Discover and identify Rhode Island’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 Rhode Island’s beaches!
What’s Included?
✔ Photo Guide – Identify common (and rare!) seashells found along RI’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 RI’s coast
Digital Download
Grab your copy today and turn your next beach day into a seashell treasure hunt!
Discover the 10 best seashell beaches in Rhode Island! Our local guide reveals prime spots like Napatree Point & Fogland Beach for collecting whelks, clams & rare shells. Includes parking tips & seasonal advice.
1. East Beach
Location: Charlestown, RI
Key Features: Three miles of barrier beach with gentle surf; excellent for finding surf clams, whelks, and scallop shells; peaceful and less crowded.
Peak Season: Late spring through early fall
Parking/Tips: Paid parking (limited); arrive early in summer; bring sun protection and water.
Website: https://riparks.ri.gov/beaches/east-beach
2. Second Beach
Location: Middletown, RI
Key Features: Wide sandy beach with gentle waves; great for shelling after storms; family-friendly with restrooms and concessions.
Peak Season: Summer
Parking/Tips: Paid parking; best shelling early morning or after high tide.
Website: https://www.middletownri.gov/349/Beaches
3. Napatree Point Conservation Area
Location: Westerly, RI
Key Features: Undeveloped barrier spit with long sandy stretches; abundant shells, driftwood, and occasional horseshoe crab shells; scenic dunes and wildlife.
Peak Season: Spring through fall
Parking/Tips: Street parking in Watch Hill; walk required to beach; bring water and be mindful of tides.
Website: https://thewatchhillconservancy.org/
4. East Matunuck State Beach
Location: South Kingstown, RI
Key Features: Wide sandy beach with plenty of surf clam, whelk, and sand dollar shells; good for families; lifeguards in season.
Peak Season: Summer
Parking/Tips: Paid parking; arrive early on weekends; bring a shell bag.
Website: https://riparks.ri.gov/beaches/east-matunuck-state-beach
5. Mohegan Bluffs Beach
Location: Block Island, RI
Key Features: Dramatic cliffs with a secluded beach below; shells and sea glass often found after storms; stunning views.
Peak Season: Late spring through early fall
Parking/Tips: Bike or taxi from Old Harbor; steep staircase to beach; bring sturdy shoes and water.
Website: https://www.blockislandinfo.com/listing/mohegan-bluffs/316/
6. Misquamicut State Beach
Location: Westerly, RI
Key Features: Popular sandy beach with a variety of shells, including surf clams and moon snails; amenities and food concessions.
Peak Season: Summer
Parking/Tips: Paid parking; can get crowded—arrive early; best shelling after storms.
Website: https://riparks.ri.gov/beaches/misquamicut-state-beach
7. Charlestown Breachway
Location: Charlestown, RI
Key Features: Inlet and sandy beach with shells, driftwood, and fishing opportunities; scenic views of boats and salt marsh.
Peak Season: Summer
Parking/Tips: Paid parking; bring bug spray for marsh areas; limited facilities.
Website: https://riparks.ri.gov/beaches/charlestown-breachway
8. Fort Getty Park
Location: Jamestown, RI
Key Features: Small beach with shells and tidal pools; campground and picnic areas; quiet and family-friendly.
Peak Season: Summer
Parking/Tips: Parking for residents and campers; day passes available; bring a picnic.
Website: https://jamestownri.gov/town-departments/parks-rec/fort-getty
9. Fogland Beach
Location: Tiverton, RI
Key Features: Rocky and sandy areas with shells and sea glass; popular for kayaking and windsurfing; scenic views of Sakonnet River.
Peak Season: Summer
Parking/Tips: Free and resident parking; bring water shoes for rocky areas; restrooms available.
Website: https://www.discovernewport.org/listing/fogland-beach-(tiverton-town-beach)/320/
10. Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge
Location: Middletown, RI
Key Features: National Wildlife Refuge with rocky shores and sandy coves; shells, driftwood, and excellent birdwatching; scenic trails.
Peak Season: Year-round (best shelling after storms)
Parking/Tips: Free parking at refuge; walking trails to beach areas; bring binoculars for wildlife.
Explore Rhode Island’s top 10 seashell beaches with this interactive map, highlighting the best spots for shell collecting, family beachcombing, and discovering coastal treasures. Visit East Beach, Second Beach, Napatree Point Conservation Area, East Matunuck State Beach, Mohegan Bluffs Beach, Misquamicut State Beach, Charlestown Breachway, Fort Getty Park, Fogland Beach, and Sachuest Point for abundant shells, scenic views, and fun shoreline adventures. Perfect for families, shell seekers, and nature lovers looking for the best shelling experiences in the Ocean State.
Use our interactive map to plan your adventure!