Beachcombing is a diverse, broad, and interesting subject. The idea of what is a “beach treasure” changes from person to person and region to region. In Michigan, some folks search for Petoskey stones while in southern Florida seashells are coveted. On the world’s beaches, Mother Nature freely offers treasures for us to find. Sea glass, beach glass, seashells, driftwood, shark teeth, fossils, and more are all out there waiting to be discovered! 

With the help of our Beachcombing readers, we’ve compiled a list of books for reference and inspiration. Whether you’re interested in broadening your horizons by learning more about beachcombing and your beach finds, you have a beachcombing collection and don’t know what to do with it, or you’re looking for a great gift for a beach lover, this list of books is the perfect place to start. Look it over and start building your own beachcombing library.

Thank you to Cindy Bilbao for collating the responses from our readers into this organized and comprehensive list of beachcombing books. 

Beachcombing

	Beach: A Book Of Treasures Josie Iselin Learn about our beachcombing finds as well as the science of how they came to be in this book for anyone who values the seashore.
	The Beachcomber’s Companion Anna Marlis Burgard & Jullian Ditner This is a charming illustrated guide to collecting and identifying shells and other coastal treasures.
	A Beachcomber’s Odyssey, Vol. 1: Treasures From A Collected Past S. Deacon Ritterbush This beautiful book offers up treasures for the soul with amazing photos and life lessons.
	Gold Beneath The Waves: Treasure Hunting The Surf And Sand Jim Brouwer Principles in this book will help anyone who wants to use a metal detector to find treasures.
	Living Beaches Of Georgia and The Carolinas: A Beachcombers Guide Blair & Dawn Witherington This comprehensive guide satisfies a beachcomber’s curiosity. It covers beach processes, plants, animals, minerals, and man-made objects.
	Washed Up: The Curious Journeys Of Flotsam and Jetsam Skye Moody The ocean gives up many curious prizes. Walk the coast with the author to understand the mysterious debris that accrues along the tide line.

Identification

	Antique Trader Bottles: Identification & Price Guide Michael Polak The guide is known as “the bottle Bible.” It is a reliable and trusted reference for bottle collecting.
	Beach Stones Josie Iselin & Margaret Carruthers This gorgeous art book and nature guide is a collaborative work by a nature writer and a photographer.
	A Beachcomber’s Guide to Fossils Bob Gale, Pam Gale, Ashby Gale Contains detailed descriptions of more than 300 fossil specimens found on beaches from Texas to Florida to New Jersey. Includes extensive photographs and information to help beachcombers identify their own finds along with hints about how to look for such treasures.
	The Curious World of Seaweed Josie Iselin & Margaret Carruthers Take a deep dive into the ocean universe of marine algae.
	Florida’s Fabulous Seashells and Other Shore Life Winston Williams & Pete Carmichael This is a great reference for shells and sea life found in Florida.
	Florida Fossil Shark Teeth Identification Guide Robert L. Fuqua Hunting for fossilized shark’s teeth is a popular hobby in Florida. This guidebook is designed to help you determine the origin of any teeth you find.
	Fossil Shark Teeth Of The World Joe Cocke Identify your fossilized shark teeth.
	Pure Sea Glass Identification Deck Richard LaMotte & Celia Pearson The perfect tool for sea glass collectors, this card deck shows how to determine rarity of your sea glass.
	The Pebbles On The Beach Clarence Ellis A knowledgeable and witty guide to everything you didn’t know there was to know about pebbles and the best pebble-spotting grounds in the U.K.
	Rocks & Minerals Guides Bob Lynch Lynch has written numerous identification guides, each specializing in different regions of the U.S.
	Sea Beans from the Tropics Ed Perry IV & John V. Dennis This guide about sea-beans, spirula, mermaid’s purses, and other things that float is a great reference book for beachcombers, oceanographers, and botanists.
	Seashells Of The World (A Golden Guide From St. Martin’s Press) R. Tucker Abbot Learn to identify, classify, and understand the shells you collect.
	The Shell Collector’s Handbook: The Essential Field Guide For Exploring The World Of Shells Kenneth R. Wye This field guide helps you to identify shells in your collection.
	What’s Your Poison Paula Newman This pocket guide identifies some of the sources of colorful sea glass.

Sea & Beach Glass

	Of Love and Sea Glass: Inspirational Quotes and Treasured Gifts From The Sea Donald Verger This stunning look at the quiet beauty of sea glass is full of artful images and inspirational quotes.
	The Lure Of Sea Glass: Our Connection To Nature’s Gems Richard LaMotte & Celia Pearson This beautiful book includes stories about beachcombing experiences, paired with gorgeous photos.
	A Passion For Sea Glass C. S. Lambert An inspiration for creativity, this book will renew your sense of wonder for sea glass.
	The Peblsrock Pocket Guide To Seaham Sea Marbles: Lost, Tossed And Found Paula Newman Here you will find information about the various marble varieties found on beaches on and around Seaham, England, and ways to assess your marble finds. The guide is pocket sized and designed to travel with you for reference when you go beachcombing.
	Pure Sea Glass: Discovering Nature’s Vanishing Gems Richard LaMotte & Celia Pearson This definitive reference for beachcombers is also a beautiful addition to any coffee table.
	Sea Glass Cindy Bilbao These beautiful images of sea glass will remind you of the joy of discovery.
	Sea Glass Chronicles C. S. Lambert Explore the origins and history of pieces you are likely to find between the tides, and enjoy the revelation of overlooked treasures worldwide.
	Sea Glass Hearts Josie Iselin Enjoy this inspiring collection of sea glass shaped like hearts.
	Sea Glass Hunter’s Handbook C. S. Lambert Learn how to locate the best beaches, understand coastal access laws, and determine the value of sea glass.
	A Sea Glass Journey: Ebb And Flow Teri Hall Accented with stunning photos, this book illustrates the transformative process sea glass undergoes in the ocean. Includes projects for getting creative with sea glass at home.
	Sea Glass: A Photographic Journey Christeena Hockin-Minopetros Enjoy beautiful photos and quotes from sea glass collectors from around the world.
	Sea Glass: Rare and Wonderful C. S. Lambert & Tina Lam View some of the rarest specimens of sea glass from the author’s personal collection and read true stories of each piece’s origin.
	The Sea Glass Rush Bev Jacquemet Enjoy this celebration of the world’s most spectacular sea glass.
	Sea Glass Secrets Valerie Raudonis After walking beaches collecting sea glass for decades, Raudonis created this volume of poetry.
	Sea Glass Seeker Cindy Bilbao This book opens up a new world for those on the hunt for sea glass treasures, teaching you where and when to go and what to look for.
	The Ultimate Guide To Sea Glass: Beachcomber’s Edition: Finding, Collecting, Identifying and Using The Ocean’s Most Beautiful Stones Mary Beth Beuke This beautiful book helps first-time seekers start new collections and veteran hunters learn more about their collections.

Seashells

	My Way Of Shelling Amanda Collett Go along with Amanda as she shares her shelling adventures in Florida with readers. Here she shares the shelling tips she has learned through her years of beachcombing, including how to properly clean shells and how to identify them. Includes beautiful photos of her amazing finds as well as the gorgeous artwork she creates with shells from her extensive collection.
	Seashells Cindy Bilbao Like a walk on the beach, this book captures the beauty of shells and the tranquility of the shore. Contains information about shells and collecting.
	Seashells Josie Iselin This celebration of the diversity and beauty of nature features exquisite portraits of seashells.

Destinations

	Beaches of Glass: A History & Tour of the Glass Beaches of Fort Bragg, California Cass Forrington Through photos and maps of the coves and beaches of Fort Bragg, you can learn how to plan a hiking or kayak tour to visit them.
	Erie Wrecks & Lights Georgann & Michael Wachter Dive into the myths and realities of shipwrecks in the Great Lakes.
	Glass Beach James Marino A field survey of the beaches of Fort Bragg Beach, California, written by an archaeologist.
	Glass Beach: A Sea Glass Lover’s Paradise Lisa D. Walker Learn the history of Fort Bragg Beach in California, known for its sea glass-covered shore.
	Lost And Found: Time, Tide and Treasures Amy Heller and Gail Browne The harbor in Provincetown, Massachusetts, is the source of an extensive collection of artifacts discovered during many beachcombing outings. Six contemporary artists/beachcombers have curated their finds for this fascinating book containing beautiful, artistic photos. Interviews with each artist are included along with the art created out of and inspired by their beach treasures. Beachcombers, historians, artists, and coastal New England fans will be entertained.
	Mudlark: In Search Of London’s Past Along The River Thames Lara Maiklem Mudlark Lara Maiklem treks the shores of the Thames uncovering artifacts, some dating back to AD 43. Read along as she searches for the historical significance of these objects. It’s a fascinating perspective of London’s history.
	The New Beachcomber’s Guide To The Pacific Northwest J. Duane Sept This informative guidebook shares up-to-date information about the best beachcombing sites in the Pacific Northwest and when to visit them. Reference guide to the hundreds of species found in that area.
	Peblsrock Pocket Guide To Seaham and Nearby Sea Glass Beaches Paula Newman Designed in response to the many questions Paula gets from visitors to her local beach in North East England, this guide covers history, colors, and techniques.
	Santa Cruz Sea Glass: The Story Behind The Treasure Krista Hammond Learn about the unique beach glass from Davenport, California.
	Sea Glass Hunter’s Guide To Seaham And Beyond Jing Cheng Jing Cheng takes readers on an expedition to beaches in the North East Coast of England. Provides detailed information about where and what you can expect to find and how to identify your treasures. Contains GPS coordinates and a beautiful map.
	Thames: Sacred River Peter Ackroyd Explore the Thames River from source to sea, from prehistoric times to present day.
	Thames Mudlarking: Searching For London’s Lost Treasures Jason Sandy and Nick Stevens Jason Sandy is a mudlark, lecturer, and author who has teamed up with renowned photographer Nick Stevens to bring you this visual book that delves into London’s history based upon the treasures mudlarks have uncovered from the shore of the River Thames. Those who are new to mudlarking will find this book fascinating.
	Walking The Jurassic Coast: Dorset and East Devon: The Walks, The Rocks, The Fossils Ronald Turnbull This guide contains 30 walks that will help you discover the best and most spectacular areas of the Jurassic Coast, a geological wonderland.
	Where I Find My Sea Glass, Beachcombing In Nova Scotia Kristina Noel Chronicles areas that yield sea glass in Nova Scotia. Offers tips on how to get started, where to look and what to look for. Filled with beautiful photography.

Arts and Crafts

	The Art Of Sea Glass Tina Lam Sea glass and other elements create whimsical scenes captured in the photos of this book.
	Coastal Crafts: Decorative Seaside Projects To Inspire Your Inner Beachcomber Cynthia Shaffer Learn projects that incorporate seashells, sea glass, and a range of nautical materials and motifs.
	Organic Wire and Metal Jewelry Eva M. Sherman & Beth L. Martin Incorporate gemstones, crystals, sea glass, and pearls into jewelry using these instructions and photos.
	Peblsrock Pocket Guide To Drilling Sea Glass Paula Newman Contains instructions and photos that will guide you through the process of drilling a hole into sea glass for making a pendant or earrings.
	Sailors’ Valentines John Fondas Directions and guidance for creating your own Sailors’ Valentines.
	Sea Glass Crafts Rebecca Ruger-Wightman This book includes 20 step-by-step projects to create beautiful works with your collection of sea glass.
	Sea Glass Crafts: 28 Fun Projects You Can Make At Home C. S. Lambert Filled with inspiration and step-by-step instructions, this book helps you turn your seaside treasures into home décor.
	Sea Glass Jewelry: Create Beautiful and Unique Designs From Beach-Found Treasures Lindsay Furber & Mary Beth Beuke Create your own wearable keepsake. Color photos and step-by-step instructions will help you learn the essential skills needed to create beautiful accessories.
	Shell Chic: The Ultimate Guide To Decorating Your Home Marlene Hurley Marshall This book helps you learn how to use shells to bring a sea-infused decorative flair to your home.
	Windows To The Past: Creating Sea Glass Mosaic Art Jackie Trimper Have you ever asked yourself “what am I going to do with all this sea glass?” Learn how to create your own sea glass mosaic with this step-by-step guide.

Oceans, Mermaids, and More

	The Mermaid Handbook: A Guide To the Mermaid Way Of Life, Including Recipes, Folklore and More Taylor Widrig and Briana Corr Scott Contains profiles of mermaids from around the world complete with folklore about each maiden. Also included are over 40 healthy recipes and tips for ocean preservation. This book is a must-have if you are fascinated with mermaids.
	Mother Beach Patricia Merski Walk along the shoreline to visit an old friend, Mother Beach, and search for treasures. Written in an easy rhythm, this charming poem will bring back memories of past beach explorations and honors a lifetime of memories of beachcombing along the shores of Lake Erie. This book is illustrated with beautiful washes of watercolor by Chanda Patel.
	Ocean Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces Of The World Under The Sea Julia Rothman Through this best-selling illustrator’s artwork, enjoy exploration of the watery universe. Includes interesting information about why the sea is salty and the phenomena of rogue waves. Explore the lives of sea creatures and other curiosities. Will entertain readers of all ages.
	The Sea: Stories, Trivia, Crafts and Recipes Inspired By The World’s Best Shorelines, Beaches and Oceans Isobel Carlson This book is packed with a variety of interesting information centered around the sea. It includes everything from trivia, marine exploration and history, crafts, recipes, myths, camping, fossil hunting, and building beach bonfires—there’s something for everyone!
	Sharing Joy’s Treasures Christine Robinson A great-grandfather passed down his shell collection to his great-granddaughter. During a move to a new home, the author discovers written letters that tell a fascinating story about the shell collection’s origin: a missionary living in Jamaica in the early 1800s. Follow the shells and their fascinating story.

Are we missing any of your favorites? 

There are always great new beachcombing books coming out—and classics from long ago—that people have in their beachcombing libraries. If we didn’t list one of your favorites, let us know in the comments below. We will keep the list updated to include popular suggestions and provide links to find the books online.

Happy reading!

Quick note:  Please support your local bookstore, beach shop, and authors by purchasing these books in their store. We have provided links to purchase these books online, some of which are on Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made when you purchase using our links. This doesn't change your prices. Please feel free to purchase items wherever it works best for you. Thanks!