If you spend enough time on the sand in Myrtle Beach, you learn that the Atlantic is always delivering surprises to the shoreline. From shark teeth and live shells to jellyfish, crabs, and even historic artifacts, every beach walk along the Grand Strand can turn into a small adventure. In this week’s “What Washed Up?!” episode, we share real stories and photos from local beaches so you know what’s normal, what’s rare, and what to do when you find something unexpected. Whether you already live here or you’re dreaming of a condo or second home along the Grand Strand, these beach finds are a big part of everyday coastal life in Myrtle Beach.
What washed up in Myrtle Beach?
Locals in Myrtle Beach get a lot of questions about what really shows up on the beach and in the shallow water. The most common finds are shells, shark teeth, small crabs, jellyfish, and the occasional fish or starfish that has washed in with the tide. Shell hunting can be especially rewarding around places like Myrtle Beach State Park, Huntington Beach State Park, and quieter stretches near Briarcliffe Acres and Windy Hill in North Myrtle Beach. Because the surf is gentler than many northern beaches, shells and fossils are more likely to wash up whole instead of broken.
One memorable example from Garden City Beach in 2020 was a massive starfish event, when thousands of live sea stars washed into the shallows during a breeding phase and people could scoop them up by the handful before returning them to deeper water. On other days, you might come across live whelks, moon snails, horseshoe crabs, ghost crabs, and sand “mole” crabs burrowing at the waterline. These small encounters are part of why many buyers are drawn to oceanfront condos and homes in areas like North Myrtle Beach, Surfside, and the core Myrtle Beach oceanfront—there is always something new to see on a simple beach walk.
Shark teeth, wildlife, and safety
Shark teeth hunting has become almost a sport along the Grand Strand, with people collecting jars of black and white fossil teeth from different shark species. Most of the darker teeth you find have turned black over time through mineralization in the sediment, while fresh teeth are usually lighter or white. Larger megalodon teeth in the 3–5 inch range are typically pulled from rivers or by divers, and anything over 6 inches is considered extremely rare. Along the main Myrtle Beach oceanfront, patient searchers still regularly find smaller fossil teeth, especially after storms and strong tides.
Many visitors also ask how worried they should be about sharks in the water. Roughly 20 million people visit the Myrtle Beach area each year, and what the hosts found is that Myrtle Beach averages about one to two shark incidents per year, almost all of them minor bites. No fatal shark incidents have been recorded in the local area since the mid-1800s, which helps put the risk into perspective for people considering more time in the ocean. Jellyfish are more common than sharks, and most of what washes up here are cannonball or “cabbage head” jellies that are largely harmless or cause only mild stings, while more painful species like Portuguese man-of-war appear far less often.
Strange finds: alligators, cannonballs, and history
Every so often, something truly unexpected washes up on Grand Strand beaches. A few times in recent years, alligators that normally live in freshwater or brackish areas like the Intracoastal Waterway and local ponds have appeared confused in the surf, requiring beach patrol to relocate them. The area also has deep historic layers—from Civil War–era activity offshore to World War II bombing and gunnery training ranges located inland around what is now Carolina Forest.
Those historic roots occasionally show up on the sand today. Recently, metal detector hobbyists near North Beach Plantation and Beach Cove Resort in North Myrtle Beach uncovered an undetonated Civil War–era cannonball after dredging work, and the bomb squad safely removed and detonated it. Inland, as new construction continues in areas like Carolina Forest, crews still sometimes uncover old training ordnance from former ranges, which is handled by specialists. The lesson for beachcombers and residents is straightforward: if you ever find anything that looks like a shell, bomb, or other device, leave it in place and contact authorities instead of taking it home.
Everyday beach life on the Grand Strand
Living along the Grand Strand means these beach discoveries blend into everyday life around work, school, and local routines. Locals talk about watching dolphins offshore, rare whale sightings, early-morning sunrises over the water, and spontaneous fishing sessions where surf anglers catch bluefish, sea trout, flounder, or drum for dinner. Many of these stories in “What Washed Up?!” came from years spent in oceanfront condos in Myrtle Beach and regular time around Garden City, North Myrtle Beach, and Myrtle Beach State Park. Even residents who don’t make it to the sand every day still catch a glimpse of teal ocean water down the avenues from North Kings Highway and other main roads, which is a daily reminder of why they chose this coastal market.
For buyers and investors researching Myrtle Beach, knowing the “beach side” of the lifestyle matters as much as square footage and HOA dues. From sea turtles and horseshoe crabs to shark teeth, shells, and even the occasional historic artifact, coastal living here offers a mix of recreation, nature, and local stories that’s hard to duplicate inland. Understanding what you might see on the beach also helps you feel more prepared and comfortable when you’re visiting or making a move.
Carolina Crafted Homes stays current on Myrtle Beach market trends and can answer questions about what washes up on our beaches, coastal lifestyle, and nearby communities. Reach out anytime for guidance—no pressure, just straightforward expertise.
FAQS
Q1: Is it safe to swim in Myrtle Beach with sharks around?
Most visitors never encounter a shark, and the data discussed in the episode shows roughly one to two shark incidents per year in the Myrtle Beach area, almost all minor bites. With around 20 million visitors a year, the odds of a serious issue are extremely low, and there have been no fatal shark incidents locally since 1852. Swimmers still need to use common sense by avoiding swimming near active fishing, not entering the water at dawn or dusk when fish are more active, and heeding local flags and lifeguard instructions.
Q2: When is the best time to look for shark teeth on the Grand Strand?
Shark teeth can turn up any day, but your chances improve after storms and strong wave action that churn up sandbars and shell beds. Many local hunters also like to search as the tide is falling, when the receding water exposes fresh lines of shells and darker, shiny shapes that might be teeth. It takes time to “train your eye,” but once you’ve found a few, it becomes easier to distinguish teeth from regular shells and pebbles.
Q3: What should I do if I find a cannonball or old military device on the beach?
If you find anything that looks like a cannonball, bomb, or metal device, leave it exactly where it is and contact local authorities or beach patrol immediately. Recent discoveries near North Beach Plantation and in inland areas like Carolina Forest have turned out to be live ordnance connected to Civil War or World War II activity. Trying to move or keep these items is unsafe, and trained bomb squads can safely remove and detonate them as needed.
Q4: Are jellyfish on Myrtle Beach dangerous?
The most common jellyfish that wash up here are cannonball or “cabbage head” jellyfish, which are basically round and typically cause no sting or only very mild irritation. Less frequently, you may see mushroom and moon jellies with slightly stronger stings, and rarely more painful species like Portuguese man-of-war and box-type “sea wasp” jellies. If you see long tentacles or are unsure, it’s smart to avoid touching them and to ask a lifeguard about current conditions.
Q5: Can I keep shells, starfish, or live animals I find on the beach?
Many visitors collect empty shells and fossil shark teeth as souvenirs, but you should return live creatures—such as starfish, whelks, moon snails, and horseshoe crabs—to the water. The episode specifically mentions flipping live horseshoe crabs upright so they can survive and tossing live starfish back into deeper water during unusual wash-ups. Local and state rules may limit collecting in certain protected areas like state parks, so always check posted signs and follow guidance from rangers or lifeguards.
