Best beaches for sea shells, anywhere on MDI?

Question

Where are the best beaches for collecting a few sea shells, especially large ones, anywhere on MDI?

Answer

Mount Desert Island (MDI) offers several scenic beaches where you can find a variety of seashells, including some larger ones, depending on the tide and season. Here are some of the best beaches for shell collecting on MDI:

Bar Harbor's Sand Beach – Located in Acadia National Park, Sand Beach is one of the most popular spots for visitors, and it can also yield a variety of shells, especially during low tide. While it’s more famous for its stunning views and the surrounding cliffs, shell collectors often find an assortment of smaller shells and sea glass along the shore.
Echo Lake Beach – Situated on the western side of the island, Echo Lake Beach is a bit more serene and less crowded. The beach is surrounded by the beauty of Acadia National Park, and while it’s not typically a high-traffic shelling area, you can often find larger, well-preserved shells here, especially in the shallows near the rocks.
Seal Cove Beach – This quieter beach on the western side of the island is known for its natural beauty and tidal pools. During low tide, Seal Cove offers a good chance to find larger seashells as well as other beach treasures, such as driftwood and sea glass. It’s a peaceful spot perfect for leisurely shell hunting.
Somes Sound – As the only fjord in the U.S., Somes Sound has several small coves where you can look for seashells. The beaches are more rocky, but if you explore the tidal pools and sandbars, you may find a range of shells, including some larger varieties.
Little Long Pond – While not exactly a beach in the traditional sense, the shores of Little Long Pond are worth checking out. It’s a more peaceful and less visited location, so you may have the beach mostly to yourself. Although it’s freshwater, you may find some interesting shells from the brackish water of the inlet area.

For the best shell collection experience, be sure to visit during low tide, as this is when shells are most exposed. Additionally, visiting quieter or lesser-known beaches may give you a better chance of finding larger shells, especially after storms when the tides are higher. Enjoy your shell hunting adventure on MDI!

Best beaches for sea shells, anywhere on MDI?

More Mount Desert Island Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions