Shelling on the Beaches in North Wildwood

We visit North Wildwood in New Jersey several times every year. It’s our favorite beach in the entire state of New Jersey and offers the best shelling opportunities. We’ve visited over 30+ beaches up and down the Jersey Coast and in our honest opinion, it’s the best for hunting down seashells.

The best time to go shelling is during low tide. Look for the tide pools (pools of water laying up on the beach after the tide goes out) and walk around them or through them (if they’re not deep) to find some of the best shells…like Channel Whelks and Knobby Whelks. You can find some great things in and around tide pools!

If you’re looking for sand dollars and starfish you’ll want to hang up by the water’s edge and sometimes right where the wave breaks. Those areas have been our lucky spots when collecting them. I do recommend collecting only shells that are uninhabited or if they animal is deceased. I don’t believe in killing animals just to get their shells.

Horseshoe crab shells are fun to collect too! You can find them at the high tide water line once the tide has gone out. Again, only collect if the crab is deceased. If it’s still alive…please walk it back out to the water and let it go. They won’t hurt you and if you let them lay on the beach they can die.

Always go out shelling PREPARED! Know the local ordinances and beach rules before you go out. Take along netted bags to place the shells in. Put sunscreen on and wear sunglasses as the sun can be intense reflecting off of the water. It’s best to go shelling with a friend and not alone. Buddy system for safety. Be careful where you step if you’re going barefoot…otherwise wear water shoes!

Once you return from shelling you want to rinse all of your treasures off with plenty of water and then let them air dry. I like setting them out in the sunshine and fresh air for 2-3 days. Then if necessary, wash them again. Dawn Liquid Dish Soap is fantastic at removing debris and the fishy odors!