{"id":19143,"date":"2017-06-07T19:23:50","date_gmt":"2017-06-07T19:23:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelocity.com\/inspire\/?p=19143"},"modified":"2017-10-12T14:55:43","modified_gmt":"2017-10-12T14:55:43","slug":"best-beaches-shelling-in-florida","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelocity.com\/inspire\/best-beaches-shelling-in-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Beaches for Shelling in Florida"},"content":{"rendered":"

You might have known that June 21 is the first day of summer. It also happens to be National Seashell Day, making now the perfect time to head to Florida<\/a>. One of the best places for collecting shells\u2014or shelling<\/a>, as Floridians call it\u2014is in Lee County on the Sunshine State\u2019s west coast.<\/p>\n

Plan your own shelling getaway, and celebrate summer on one of the best beaches for finding hidden treasures.<\/p>\n

Sanibel Island<\/strong><\/h2>\n

With 15 curvy miles of beach, Sanibel Island<\/a> scoops up shells like no other, making it among the best places on the planet to hunt for scallops, sand dollars and other finds.<\/p>\n\"shelling\n

There\u2019s even a name for the posture beachcombers assume as they search for treasures: the \u201cSanibel stoop.\u201d For shelling and relaxing in general, you can\u2019t go wrong with any of Sanibel\u2019s beaches; even leashed dogs are welcome. One of the island\u2019s most beloved waterfronts is Bowman\u2019s Beach, featuring miles of unspoiled shores that are worth the 5-minute trek from the parking lot. While you\u2019re in Sanibel, stop by the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum<\/a>\u2014the only shell museum in the United States.<\/p>\n

Captiva Island<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Just north of Sanibel is the smaller Captiva Island<\/a>, boasting more than 250 species of shells. In addition to shelling, Captiva is ideal for couples and families seeking a low-key getaway.<\/p>\n\"shelling\n

Come out of your shell to try stand-up paddleboarding; dig into a grouper sandwich at Doc Ford\u2019s Rum Bar & Grille, named after the protagonist in Randy Wayne White\u2019s crime novels; and comb Captiva Beach for a rare junonia shell. If you find one, take a selfie and send for the local newspaper. Because they\u2019re that rare.<\/p>\n

Fort Myers Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Fort Myers Beach<\/a> is packed with shelling and fun for all ages, from watersports and dolphin eco tours to shopping, dining and nightly entertainment at Times Square.<\/p>\n\"shelling\n

Save room on your itinerary for a visit to Mound House<\/a>, a museum built atop a 2,000-year-old Native American shell mound. In addition to gallery tours, the museum offers lectures on Calusa Indian culture, guided kayak excursions and more.<\/p>\n

Tips for successful shelling<\/strong><\/h2>\n

No need to shell out big bucks for the perfect souvenir. With a few pointers, you can find seashells, seaglass, sea beans (yes, those are a thing), fossils and other free treasures on the beaches of Lee County, Florida.<\/p>\n