It’s no secret that Massachusetts is home to plenty of splendid beaches and shoreline. But if you’re looking for nautical treasures, some stretches of sand are better than others. This dreamy beach in Gloucester is a great place to hunt for sand dollars, not to mention some time in the sun.

Wingaersheek Beach might be the best place in the state to find amazing sand dollars.

Flickr/Goodharbor

Located on the Cape Ann, it’s a clean beach with soft, smooth sand full of treasures.

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If you visit this beach at low tide, it seems as if you can walk out across the sandbars forever. It’s also the best time to find sand dollars.

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Look for dark (or sometimes light) discs sticking out of the sand. For instance, these sand dollars here are still alive and should be left alone.

Flickr/Christine Fierro

Sand dollars that are still living are actually brown and slightly fuzzy. If you find one that is bone-white color, then it is no longer alive and likely can be taken home!

Flickr/Jeff Turner

Scrambling among the rocks here is great fun for kids, especially when they can find beautiful shells and sand dollars to collect.

Tripadvisor/Steven B.

The water here is warm and generally pretty calm, so it’s a great beach day destination whether or not you’re interested in collecting.

Tripadvisor/Roberta F.

Go during the week to avoid crowds and get the best sand dollars. Be sure to bring cash for the concession stand.

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Though the beach is fairly small compared to some of the larger sandy beaches further south, it’s a beautiful spot.

Wikimedia Commons/Gabrielm199

You won’t be disappointed by a visit to this stunning sand dollar beach.

Flickr/Gordon

For more of the best beaches in Massachusetts, check out our favorites here.

Flickr/Goodharbor

Tripadvisor/Funkytimes

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Flickr/Christine Fierro

Flickr/Jeff Turner

Tripadvisor/Steven B.

Tripadvisor/Roberta F.

Flickr/Sailn1

Wikimedia Commons/Gabrielm199

Flickr/Gordon

If you love exploring this state’s natural wonders, be sure to join our Massachusetts Nature Lovers Facebook group for more inspiration and your chance to have a nature photo featured!

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