Seashell Collecting - Sarasota Beaches

Casey Key Beach, Siesta Key Beach, Longboat Key Beach and Lido Beach

Almost as much as my first cup of coffee each morning, I love to wander on the beach and collect seashells. Right after sunrise is the perfect time to explore the beaches for shells. At least that's my favorite time to stroll the beach or just before sundown. Kathleen and Nick Herron with Kisses and Snuffy enjoy the seashell search on Casey Key.

Sarasota FL - approximately 90 minutes from Tampa International Airport

If Casey Key, is a little too far south of Sarasota for you, stop by World Famous Siesta Key Beach for a little collecting. The white sand is cool to the touch and on most summer mornings, there's a nice assortment of seashells. You can find shells everywhere in my house from the dining room table around silver candlesticks, clear glass vases loaded with shells to serving dishes for dips and canapés. A prepared dip in a seashells provides a wonderful gift too!

Longboat Key's beach is harder to access since most condos' beaches are privately owned. If you are staying at one of the resorts or visiting a friend on the Key, sunset is a big deal and a great time to pick up a few sand dollars while you are waiting for a spectacular sight.

Try your luck at Lido Beach, steps from world-class shopping on St. Armands Circle or St. Armands Circle has the most divine seashell shop. If you're not a sand person, this is a stop on the Circle where you can find anything seashell. The idea of the shop came from someone else's love of the sea and years of investigating shells from around the globe. It seems a little like cheating to me, but if you don't like sun, the heat or the water, but the call of the seashell beckons you, visit Fanta Sea. Fanta Sea offers an array of beautiful shells designed as furniture, jewelry, mirrors or purchase an assortment of individual shells.

Seashells have been a wonder for hundreds of years. For the best beach collecting, be sure to find a decorator sand bucket, light and bright to add to the experience, of course. A decorator shell bucket is also a conversation piece for any Sarasota beach bum.

For photos, history of shells, books, jewelry, home decor, purses and more information than you can imagine about seashells, shop Fanta Sea in Sarasota on St. Armands Circle.

Beach, bay or Back Nine . . . Live the Dream!