Discover and identify New Jersey’s seashells with printable activity sheets, top shelling hot spots, and interactive maps. Perfect for families, educators, and beachcombers seeking hands-on learning and coastal adventures along the state’s shoreline.
Make your next beach day even more exciting with this interactive seashell identification guide designed for kids, families, and nature lovers exploring New Jersey’s beaches!
What’s Included?
✔ Photo Guide – Identify common (and rare!) seashells found along NJ’s shoreline
✔ Hot spots for seashells
✔ Tracking Log – Record where & when you found each shell
✔ Fun Facts & Drawing Page – Learn while you explore!
✔ 4 Engaging Games – Crossword, anagrams, word search, and spelling game
✔ Coloring Page – A creative keepsake of your beach adventure
Perfect For:
Families looking for educational beach activities
Teachers & Homeschoolers incorporating nature into lessons
Nature enthusiasts who love exploring NJ’s coast
Digital Download
Grab your copy today and turn your next beach day into a seashell treasure hunt!
Find seashells at Island Beach State Park, Sandy Hook, Barnegat Light, and Sunset Beach—top shelling beaches along the Jersey Shore.
1. Gateway National Recreation Area, Highlands
Key Features: Long stretches of sandy beach and bayside shoreline; known for knobbed whelk (state shell), channeled whelk, moon snails, slipper shells, clams, and mussels. Shelling is best after storms or at low tide.
Peak Season: Late winter through early spring (after storms)
Parking/Tips: Paid parking in season; arrive early on weekends; check both ocean and bay sides for variety.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/sandy-hook.htm
2. Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, Long Branch
Key Features: Popular Monmouth County beach with a mix of surf clams, mussels, slipper shells, and occasional whelks; accessible and family-friendly.
Peak Season: Spring through fall
Parking/Tips: Paid parking; best shelling after high tide or storms; lifeguards in season.
Website: https://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?Id=2544
3. Island Beach State Park, Berkley
Key Features: 10 miles of undeveloped barrier island; excellent for knobbed whelk, channeled whelk, moon snails, and scallop shells; natural dunes and maritime forest.
Peak Season: Year-round (best after storms)
Parking/Tips: Paid parking; arrive early in summer; bring a shell bag and check wrack lines.
Website: https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/island.html
4. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, Long Beach Island
Key Features: Northern tip of LBI; rocky jetties and sandy beaches; find slipper shells, surf clams, and the occasional whelk or oyster shell.
Peak Season: Spring through fall
Parking/Tips: Free parking; climb the lighthouse for a view; check tide pools near the jetty.
Website: https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/barnegat.html
5. Brigantine North End Beach, Brigantine
Key Features: Undeveloped barrier beach with tidal pools and sandbars; good for surf clams, whelks, and moon snails; less crowded and more natural.
Peak Season: Year-round
Parking/Tips: Permit required for vehicle access; walk-in access available; bring water and sun protection.
Website: https://www.brigantinebeachnj.com/4-wheel-drive-beach/
6. Corson's Inlet State Park, Strathmere
Key Features: Pristine beach and tidal inlet; find slipper shells, surf clams, and the occasional sand dollar; peaceful and less developed.
Peak Season: Spring through fall
Parking/Tips: Small parking lot; no facilities; best at low tide.
Website: https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/corsons.html
7. The Cove Beach, Cape May
Key Features: Crescent-shaped beach at Cape May’s southern tip; known for Cape May diamonds (quartz pebbles), surf clams, and moon snails; gentle surf and scenic sunsets.
Peak Season: Summer
Parking/Tips: Metered parking; best shelling after storms; bring a sieve for small shells and pebbles.
Website: https://www.capemay.com/cape-may-beaches/
8. Stone Harbor Point, Stone Harbor
Key Features: Remote, natural beach at the island’s southern end; abundant shells including clams, whelks, and scallops; also a birding hotspot.
Peak Season: Year-round
Parking/Tips: Limited parking; short walk from lot; bring bug spray and water.
Website: https://capemaycountynj.gov/404/Stone-Harbor
9. Sea Girt Beach, Sea Girt
Key Features: Family-friendly beach with jetties and sandy stretches; find surf clams, mussels, and moon snails, especially after storms.
Peak Season: Summer
Parking/Tips: Paid parking; arrive early on weekends; explore near jetties for best finds.
Website: https://www.seagirt-nj.gov/beach
10. Sunset Beach, Cape May
Key Features: Famous for Cape May diamonds, quartz pebbles, and a variety of shells; beautiful sunsets and views of the concrete ship.
Peak Season: Year-round
Parking/Tips: Free parking; best shelling at low tide; bring a bag for treasures.
Website: https://www.sunsetbeachnj.com/
Discover New Jersey’s best seashell beaches with this interactive map, highlighting top spots for shell collecting, family beachcombing, and coastal exploration. Visit Gateway National Recreation Area, Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, Island Beach State Park, Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, Brigantine Beach, Corson’s Inlet State Park, The Cove Beach, Stone Harbor Beach, Sea Girt Beach, and Sunset Beach for abundant shells, scenic views, and exciting shoreline adventures. Perfect for families, collectors, and nature lovers seeking the best shelling experiences along the Jersey Shore.
Use our interactive map to plan your next adventure!