activities available here, be sure to visit the official state park website.

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145 Cliff Rd, Montross, VA 22520, USA