Southwest Florida is home to the only museum in the United States that’s dedicated solely to seashells and mollusks. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is a natural history museum and aquarium located on Sanibel Island, in Southwest Florida, on the Gulf Coast.
It showcases shells from all over the world and is home to marine wildlife, including octopuses, Giant Clams, and conchs. Children will love the hands-on touch pools, and the whole family can enjoy the daily gallery and aquarium talks. If you’re dreaming about escaping somewhere warm and tropical and want to learn something new, a vacation to the best shell museum in Florida is in order.
A vacation to Sanibel Island is an excuse to treat yourself. Visiting the shell museum and gaining a new understanding of the area’s beauty and marine life is a bonus.
What is Sanibel Island’s Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum?
The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, often regarded as the best shell museum in Florida, opened in 1995. It is the information and reference center for shell enthusiasts and scientists interested in marine, terrestrial, and freshwater mollusks along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum was established in 1990 with a gift of land from brothers John, Francis, and Sam Bailey, in memory of their parents, Frank P. Bailey and Annie Mead Matthews. Truly a local creation, the museum’s building was designed by architect George “Tutts” Tuttle Jr., from nearby Captiva Island.
The museum is a great place to visit for the whole family, offering something new and exciting for people of all ages. A variety of temporary exhibits are available for exploration, as well as more than 30 permanent exhibits, including the Great Hall of Shells, which features over 550,000 shells to examine. The Living Gallery of Aquariums also displays over 60 species of marine life. You could spend your entire vacation taking in all that the best shell museum in Florida has to offer and still return to discover something new.
The Great Hall of Shells is currently under construction after being destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022; however, we are excited to share that it is slated to reopen in summer 2025. Pricing has been reduced while the main shell exhibits on the second floor are undergoing redesign and installation.
PRICING (see the Museum’s Website for updates):
- $12 for adults
- $10 for seniors and veterans
- $8 for youth who are 12 to 17 years old, educators, and students
- $5 for children who are five to 11 years old
- Free for museum members, children younger than five, and active military members
The museum is closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day, and will close at 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Please keep this in mind if you’re vacationing in Southwest Florida in the winter and plan accordingly.
You’ll find the Shell Museum at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road in Sanibel, Florida. If you plug it into your GPS, you should have no problem finding the location. If you’re not staying on the island, you’ll love the drive over the causeway. Embrace the emerald-turquoise water, families enjoying the small beaches on each side of the road, and the beautiful shore birds flying overhead.
The Living Gallery of Aquariums is open each day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Florida Seashell Identification Chart – Southwest Florida Edition
Looking for seashells has a name — Shelling — and can be enjoyed by both serious collectors and beginners.
The main shell you need to know how to spot is the coveted Junonia. It’s a rare find on the islands because they usually live far offshore. It can be spotted by its distinctive pattern of creamy white with brown dots. A type of sea snail usually occupies the Junonia, and its shell allows it to camouflage with the sand on the ocean floor.
Here is the comprehensive guide from the best shell museum in Florida about all the other shells you may find on your next Southwest Florida vacation.
If you’re interested in learning everything you can about shells and mollusks, the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium hosts a variety of lectures, classes, and beach walks throughout the year. It is truly a monument to shelling in Southwest Florida and around the world.
Where Do You Find the Best Shells During Your Florida Vacation?
It’s no question that some of the best seashells can be found on Sanibel Island — and that’s no accident. This is because Sanibel is shaped like a dolphin and curves perpendicular to the coastline, meaning the southern currents help all kinds of shells from around the world wash up on the island’s shore. Some of the best shells can be found on Sanibel’s southern tip because its east-west orientation doubles as a shovel to scoop up seashells from all over the globe.
Imagine waking up each morning and walking down to the beach to see which unique and incredible seashells you can find. You can keep them all for yourself or bring them back as souvenirs for your friends.
Another option, just as beautiful as Sanibel, is Captiva Island, located about 20 minutes down the road.
Here are some Sanibel beaches to keep in mind for finding the best seashells:
- Lighthouse Beach has a lot of the smaller shells, but don’t give up. The selection can expand as you progress along the breathtaking coast.
- If you’re looking for larger treasures, we recommend visiting the north end of Captiva.
- On the way there, you’ll pass Sanibel’s Blind Pass Beach or cross the bridge over the pass to Turner Beach on Captiva’s south end. These are excellent spots as well.
To blend in and feel like a local, do the “Sanibel Stoop,” a fancy term meaning to bend at the waist to pick up a seashell. The stoop is a popular sight on the islands and a rite of passage.
Planning Educational Vacation Ideas
Besides enjoying one of the most beautiful places in the world, there are numerous benefits to planning an educational and informative trip to Sanibel Island. Learning about the area’s shells and marine life — or learning anything new on a vacation — can help instill confidence, enhance social skills, and foster curiosity and critical thinking.
It also helps create lasting memories that kids will cherish for years to come.
The Bailey-Matthews Museum is also home to one of the most impressive aquariums in Southwest Florida.
Everyone will love the exhibits in the Living Gallery of Aquariums. Watch the behavior of mollusks and learn about their anatomy, how they grow, what they eat, and so much more.
A special hands-on play area for children is available, featuring displays, games, and a tank with indigenous mollusks for investigation.
Finding a Vacation Rental Near the Beach So You Can Find the Best Seashells
If you’re looking for a vacation rental on Sanibel Island near the best shell museum in Florida, we can help you find the perfect home that checks off all the boxes. Whether it’s a cozy beach bungalow, a luxury home with ample space that’s steps from the beach, or a well-appointed rental with resort-style amenities, Royal Shell has got you covered. We’re local and we know the area well. We’re happy to share our knowledge with you, too. Start planning your next vacation, and visit the best shell museum in Florida.
