Discovery Seashell Museum

PO Box 121
2717 Asbury Ave.
Ocean City, NJ 08226
(609) 398-2316

This neat Museum and shop is associated with an important member of the sea shell industry in Florida and has connections throughout the world. Members of the Strange Family, operators of the Museum, are all certified divers and have traveled around the world collecting seashells.

Visitors will see some of the rarest and finest seashell specimens such as the Glory of India cone. An unusual exhibit features freaks of nature, including the only Siamese Twin Helmet shell known to exist.

In the Shell Yard more than 10,000 varieties of seashells can be seen, as well as fifteen different types of coral, carved shells, and mysterious air plants that grow in shells without the need of soil.

Located on the Jersey Shore, the Museum is open during summer months -- perfect timing for beach combers who want to get a better idea of what they're looking for. Serious collectors will find that elusive Golden Cowry. The Shop offers shells and shell-craft items for sale to collectors at every level.

Tours are Self-Guided, though museum staff are on hand to answer all questions.

Hours: Memorial Day to Christmas Monday - Saturday 10am - 8pm, Sunday 12 - 6.

Admission: FREE.

Reservations: Several days.

Lunch: Nearby restaurants and parks for picnics.

Handicapped: Accessible.

Directions: Atlantic City Expwy to Garden State Pkwy. South to Ocean City/Marmora exit. Go left to island and left onto Asbury Ave. to 2721.

Time: 60 - 90 minutes southeast of Philadelphia.

Nearby: Leamings Run Garden , Warren Fox Nature Center , Marine Mammal Stranding Center , Noyes Museum , Edwin Forsythe Wildlife Refuge .