7 Best Places In Florida To Hunt For Your Own Fossils & Gemstones
The Sunshine State is already a beautiful place to take an adventure, but wouldn't it be even better if you could head home with a souvenir you found yourself? These fossil and gem mining spots are the perfect places for a little Florida Adventure with treasures to take home. You're gonna want to grab your BFFs for this list!
Hogtown Creek
Address: 1500 NW 45th Ave, Gainesville, FL
Why You Need To Go: A stunning nature park full of picturesque nature trails and sandy creek runs perfect for finding shark teeth. Look on the gravel bars at bends in the creek for the best luck. Where Hogtown Creek crosses Possum Creek at 8th Avenue is also a hot spot for fossils.
Caspersen and Venice Beach
Address: 4100 Harbor Dr, Venice, FL 34285
Why You Need To Go: Known as the Sharktooth Capitol of the World, this beautiful beach will reward your searching efforts with a bounty of sea life souvenirs. There's even a section of the beach that has black sand and it's seriously gorgeous.
Lost Mines of Atlantis
Address: 10404 US Hwy 27 S, Sebring, FL
Why You Need To Go: Pan for rocks, precious and semi-precious gemstones here. Pay a flat rate and fill your bucket with sparkling souvenirs.
Peace River
Address: 2816 NW County Rd. 661, Arcadia, FL
Why You Need To Go: Launching off at the Canoe Outpost on Peace River will give you a little beauty of nature while going on your fossil hunting adventure. Swim, snorkel, kayak, or canoe downriver while hunting the riverbed for your fossilized treasures. You can go it alone, or take a tour that will guide you to the hot spots.
Shell Creek
Address: 8120 Riverside Dr, Punta Gorda, FL
Why You Need To Go: A tributary to the Peace River, you'll find the creek run less traveled than the popular river. Kick-off from the fish and boat launch with a small boat, kayak, or canoe and locate the shallow banks for the best chance to find fossils. Bonus: it's an awesome sea shelling spot too.
Ruck's Pit at Fort Drum Crystal Mine
Address: 28320 NE 55th Ave, Okeechobee, FL
Why You Need To Go: Pay a flat fee and take home as much as you can find and carry. From fossils to gemstones and even shells crystallized with calcite, this spot is known for some ultra-unique finds.
Gardner — Charlie Creek
Address: 547 River Rd SW, Zolfo Springs, FL
Why You Need To Go: The boat ramp is an awesome spot to hunt for fossils if you don't have a boat. The tide is low in December through May, making it easy to walk along the banks. Wade up the river to Charlie Creek to find a treasure trove of shark teeth. Most visitors suggest bringing a floating sifter and a shovel.
So what are you waiting for? Gear up the car, and go on a Florida fossil and gem hunting adventure.
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.