West Coast Shell Show
The San Diego Shell Club is the host of the annual West Coast Shell Show, held in the beautiful Casa del Prado building in Balboa Park, San Diego. With scientific and artistic exhibits, experts available to answer questions about shells, dealers selling shells from around the world, and shell gifts for children, it’s a great event to share enthusiasm for shelling and meet fellow shellers.
Since its inception in 2016, the show has continued to grow and attract dealers and exhibitors from all over the U.S., including scientific and artistic exhibits of shells from around the world. The show features presentations by speakers about shells and shell collecting.
Casa del Prado building in Balboa Park (Boycez/Shutterstock.com).
Artistic exhibits in past years have included drawings, paintings, photographs, sculptures, Sailor’s Valentines, shell boxes, mugs, ceramics, jewelry, glassware, and other pieces incorporating or inspired by seashells.
The Club awards ribbons in both scientific and artistic categories. The West Coast Shell Show’s Grand Trophy is the top prize and is awarded only if one of the exhibits meets the comprehensive criteria established by the West Coast Shell Show in 2021.
There are also trophies for most aesthetically pleasing exhibit, the Conchologist of America Award for the best scientific exhibit, two Shell of the Show trophies, a trophy awarded for educational excellence, and the Exhibitor’s Choice Award selected by the show’s exhibitors.
San Diego is known for its mild climate, family-friendly attractions, a thriving arts and culture scene, rich naval history, and of course its 70 miles of coastline with beautiful beaches to explore.
Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre park with museums, stunning architecture, performing arts venues, the San Diego Zoo, and beautiful gardens.
The architectural style of many of the original buildings, including the Casa del Prado, date from the 1915–1916 Panama-California Exposition, which took place in San Diego’s city central park.
If you want to head out for beachcombing, check out Mission Bay (especially Vacation Isle at low tide), the Silver Strand, and the beach south of Imperial Beach.
The 8th Annual West Coast Shell Show is open to the public and admission is free.
- Saturday, August 23, 2025, 9 am – 7 pm
- Sunday, August 24, 2025, 9 am – 7 pm
- Casa del Prado, 1650 El Prado, Room 101, Balboa Park, San Diego
All photos courtesy of San Diego Shell Club except as marked.
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This article appeared in Beachcombing Magazine Volume 49 July/August 2025.
