Shelling & Beach Days

The Hunt for Treasures: Shelling & Shark Teeth

Best times to go

Low tide — the hour before and after — is prime time, especially after a storm or strong easterly winds. Fall and winter often yield the best finds thanks to fewer crowds and churned-up waters.

Prime shelling spots

  • Topsail Area: Near the fishing piers, around sandbars, at the northern tip of North Topsail Beach, and "The Point" at the southern end of Topsail Beach.

  • Wilmington Area: Masonboro Island is arguably the best shelling in the region since it’s uninhabited and only accessible by boat. Freeman Park at the north end of Carolina Beach and the shores of Fort Fisher State Recreation Area also yield great finds.

  • Brunswick County: The far east end of Holden Beach (near Lockwood Folly Inlet) and Ocean Isle Beach. Bird Island (accessible by walking west from Sunset Beach) is famously uncrowded and excellent for finding large, intact shells.

What to look for

Whelks, scallops, olive shells, augers, coquinas, sand dollars, and the prized Scotch Bonnet (North Carolina's state shell), along with sea glass.

Pro-tip: Keep an eye out for shark teeth! Oak Island, Holden Beach, and the sands around Fort Fisher are renowned hotspots for finding fossilized megalodon and great white teeth.

Shelling etiquette

There are no specific regulations against recreational shelling, but never take live creatures (including intact sand dollars). Give sea turtle nests — which are marked and protected — plenty of space. No flashlights near nests at night.

General Beach Rules & Dog Regulations

Universal Rules

  • Leave No Trace: Personal items and beach equipment (tents, chairs, volleyball nets) must be removed daily, typically between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

  • No Glass: Glass containers are universally prohibited on all beaches.

  • Fill Your Holes: Holes deeper than 12 inches cannot be left unattended and must be filled in before you leave to protect walkers and nesting sea turtles.

  • Stay Off the Dunes: They protect the coastline and its wildlife. Walking on them is strictly illegal.

  • No Fireworks: Fireworks of any kind (excluding sparklers in some towns) are prohibited across all beaches.

Dog Rules by Region

Owners must always clean up waste.

  • Topsail Area: Dogs must be leashed. (Topsail Beach allows dogs off-leash but under strict voice command from Oct 1 – May 14).

  • Wrightsville Beach: Dogs are NOT allowed on the beach strand at all from April 1 through September 30. From October 1 through March 31, they are allowed but must be on a leash.

  • Carolina Beach & Kure Beach: During peak season (April 1 – Sept 30), leashed dogs are allowed ONLY before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. Allowed all hours in the off-season.

  • Brunswick County: Rules vary slightly by municipality, but most (including Oak Island, Holden Beach, and Ocean Isle) require leashes and have restricted daytime hours during the peak summer season.

Beach Bonfires

Regulations vary drastically by town. Always check the current wind conditions and the specific town website before striking a match.

Topsail Area

  • North Topsail Beach: Recreational fires allowed (max 3 ft diameter/height, at least 50 ft from dunes/vegetation, clean untreated wood only).

  • Surf City: Generally prohibited or requires direct Fire Department permission. Assume prohibited without calling the town first.

  • Topsail Beach: A free permit from the Topsail Beach Police or Fire Department is required.

Wilmington Area

  • Wrightsville Beach: Bonfires, fire pits, and grills are strictly prohibited.

  • Carolina Beach & Kure Beach: Bonfires and campfires are illegal within the town limits.

    • The Exception: Small campfires are allowed at Freeman Park (the driving beach north of Carolina Beach) from October 1 through March 31 only.

Brunswick County

  • Oak Island: Allowed only in the off-season (November 16 to April 30). A free permit must be submitted online to the Oak Island Fire Department. Wind speeds must be under 15 mph.

  • Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach & Sunset Beach: Open fires, fire pits, and beach bonfires are strictly prohibited year-round.

  • Bald Head Island: Allowed only with a specific permit from the Village Department of Public Safety.

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