The Journal

Coastal Guides & Inspiration

Shell identification, coastal decorating ideas, beach crafts, and inspiration for ocean lovers.

Beachcomber in a straw hat walking a shell-covered shoreline at sunrise with a woven basket

Beachcombing

The Ultimate Guide to Beachcombing Along the East Coast

Discover the best East Coast beaches for shell collecting, beachcombing tips, and how to find beautiful seashells on your next coastal adventure.

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Collection of rare and colorful seashells displayed on weathered driftwood

Shell Identification

The Ultimate Beachcomber's Map: Finding Rare Shells from Jersey to Florida

A region-by-region map to the rarest shells, fossils, and seasonal treasures along the East Coast — what to hunt for, where, and exactly when to find them.

Assortment of East Coast seashells spread across pale beach sand

Shell Identification

How to Identify Common East Coast Seashells and Where to Find Them

Identifying Atlantic shells starts with one question: gastropod or bivalve? Learn to name common whelks, olives, scallops, and clams from Jersey to Florida.

Stack of nature field guide books beside seashells by a window

Shell Identification

Best Seashell Identification Books for Beach Lovers

A good field guide turns a bag of mystery shells into a labeled collection. Here are our favorite books for identifying your finds.

Seashells displayed in glass jars, shadow boxes and bowls on a styled shelf

Coastal Decor

25 Beautiful Ways to Display Seashells in Your Home

Bring the calm of the shore indoors with elegant, simple ways to style the shells you've gathered.

Elegant coastal wedding table setting with natural seashells and candles at sunset

Coastal Inspiration

Coastal Wedding Inspiration: Elegant Seashell Ideas for a Timeless Seaside Celebration

Soft, organic, and effortlessly elegant, seashells bring a sense of place to a wedding without feeling themed. Here's how to weave them through your day.

Handmade seashell crafts, candles and frames on a bright crafting table

Beach Crafts

Shell Craft Tutorials

Turn your gathered treasures into keepsakes with these approachable, beginner-friendly shell craft tutorials.

Blue hydrangeas and white roses lining a shell-edged stone path to a white garden bench by the sea

Coastal Inspiration

Blue & White Coastal Garden Ideas: Creating a Seaside-Inspired Summer Retreat

Create a serene blue and white garden accented with seashells, weathered stone, and coastal touches for a peaceful seaside retreat.

Linen-wrapped gift box of seashells with ribbon, sand vial and starfish

Coastal Inspiration

Unique Gifts for Beach Lovers

Thoughtful, ocean-inspired gifts for the people who feel most at home by the sea.

Seashell keepsakes arranged by the shore with a memory jar, framed photo, and candle

Coastal Inspiration

What to Do With Seashells After Vacation: Simple Ways to Preserve Beach Memories

Simple, beautiful ways to clean, sort, display, and preserve the shells you brought home from the beach.

Infographic of freak shells — twisted, crooked, and rare-colored seashells that grew unusually

Beachcombing Guides

Freak Shells: Nature's One-of-a-Kind Masterpieces

Learn how to identify rare freak shells, growth deformities, color mutations, repaired predator scars, and unusual shell anomalies. Discover why collectors prize these one-of-a-kind coastal treasures.

The path from Sanibel to international shelling — a collector on a Florida beach beside a vintage map, passport, and seashells from around the world

Travel Guides

Sanibel Island: The Gateway to International Shell Collecting

Discover how Sanibel Island launches collectors into a lifetime of shelling adventures across the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, Pacific Islands, Australia, and the Philippines.