Fodor's Expert Review Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum
Editor's Note: This property is currently undergoing renovations.
Giant shell photos by nature photographer Henry Domke draw you into this wonderful museum with more than 30 permanent and short-term exhibits. Get a close-up look at mollusks in the 8-foot-long, live-viewing tank. See a life-size display of native Calusa and how they used shells. From tiny to enormous, view local specimens and a variety from around the world. Play in the colorful kids' lab and have fun creating a keepsake with the museum's shelling craft kit. Watch movies about how shells are formed and where to find them. The museum has two full-time marine biologists who lead daily tank talks and host daily guided beach walks. From colossal squids to Shelling 101, make this your first stop and you’ll be giving your own talks on the beach. Don't miss the museum store, filled with upscale nautical gifts.
