Are you looking for fun things to do on Topsail Island? On your next visit to Topsail, you should consider participating in popular coastal activities like beachcombing. Locals and tourists alike hunt for treasures along the vast expanse of Topsail`s coastline. You could find beautiful and interesting treasures, such as shark teeth and North Carolina shells.

However, while beachcombing is free and doesn`t require any special skills or equipment, you`ll need to have a bit of knowledge in order to find the best beach treasures. For example, you`ll need to learn about safety while beachcombing, local regulations, and the different types of shells local to the North Carolina coast. We`ll go over some of the most important factors you should consider before heading out to the beach to hunt for shells, sea glass, and shark teeth, so you will be ready to start your shell collection.

Consider Safety Conditions

One of the first and most important things to do before heading out to do some beachcombing is to consider the safety conditions. You will need to be aware of the weather conditions and the tide schedule in order to safely comb the beach. If the water looks choppy, you should exercise caution getting too near the water. Storms and other related weather conditions may affect your time on the beach, so it`s a good idea to check the local forecast before heading out for the day.

Adhere to Local Regulations

There aren`t many rules related to beachcombing on Topsail Island, but one of the most important is to respect local wildlife. You should never kill or take an animal off the beach. This rule means that you should pay particular attention as you collect shells to ensure that you aren`t taking a crab`s home. 

Additionally, Topsail is home to nesting sea turtles. The island has specific regulations around nesting sea turtles on the beach, so you should take extra care not to disturb the turtles and their nest. For example, if you head out into the dark early morning, you shouldn`t use flashlights. Or, if you encounter a nesting sea turtle, you should give it space and avoid the area. 

Gear to Bring

If you`re looking for affordable things to do on Topsail Island, you should consider hunting for shells, sea glass, and other treasures. Beachcombing doesn`t require fancy or expensive equipment. Though you may find it helpful or fun to bring a metal detector, all you need is a container to collect your treasures. You may also want to consider grabbing your camera, sunscreen, and any other items you might want for a memorable day at the beach.

Go Beachcombing at the Best Times

If you`re going beachcombing on Topsail Island, you should think about the best times to hit the beach to avoid crowds and get the first chance to grab all of the great treasures. Heading to the beach first thing in the morning is a great way to avoid crowds. You should also consider going out to look for shells during low tide. At low tide, you`ll have more ground to cover to find whatever items the high tide left in the sand.  

Another good time to visit the beach in search of treasures is after a storm. The heavy winds of the storm tend to bring an influx of new shells to the shore. Sometimes, the shells won`t show up on the beach shore for a couple of days, so it`s important to pay attention in the days following a storm to find the best shells.

Search for Beach Treasures at Prime Spots

There are a few prime places that you should check out while beachcombing on Topsail Island, including near the main piers, tidal pools, and at either end of the island. Though you may find a number of shells and sea glass at various places all over the island, these select areas often have an abundance of treasures waiting to be discovered by a vigilant collector. 

One of the best tips is to avoid crowded beaches if you want to find the best items for your collection. The northern and southern tips of the island are typically quite empty, so you`ll have more chances at finding unique sea glass and beautiful seashells. 

Look out for Specific Types of Shells and Shark Teeth

Knowing and understanding what types of shells and shark teeth will help your search. You`ll also have a more unique and well-rounded collection of shells if you understand the different types available on North Carolina beaches. Some of the most common shells you will find on Topsail Island include conch shells, oyster shells, auger shells, and sand dollars. You might also encounter various shark teeth if you`re lucky. Some of the shark teeth you might find include tiger shark teeth, bull shark teeth, and sand shark teeth. You may even find highly sought-after ones like a great white shark tooth or a prehistoric megalodon tooth. 

Beachcombing on Topsail Island is one of the best free activities that you can do. It`s great for a wide range of ages and abilities, so it might be a fun activity for the whole family. If you do plan to go out beachcombing, there are a few considerations to keep in mind, such as safety and local regulations. You will also want to consider the optimal time and place to search for beach treasures. Opting for a beachfront vacation rental will allow you to get the first shot at combing the beach in the morning. We have a variety of rental options, including properties located on quiet beaches.