Common local shells include whelks, angel wings, arks, pen shells, augers, cockles, slipper shells, jingles, coquina, and olive shells. Starfish, sea urchins, and sand dollars can also be found on area beaches.
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Finding a sand dollar is all about the timing. These marine animals live along the shoreline and are often buried just below the surface, so they are easiest to spot during a low tide. Check if a sand dollar is alive by flipping it over and gently rubbing to see if any of the cilia (tiny hairs) are moving.
You can find sand dollars at all of Charleston's beaches. We've found them from Bull Island all the way down to Edisto Beach—and even on one recent trip to Hilton Head.
The first thing that everyone needs to know is that you should never take a living sand dollar away from the beach. Sand dollars can't live out of the salty wet sand for long and it is illegal in the state of South Carolina.
Some of the most popular beaches with shell collectors include those at both state parks (Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park) and some of the less crowded beaches either in Pawleys Island, Litchfield or Cherry Grove.
It is not illegal to take seashells from South Carolina beaches, but it is illegal to pick up shells with the intention to sell them without a license.
In most states, taking a living sand dollar from the beach is illegal. However, laws vary about collecting a dead sand dollar. It's best to check for signs at the beach, look at your state laws online or ask a lifeguard or warden working at the beach.
Bowman's Beach and Tarpon Bay Beach are two beaches in particular known for having an abundance of sand dollars, making them great destinations to put on your bucket list.