When Is the Best Time to Look for Seashells?

First Thing in the Morning

• Get up early. You've heard the old saying that the early bird gets the worm. Well, the same is true of the beach-comber. If you really want to discover some spectacular seashells, take an early morning walk along the sea's shore before it fills up with tourists. The shore will be ripe for the picking because the evening tide will have receded, leaving more ocean trinkets in the sand than you have room in your bucket.

After the Storm

• Wait out the storm. The best time to find seashells along the shoreline is after a big storm hits. Plan on taking a couple of buckets to collect your discoveries because the rough ocean waters will have stirred up much of the sealife, causing an even broader collection of seashells to sweep up onto shore.

Summer Time

• Enjoy the warmth of summer by the sea. While harsher winter weather might stir up the ocean's treasure trove, creating a wider selection of seashells for you to choose from, one of the best times to search for seashells is in the warm summer months when the weather is ideal for spending time outdoors.

Low Tide

• Take off your shoes, roll up your pants and step into a low tide. Your chances of finding seashells, and perhaps some starfish and sand dollars, increases when the tide decreases. A low tide is one of your best opportunities to get a good look at what's under the sea, things you might not notice during high tide. As the tide recedes, you are able to amble along lesser traveled territory, offering you a chance for less common seashells and ocean mementos.