7 Best Shelling Beaches in Texas

Texas has a long and beautiful coastline, and with it comes some great shelling opportunities. Whether you're looking for a quiet beach to relax on and collect seashells or a more lively beach with plenty of activities to enjoy, Texas has something for everyone.

Shelling Beaches in Texas

1. South Padre Island

South Padre Island,in texas

South Padre Island is known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters. It's also a great place to go shelling, with a wide variety of shells to be found, including:

  • Common Auger Shells
  • Lightning Whelks
  • Cockle Shells
  • Coquina Shells
  • Angel Wing

South Padre Island, situated on the southern tip of Texas, is a breathtaking coastal retreat renowned for its pristine beaches and azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This sun-drenched paradise offers an array of activities, from water sports and dolphin watching to nature walks and sea turtle conservation efforts.

Whether you seek relaxation on the sandy shores, thrilling adventures on the waves, or a chance to connect with nature, South Padre Island promises an unforgettable escape for all who visit.

Address: South Padre Island Visitors Center 321 Padre Boulevard

2. Mustang Island

Mustang Island in texas

Mustang Island located off the coast of Corpus Christi. It's a great place to go shelling for a variety of reasons. First, the island is relatively undeveloped, so there's less pollution and more seashells to be found. The type of shells can be found in this island are:

  • Coquina Shells
  • Lightning Whelks
  • Cockle Shells
  • Olive Shells

Second, the island is home to a variety of habitats, including beaches, dunes, and marshes, which means there's a wider variety of shells to be found. 

Finally, the island is relatively easy to get to, making it a great option for a day trip or weekend getaway.

Address: Gulf Coast of Texas US

3. Padre Island National Seashore

Padre Island National Seashore is also a great place to go shelling for its pristine beaches and abundance of seashells. The best time to go shelling in Padre Island National Seashore.

  • Jingle Shells
  • Sunray Venus Clams
  • Sand Dollars
What Special About This Island

This island is located in just north of the Laguna Madre Bay, serves a significant habitat for migratory birds, attracting more than 380 diverse bird species.

4. Surfside Beach

Surfside Beach is a popular beach destination located in the Brazoria County area of Texas. It's known for its wide, sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Surfside Beach is also a great place to go shelling, with a variety of shells to be found, including.

  • Horse Conchs
  • Wentletraps
  • Pearl Oysters
  • Nutmeg Shells

5. Port Aransas

Port Aransas is a small town located on Mustang Island. It's known for its fishing, bird watching, and shelling. Port Aransas is a great place to go shelling for its variety of shells, including

  • Common Auger Shells
  • Lightning Whelks
  • Cockle Shells
Other Details:

The park open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For a nominal fee of $5 for adults, while children aged 12 and under enjoy free access.

6. Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi is a large city located on the coast of Texas. It's known for its beaches, fishing, and seafood. Corpus Christi is also a great place to go shelling, with a variety of shells to be found, including

  • Conch Shells
  • Atlantic Slipper Shells
  • Shark Eye Shells

7. San José Island

San José Island in Texas

San José Island, located off the coast of Texas, is a serene and unspoiled paradise offering a tranquil escape from the bustling world. Visitors can make it an ideal destination for relaxation and exploration.

Whether you seek peaceful solitude or adventurous activities like fishing and birdwatching, San José Island promises an idyllic retreat for nature enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. Types of shells can be found in this island are:

  • Cockle Shells
  • Coquina Shells
  • Angel Wings
  • Olive Shells
  • Calico Scallops

Conclusion

Texas is a coastal paradise filled with an array of shelling beaches that will mesmerize and delight visitors with their natural beauty. From the expansive shores of Padre Island National Seashore to the secluded serenity of Matagorda Island Wildlife Management Area, each beach offers a unique shelling experience. 

FAQs

1. What beach in Texas has the most shells?

Big Shell Beach in Corpus Christi, Texas has the most shells. It is located on the Gulf Coast and is known for its pristine beaches and abundance of seashells.

2. Do Texas beaches have seashells?

Yes, Texas beaches have seashells. There are over 1,000 species of seashells that can be found on the Texas coast. The best time to go shelling in Texas is during the winter months when the weather is cooler and the crowds are smaller.

3. Where is the best beach in Texas to find sand dollars?

The best beach in Texas to find sand dollars is Big Shell Beach in Corpus Christi. It is located on the Gulf Coast and is known for its pristine beaches and abundance of sand dollars.

4. Where is the best place to find shells in Texas?

The best place to find shells in Texas is Padre Island National Seashore.