Hunt for Seashells on Holden Beach



Do you and your family have a vacation planned for Holden Beach soon? If the answer is yes, then we want to share with you some of the seashells you’ll find on the beach. Staying in one of our Oceanfront vacation rentals will allow your family to be close to the surf and sand. Let’s look below at what seashells you’ll be able to find on the shoreline here in Holden Beach.

Scotch Bonnet

Hunt for Seashells on Holden Beach

Did you know that the state of North Carolina has its very own seashell? Yes, it’s real, and we promise you that you will see this shell on the beaches of the North Carolina Coastline. The Scotch Bonnet is the official shell of NC, and it’s one that you will often find while the kids are playing or looking for shells. These shells are often characterized by their shape, which looks like a bonnet and has short spirals and a distinguished pattern of orange squares. These aren’t big shells and will typically only be around 3” when they are fully grown.

Moon Snail

A moon snail is often called a “shark eye” because of its color and look. They usually are a gray color with a glossy outside that, if looked at just right, it does look like an eye of a shark. These aren’t large shells, and they make an excellent decoration for sandcastles that the kids will be building while on vacation. They are also an excellent shell to decorate with paint to give them a little more pizzazz to them and could keep them as souvenirs.

Calico Scallop

Hunt for Seashells on Holden Beach

Have you ever seen a scallop at the aquarium before but wondered if you could find them on the beaches in NC? If the answer is yes, then you’re in luck as they are often found here on the beaches of Holden Beach. The Calico Scallop is often seen in colors of reds, pinks, oranges, purples, and browns. They are often mistaken as being Atlantic Bay Scallops, which are generally black, dark grey, red and yellow. Either way, both of these shells are most common on the beaches and within the sand.

Banded Tulip

A Banded Tulip is often found in the Holden Beach area and is one that you will have to see. It’s a thin-looking shell that is parallel in shape and gray with olive green splotches on it. This shell usually is about 2-4 inches long and is one that the kids will go nuts about. These can often be found near the shoreline, and if you sit in the sand and dig a little, you will find a ton of.

While there are many other shells that you will be able to find on the beach, these are the few we wanted to share with you. If you haven’t booked your next vacation in an Oceanfront vacation rental, now is the time. We can’t wait to see you and your family on your next vacation to Holden Beach this fall!

5 Beach Activities for the Whole Family

5 Beach Activities for the Whole Family

Do you and your family have a vacation planned to Holden Beach soon? Spending as much time with the kids while on your vacation can help you make new memories. Staying in one of our Oceanfront vacation rentals will keep your family close to the surf and sand. We have come up with a few beach activities that the whole family can enjoy below.

Build a Sandcastle Fort

5 Beach Activities for the Whole Family

Building a sandcastle is what many families love to do together but why not do something a little different. You and your family can build a sandcastle fort and make it fun for everyone. Grab the buckets and shovels and little sandcastle molds and make a fort like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Be sure to add a mote around the fort and add plenty of water to it. This is a great way to make new memories with the family and something fun for everyone!

Hopscotch in the Sand

Play a classic hopping game with the family by the shore. Use a piece of driftwood or a stick to draw the blogs along with their numbers. You can use seashells as markers, and you can hop along the shore and play this fun game. The sand may be a little hot so be sure to wear flip-flops or water shoes to keep your feet from burning. What a great new tradition to play with the family on your next vacation.

Bowling in the Sand

Enjoy a fun game of bowling to the beach by creating your own bowling alley in the sand. Bring a small ball to the beach, draw the lane with a stick and dig 10 holes in the shape of a triangle. After you have your bowling alley made, it will be time to play a nice round or two of bowling with the family on the beach. This can be played at any time of the day as your kids get to enjoy bowling on their own lane, they made themselves.

Build a “Snowman” from Sand

5 Beach Activities for the Whole Family

While it’s not quite time for the cold and snow, but you can still build a snowman from sand. With a bucket, sand, shovel and some ocean water, you have all the items to build the perfect snowman. To add the finishing touches to your snowman, have the kids collect shells and driftwood to add as the face and arms. Be sure to have loads of fun and take as many pictures as you can to capture the memories.

Build a Fort

Building forts or tents at home in the living room is always fun for everyone, but why not bring that idea to the beach. Bring a small blanket, sheet or a few good towels down on the beach along with some chairs. Then help build a tent or fort on the beach and let the kid’s imaginations run wild. This can be a great way to give the kids a little shade while enjoying the sun and the sand.

There are many more fun family activities that you can do on the beach together, but these are just a few we’d share. If you haven’t made your reservations for your next family vacation to Holden Beach, check out our Oceanfront vacation rentals today. We can’t wait to see you and your family as you make new memories in Holden Beach!