Miami, Florida, known for its vibrant culture and beautiful beaches, is not just a hotspot for sunbathing and nightlife; it's also a treasure trove for seashell enthusiasts.
Beautiful Sea Shells
While Miami's beaches are renowned for their warm, turquoise waters and golden sands, they also offer a diverse array of seashells waiting to be discovered.
Discovering Treasures on Miami's Beaches
In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you on a journey to explore the best shelling beaches near Miami, ensuring your beachcombing adventures are both rewarding and memorable.
1. Key Biscayne Beach
Address: 6747 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
Key Biscayne, often referred to as a sandy paradise with nature reserves and restaurants offering breathtaking vistas, has a rich history.
Situated just a short drive away from downtown Miami, Key Biscayne is a haven for shelling enthusiasts.
Type of Shell Found
- Starfish shell
- Lightning whelk
- Tulip shell
This area was once a coconut plantation owned by the Matheson family. They generously donated 800 acres of land to establish what we now know as Crandon Park, ensuring that Key Biscayne's natural beauty could be enjoyed by all.
Its unspoiled beaches, including those at Crandon Park Beach and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, hold a wealth of treasures.
2. Matheson Hammock Park
Location: 9610 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL 33134.
It is located just south of Coral Gables, Florida. The park is open from sunrise to sunset daily, and both the office and Matheson Hammock Marina are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 on weekdays and $7 on weekends.
Type of Shell Found
- Spondylus shell
- Sand dollars
- Tellins shell
The park was named in honor of Bill Baggs, editor of The Miami News from 1957 until his death in 1969. He worked to protect the land from development and to preserve some of the key in its natural state.
3. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Address: Cape Florida State Park is 1200 S. Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, FL 33149.
Key Biscayne, an island in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The park is open from 8am to sunset, 365 days a year. There is also a seawall along Biscayne Bay where you can fish for a variety of fish, such as snook, tarpon, and snapper.
For a more secluded shelling experience near Miami, visit Matheson Hammock Park. While exploring its serene shores, you'll come across various shells, including:
Types of Shell found
- Coquina shells
- Sand dollars
- Whelks
- Coquinas
- Conchs
- Periwinkles
- Lightning whelks
Wildlife Exploration at the Park
The park's natural beauty and rich history make it an ideal destination for a day of shelling and exploration. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
There is a man-made atoll pool in the park that is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and kayaking. The park also has a marina, picnic areas, and hiking trails.
4. Crandon Park Beach
Address: 6747 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
Crandon Park Beach, also on Key Biscayne, is not only a beautiful destination but also a fantastic spot for shelling. Its clear waters and gently sloping shores create the perfect conditions for shells to wash ashore.
The types of shells found in Crandon Park Beach are not as diverse as other beaches in Florida due to the offshore reef system. However, you may still find some small shells.
Types of Shells Found
- Coquina
- Moon snail
- Wedge whelk
- Florida fighting conch
- Scallop
5. Haulover beach park USA
Haulover Park is a 177-acre urban park owned and operated by Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Department, located in metropolitan Miami, just north of Bal Harbour, Florida.
The park is located on a shoal between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, just north of the Broad Causeway and Collins Avenue Haulover Beach Park, known for its beautiful sandy shores, also surprises visitors with its shelling opportunities.
While it's more famous for its clothing-optional section, the northern end of the beach offers a quieter ambiance, ideal for beachcombing.
Type of Shell Found
- Clamshells
- Acoquinas shell
- Scallop shell
Conclusion
Miami's beaches are not just for sunbathing and swimming; they offer a fantastic opportunity for seashell enthusiasts to connect with the natural beauty of the coast. Whether you choose to explore the pristine shores of Key Biscayne, discover the hidden treasures at Homestead Bayfront Park, or immerse yourself in history at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, your shelling adventures near Miami promise to be rewarding and awe-inspiring
