Best Beaches for Shells
Hunt for Cape May diamonds, whelk shells, sea glass, and more. The complete guide to shell collecting at the Jersey Shore.
Cape May Diamonds
Unique quartz pebbles
Whelk & Shells
Classic beach treasures
Sea Glass
Frosted beach gems
Best Shelling Beaches
Sunset Beach
Cape May Point
Find: Cape May diamonds, quartz pebbles, whelk
Famous for Cape May "diamonds." Concrete ship wreck adds unique setting.
Free beach. Gift shop sells polished Cape May diamonds.
Cape May Point State Park
Cape May Point
Find: Cape May diamonds, diverse shells, sea glass
Lighthouse beach with excellent variety. Quieter than Sunset Beach.
Park requires fee in summer. Lighthouse is a bonus attraction.
Higbee Beach
Cape May
Find: Whelk, clam, scallop, horseshoe crab
Wildlife Management Area with natural beach. Less picked over.
No lifeguards. Part of Delaware Bay with excellent bird watching.
Sandy Hook
Sandy Hook
Find: Moon snails, slipper shells, jingle shells, sea glass
National Recreation Area with miles of unspoiled beach.
Federal park. North end beaches are less crowded for shelling.
Island Beach State Park
Berkeley Township
Find: Whelk, clam, moon snails, skate egg cases
10 miles of undeveloped barrier island. Natural shelling.
Parking fills early in summer. Walk south for best finds.
Delaware Bay Beaches
Cape May County
Find: Horseshoe crab shells, whelk, clam, unique bay shells
Different ecosystem than ocean beaches. May horseshoe crab spawning.
Try Reed's Beach, Villas, North Cape May.
Strathmere
Strathmere
Find: Whelk, moon snails, jingles, sea glass
Quiet beach between Ocean City and Sea Isle. Less picked over.
Small town, limited parking. Bring patience.
Long Beach Island (Holgate)
Beach Haven
Find: Whelk, clam, unique finds
Southern tip wildlife refuge. Remote, excellent shelling.
Wilderness area. Check access - closed during bird nesting season.
What You Can Find
Cape May Diamonds
Smooth quartz pebbles worn by water. Can be polished to gem-like shine.
Common at Cape May
Whelk Shells
Spiral shells from sea snails. Knobbed and channeled varieties.
Common
Moon Snails
Round spiral shells with smooth surface. Often have drill holes.
Common
Jingle Shells
Thin, translucent shells that "jingle" when shaken.
Common
Slipper Shells
Small shells with shelf underneath. Stack in groups.
Very common
Sea Glass
Beach-tumbled glass in frosted colors. Green and brown common.
Uncommon
Horseshoe Crab Shells
Molted shells of ancient species. Find whole or partial.
Seasonal
Scallop Shells
Fan-shaped shells with ridges. Various colors.
Uncommon
Best Times for Shelling
Spring
March-May
+ Fewer crowds, good variety, horseshoe crab season (May)
- Water is cold, some beaches still closed
Summer
June-August
+ Warm weather, all beaches open, family-friendly
- Most crowded, shells picked over quickly
Fall
September-November
+ Great weather, fewer crowds, post-storm treasures
- Hurricane season can affect beach conditions
Winter
December-February
+ Best shelling! Empty beaches, storm deposits
- Cold, some facilities closed, rough conditions
Shelling Tips
Go at Low Tide
Check tide charts. Low tide exposes more beach and shell beds.
After Storms is Best
Waves churn up shells from deeper water. Day after a storm is ideal.
Walk the Tide Line
The wrack line where debris accumulates has the most shells.
Go Early
Early morning means fewer collectors have picked over the beach.
Look in Pools
Tidal pools and jetty areas often trap shells.
Bring a Mesh Bag
Mesh bags drain water and sand. Bring multiple for sorting.
Check Jetty Areas
Rocks and jetties trap shells in crevices.
Respect Nature
Don't take live shells or disturb wildlife. Leave hermit crabs alone.
Cape May Diamonds: A Jersey Shore Treasure
Cape May "diamonds" aren't actually diamonds - they're quartz crystals that have traveled 200 miles down the Delaware River from the upper Delaware and Catskill Mountains over thousands of years. The journey tumbles them smooth and clear. Sunset Beach at Cape May Point is the only place in the world to find them. The gift shop there will polish and mount your best finds.
Cape May Guide