Last Updated on January 16, 2024
Beachcombing is a fun and relaxing activity that involves searching for treasures on the shore.
Whether you are looking for shells, rocks, sea glass, or fossils, beachcombing can provide you with a sense of wonder and discovery.
One of the most sought-after items by beachcombers is the sand dollar, a round, flat, and white skeleton of a marine animal.
Sand dollars are beautiful and delicate, and can be used for crafts, decoration, or collection.
Sand dollars can be found on many beaches in the US, especially on the coasts of Florida, California, and Hawaii.
However, finding sand dollars is not always easy, as they are often buried in the sand, hidden by the waves, or taken by other beachgoers.
To increase your chances of finding sand dollars, you need to follow some tips and techniques, such as:
- Go during low tide, when more of the shore is exposed and the water is calmer.
- Look for clear, shallow water and sandy bottoms, where sand dollars are more likely to live and wash up.
- Recognize the shape and color of sand dollars, which are usually white, gray, or brown, and have a star pattern on their surface.
- Be gentle and respectful when handling sand dollars, as they are fragile and may be alive. Do not take live sand dollars, as they are protected by law in some states.
- Use tools such as shovels, rakes, or sieves to help you sift through the sand and uncover sand dollars.
- Observe tide pools, which are small pools of water left by the receding tide, and may contain sand dollars and other marine life.
Below, a list of locations where you can go beachcombing for sand dollars across the United States.
Alabama
Dauphin Island
Dauphin Island is a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, south of Mobile Bay. It is a popular destination for fishing, boating, birdwatching, and beachcombing.
The island has several public beaches, where you can find sand dollars, seashells, shark teeth, and other treasures.
The best time to go is after a storm, when the waves bring more items to the shore.
You can also visit the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, a marine research and education center, where you can learn more about the local marine life and ecology.
Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores is a coastal city on the Gulf of Mexico, known for its white-sand beaches and family-friendly attractions.
The city has several public beaches, where you can find sand dollars, especially on the west end of the island, near the Little Lagoon Pass.
The best time to go is early in the morning, before the crowds arrive, or during low tide, when more of the shore is exposed.
You can also enjoy activities such as swimming, surfing, kayaking, and parasailing, or visit the nearby Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, where you can see and interact with exotic animals.
Arizona
Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu is a large reservoir on the Colorado River, on the border between Arizona and California.
It is a popular destination for boating, fishing, water skiing, and camping.
The lake also has several sandy beaches, where you can find sand dollars, as well as other shells and fossils.
The best time to go is during the winter, when the water level is lower and the shore is more exposed.
You can also visit the London Bridge, a historic bridge that was relocated from England to Lake Havasu City in 1971.
Lake Powell
Lake Powell is another reservoir on the Colorado River, on the border between Arizona and Utah.
It is the second-largest man-made lake in the US, and one of the most scenic, with red rock canyons, arches, and cliffs. The lake has many beaches, where you can find sand dollars, especially on the southern end, near Page, Arizona.
The best time to go is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.
You can also enjoy activities such as kayaking, hiking, and exploring the nearby Antelope Canyon and Rainbow Bridge.
California
Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach is a city on the central coast of California, famous for its long and wide sandy beach, where you can find sand dollars, clams, starfish, and other marine life.
The best time to go is during low tide, when you can walk along the shore and look for sand dollars in the wet sand.
You can also visit the Pismo Beach Pier, where you can fish, watch the sunset, or see the annual monarch butterfly migration.
Pismo Beach is also a popular destination for surfing, golfing, hiking, and wine tasting.
Coronado Beach
Coronado Beach is a beach on the Coronado Island, across the bay from San Diego. It is one of the most beautiful and clean beaches in California, with fine white sand that sparkles in the sun.
The beach is a great place to find sand dollars, especially on the north end, near the Hotel del Coronado, a historic and luxurious hotel that has hosted many celebrities and presidents.
The best time to go is during low tide, when you can walk along the water’s edge and look for sand dollars in the sand.
You can also enjoy swimming, surfing, biking, and picnicking, or visit the nearby Coronado Ferry Landing, where you can shop, dine, and take a ferry to San Diego.
Colorado
Grand Lake
Grand Lake is a natural lake and a resort town on the western edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, in northern Colorado. It is the largest and deepest natural lake in Colorado, and a popular destination for boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
The lake also has a sandy beach, where you can find sand dollars, as well as other shells and fossils.
The best time to go is during the summer, when the weather is warm and the lake is full.
You can also visit the Grand Lake Marina, where you can rent boats, kayaks, and paddle boards, or the Kauffman House Museum, where you can see the history and culture of the town.
Blue Mesa Reservoir
Blue Mesa Reservoir is a large artificial lake and a recreation area on the Gunnison River, in western Colorado. It is the largest body of water in Colorado, and a part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area.
The reservoir has several beaches, where you can find sand dollars, as well as other shells and rocks.
The best time to go is during the spring or fall, when the water level is higher and the shore is more exposed.
You can also enjoy activities such as fishing, sailing, water skiing, and camping, or visit the nearby Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, where you can see the spectacular gorge and the river.
Connecticut
Hammonasset Beach State Park
Hammonasset Beach State Park is a state park and a beach on the Long Island Sound, in southern Connecticut.
It is the largest and most visited state park in Connecticut, with two miles of sandy beach, where you can find sand dollars, as well as other shells and sea glass.
The best time to go is during low tide, when you can walk along the water’s edge and look for sand dollars in the sand.
You can also enjoy swimming, fishing, biking, and camping, or visit the Meigs Point Nature Center, where you can see live animals and exhibits.
Silver Sands State Park
Silver Sands State Park is a state park and a beach on the Long Island Sound, in southern Connecticut. It is a scenic and peaceful park, with a half-mile of sandy beach, where you can find sand dollars, as well as other shells and driftwood.
The best time to go is during low tide, when you can walk across a sandbar to the Charles Island, a small island that is said to be haunted and to hide a pirate treasure.
You can also enjoy swimming, birdwatching, and picnicking, or visit the nearby Walnut Beach, where you can see more sand dollars and other beachcombing items.
Delaware
Cape Henlopen State Park
Cape Henlopen State Park is a natural and historical treasure on the Delaware coast, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean.
The park has several beaches, where you can find sand dollars, as well as other shells, fossils, and artifacts.
The best time to go is during low tide, when you can walk along the water’s edge and look for sand dollars in the sand.
You can also enjoy activities such as fishing, hiking, biking, and camping, or visit the Fort Miles Historical Area, where you can see a World War II observation tower and a museum.
Bethany Beach
Bethany Beach is a charming and family-friendly beach town on the Atlantic Ocean, known for its clean and quiet beach, where you can find sand dollars, especially on the north end, near the Indian River Inlet.
The best time to go is early in the morning, before the crowds arrive, or during low tide, when more of the shore is exposed.
You can also enjoy swimming, surfing, kayaking, and paddle boarding, or visit the Bethany Beach Boardwalk, where you can shop, dine, and watch live entertainment.
Florida
Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is a tropical paradise on the Gulf of Mexico, famous for its shelling opportunities.
The island has more than 15 miles of beaches, where you can find sand dollars, as well as hundreds of other types of shells, such as conchs, scallops, and whelks.
The best time to go is after a storm, when the waves bring more shells to the shore, or during low tide, when you can walk farther out and look for sand dollars in the shallow water.
You can also visit the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, where you can learn more about the shells and the creatures that make them.
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is a popular and lively beach on the Gulf of Mexico, known for its soft white sand and clear blue water, where you can find sand dollars, as well as starfish, crabs, and dolphins.
The best time to go is during the winter, when the water is cooler and the sand dollars are more abundant.
You can also enjoy activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, and boating, or visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where you can see Winter, the famous dolphin with a prosthetic tail.
Georgia
Tybee Island
Tybee Island is a barrier island on the Atlantic Ocean, near Savannah.
It is a fun and laid-back beach destination, with five miles of beaches, where you can find sand dollars, as well as other shells and sea glass.
The best time to go is during low tide, when you can walk along the sandbars and look for sand dollars in the water.
You can also enjoy activities such as swimming, surfing, fishing, and kayaking, or visit the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum, where you can climb the historic lighthouse and see the exhibits.
Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island is a state park and a former private retreat for the wealthy, located on the Atlantic Ocean. It is a beautiful and serene island, with 10 miles of beaches, where you can find sand dollars, as well as other shells and driftwood.
The best time to go is during low tide, when you can walk along the shore and look for sand dollars in the sand.
You can also enjoy activities such as biking, golfing, horseback riding, and turtle watching, or visit the Jekyll Island Historic District, where you can see the elegant mansions and hotels from the island’s past.
Hawaii
Papakolea Beach
Papakolea Beach is a unique and stunning beach on the Big Island, where you can find sand dollars, as well as green sand.
The beach is located at the end of a cinder cone, where olivine crystals have eroded and mixed with the sand, giving it a green hue.
The beach is only accessible by a 2.5-mile hike or a four-wheel drive vehicle, but the reward is worth the effort.
The beach is secluded and scenic, with turquoise water and black lava cliffs.
The best time to go is during the winter, when the waves are calmer and the sand dollars are more visible.
Lanikai Beach
Lanikai Beach is a picture-perfect beach on Oahu, where you can find sand dollars, as well as white sand and turquoise water.
The beach is located in a residential area, and has no facilities or parking, but it is one of the most beautiful and peaceful beaches on the island.
The beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, as it is protected by a coral reef and has two offshore islands, known as the Mokulua Islands.
The best time to go is during the week, when the beach is less crowded and the sand dollars are more plentiful.
Maine
Popham Beach State Park
Popham Beach State Park is a state park and a beach on the Atlantic Ocean, in southern Maine.
It is one of the best beaches in Maine to find sand dollars, as well as other shells, sea glass, and driftwood.
The beach is long and wide, with soft white sand and clear blue water.
The best time to go is during low tide, when you can walk along the shore and look for sand dollars in the sand.
You can also enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, and hiking, or visit the nearby Fort Popham, a historic fort that dates back to the Civil War.
Long Sands Beach
Long Sands Beach is a beach on the Atlantic Ocean, in southern Maine.
It is another great beach to find sand dollars, especially on the north end, near the Nubble Lighthouse.
The beach is scenic and lively, with fine white sand and sparkling water.
The best time to go is during low tide, when you can walk along the water’s edge and look for sand dollars in the sand.
You can also enjoy swimming, surfing, kayaking, and paddle boarding, or visit the nearby York’s Wild Kingdom, a zoo and amusement park.
Nevada
Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu is a large reservoir on the Colorado River, on the border between Nevada and California.
It is a popular destination for boating, fishing, water skiing, and camping.
The lake also has several sandy beaches, where you can find sand dollars, as well as other shells and fossils.
The best time to go is during the winter, when the water level is lower and the shore is more exposed.
You can also visit the London Bridge, a historic bridge that was relocated from England to Lake Havasu City in 1971.
Lake Mead
Lake Mead is another reservoir on the Colorado River, on the border between Nevada and Arizona.
It is the largest man-made lake in the US, and a part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
The lake has many beaches, where you can find sand dollars, especially on the north shore, near Echo Bay.
The best time to go is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. Y
ou can also enjoy activities such as fishing, sailing, water skiing, and hiking, or visit the nearby Hoover Dam, one of the engineering wonders of the world.
North Carolina
Sand Dollar Island
Sand Dollar Island is a small island in the Bogue Sound, near Morehead City.
It is one of the best places to find sand dollars in North Carolina, as the island is covered with them.
The island is only accessible by boat, and you can take a ferry service from Morehead City or Atlantic Beach.
The best time to go is during low tide, when you can walk on the sandbar and look for sand dollars in the water. You can also see other marine life, such as crabs, fish, and birds.
Ocracoke Island
Ocracoke Island is a barrier island on the Outer Banks, famous for its natural beauty and history.
The island has 16 miles of pristine beaches, where you can find sand dollars, especially on the south end, near the Ocracoke Inlet.
The best time to go is after a storm, when the waves bring more shells to the shore, or during low tide, when you can walk farther out and look for sand dollars in the shallow water.
You can also enjoy activities such as swimming, surfing, fishing, and kayaking, or visit the Ocracoke Lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina.
Oregon
Bandon Beach
Bandon Beach is a scenic and peaceful beach on the southern Oregon coast, where you can find sand dollars, as well as other shells and rocks.
The beach has a large sand spit that extends into the ocean, creating a habitat for sand dollars.
The best time to go is during low tide, when you can walk along the water’s edge and look for sand dollars in the sand.
You can also enjoy the stunning views of the rock formations, such as Face Rock and Wizard’s Hat.
Gearhart Beach
Gearhart Beach is a long and wide sandy beach on the northern Oregon coast, where you can find sand dollars, as well as other shells and driftwood.
The beach is located in a residential area, and has no facilities or parking, but it is one of the most beautiful and quiet beaches on the coast.
The best time to go is during low tide, when you can walk along the shore and look for sand dollars in the sand.
You can also enjoy swimming, surfing, biking, and picnicking, or visit the nearby Gearhart Golf Links, the oldest golf course in Oregon.
Texas
North Jetty Beach
North Jetty Beach is a beach on the Gulf of Mexico, near Corpus Christi.
It is one of the best beaches to find sand dollars in Texas, as the beach is located at the mouth of a channel that connects the bay and the ocean.
The beach has a lot of sand dollars, as well as other shells and sea life. The best time to go is during low tide, when you can walk along the shore and look for sand dollars in the sand.
You can also enjoy fishing, surfing, and birdwatching, or visit the nearby Padre Island National Seashore, where you can see the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world.
Galveston Island
Galveston Island is a barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico, famous for its historic and tourist attractions.
The island has 32 miles of beaches, where you can find sand dollars, especially on the west end, near the San Luis Pass.
The best time to go is during the winter, when the water is cooler and the sand dollars are more abundant.
You can also enjoy swimming, kayaking, biking, and picnicking, or visit the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, where you can ride a roller coaster, a Ferris wheel, and other amusement rides.
Washington
Ocean Shores
Ocean Shores is a fun beach town on the Pacific coast of Washington.
It has a long sandy beach, where you can do a lot of things, like surfing, fishing, and sandboarding. It also has the North Jetty, which is a big wall that sticks out into the water.
The North Jetty is one of the best places to find sand dollars in Ocean Shores, and also other shells and sea creatures.
The best time to go is during low tide, when you can walk along the water’s edge and look for sand dollars in the sand.
You can also enjoy the stunning views of the ocean and the sunset, and see another town and another jetty on the other side of the water.
Point Roberts
Point Roberts is a weird place that is part of Washington state, but you have to go through Canada to get there.
It is a small piece of land that sticks out into the water, and has four parks that have beaches. Point Roberts is a beautiful place, with a lot of animals and plants, and very quiet.
Maple Beach is the best place for finding shells in Point Roberts, and it is on the east side of the land, facing a big bay.
Maple Beach has a wide and flat sandy shore, which shows up when the tide is low and has a lot of shells and sand dollars.
Maple Beach is also a great place to see sea animals, like sea stars, snails, and sand dollars.
You can also see the mountains and the city of Canada across the water. Maple Beach is a good place for families and dogs, and it has a picnic area, bathrooms, and a playground.
Sand Dollars in US FAQs
Where to find sand dollars in Galveston?
You can find sand dollars in Galveston on Sand Dollar Beach and West End Pocket Park 1.
Sand Dollar Beach is near the Galveston Island State Park, and has a lot of sand dollars, as well as other shells and sea life.
You can access the beach by parking at the state park and walking along the shore, or by taking a ferry from the Galveston Island Ferry Terminal to the Bolivar Peninsula and driving to the beach.
West End Pocket Park 1 is a public beach with restrooms, showers, and picnic tables.
This beach is less crowded than the more popular East Beach and Stewart Beach, and has a wide stretch of sand where you can find sand dollars and other shells.
You can also enjoy fishing, surfing, and birdwatching at this beach.
The best time to look for sand dollars in Galveston is during low tide, when you can walk along the water’s edge and look for sand dollars in the sand.
Please avoid taking live sand dollars, as they are protected by law in Texas.
Where to find sand dollars in Myrtle Beach?
You can find sand dollars in Myrtle Beach on Huntington Beach State Park and Myrtle Beach State Park.
Huntington Beach State Park is a state park and a beach on the Atlantic Ocean, south of Myrtle Beach.
This beach has a lot of sand dollars, as well as other shells and fossils. You can also enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, and camping, or visit the Atalaya Castle, a historic mansion that was once the home of a wealthy couple.
Myrtle Beach State Park is another state park and a beach on the Atlantic Ocean, near the center of Myrtle Beach. This beach has some sand dollars, as well as other shells and sea glass.
You can also enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, and picnicking, or visit the Nature Center, where you can see live animals and exhibits.
The best time to look for sand dollars in Myrtle Beach is during low tide, when you can walk along the shore and look for sand dollars in the sand.
You should also avoid taking live sand dollars, as they are protected by law in South Carolina.
Where to find sand dollars in Orange Beach?
Sand dollars are usually found in sandy or muddy areas of the ocean floor, where they feed on organic matter and small organisms.
To find sand dollars in orange beach, Alabama, you need to look for them during low tide, when the water level is lower and more of the sand is exposed.
You can also use a metal detector or a rake to scan the sand for any hidden sand dollars.
Some of the best places to find sand dollars in orange beach are Perdido Pass, Cotton Bayou, and Alabama Point.
Where to find sand dollars in outer banks?
The outer banks are a group of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, where sand dollars are abundant and diverse.
Sand dollars can be found along the entire length of the outer banks, but some of the most popular spots are Ocracoke Island, Hatteras Island, and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Sand dollars are more likely to be found on the ocean side of the islands, where the waves are stronger and the sand is finer.
You should look for sand dollars during low tide, when the water is calm and clear, and avoid picking up any sand dollars that are still alive or have any color on them.
Where to find sand dollars in New England?
New England is a region in the northeastern United States, where sand dollars are rare but not impossible to find.
Sand dollars prefer warmer and saltier waters, so they are more common in the southern parts of new england, such as Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket.
Sand dollars can also be found in some of the northern beaches, such as Hampton Beach in New Hampshire and Old Orchard Beach in Maine, but they are less frequent and smaller in size.
You should look for sand dollars during low tide, when the sand is wet and soft, and use a shovel or a sieve to dig them out.
Where to find sand dollars in San Diego?
San Diego is a city in southern California, where sand dollars are plentiful and easy to find.
Sand dollars can be found on almost any beach in San Diego, but some of the best places are Coronado Beach, La Jolla Shores, and Ocean Beach.
Sand dollars are usually buried under the sand, so you need to dig or sift through the sand to find them.
You should look for sand dollars during low tide, when the water is low and the sand is moist, and avoid picking up any sand dollars that are still alive or have any spines on them.
Where to find sand dollars in santa cruz?
Santa cruz is a city in northern California, where sand dollars are common and varied.
Sand dollars can be found on many beaches in santa cruz, but some of the most popular ones are Natural Bridges State Beach, Seacliff State Beach, and Manresa State Beach. Sand dollars are often washed up on the shore by the waves, so you can find them by walking along the waterline and looking for any white or gray disks.
You should look for sand dollars during low tide, when the water is shallow and the sand is exposed, and avoid picking up any sand dollars that are still alive or have any color on them.
Where to find sand dollars in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville is a city in northeastern Florida, where sand dollars are abundant and diverse.
Sand dollars can be found on many beaches in Jacksonville, but some of the best ones are Little Talbot Island State Park, Huguenot Memorial Park, and Atlantic Beach.
Sand dollars are usually found in the surf zone, where the water is shallow and the waves are breaking. You can find them by wading in the water and feeling the sand with your feet or hands.
You should look for sand dollars during low tide, when the water is calm and clear, and avoid picking up any sand dollars that are still alive or have any hairs on them.
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