From shells galore to great food, a little fudge and animals, the Shell Factory & Nature Park is a great place to do a little seashell hunting while also enjoying a few hours out along with a tasty seafood meal. Located in Southwest Florida, the Shell Factory is a community staple that has been around for about 70 years while offering great prices, a family friendly atmosphere and a safe place to take your pets while out and about. But what really is the Shell Factory? When is the Shell Factory open and where’s it located? We provide the short answers here.
What is the Shell Factory & Nature Park
Located in Southwest Florida for nearly a century, the Shell Factory & Nature Park is your one stop shop for loose seashells, sea life, ocean and shell themed gifts, fudge, minerals, coral, shark teeth and a few oddities. Once on site, you’ll find a large ‘factory’ presenting over 5 million shells from around the world, some for display purposes and others for sale. The property itself is on 18 acres, giving the public a chance to enjoy a restaurant, Nature Park, Pirates Grotto, Gator Slough, bumper boats, miniature golf and jewelry shopping. On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday you’ll also find a Flea Market where you’ll find fruits, veggies and a few gifts.
What kind of shells are at the Shell Factory
Basically every kind! Though there are lots of local shells to choose from, most of the shells available for purchase are from around the world, with a heavy emphasis on Asian shells. These shells can be bought in bulk or as singles. The same goes for barnacles, sea life (puffer fish and the like) as well as sand dollars and starfish. Coral pieces are large in size (and beautiful!) and can only be bought piece by piece. Shark teeth are also available, from new to old, making great additions to any collection.
Is there a restaurant at the Shell Factory
Yes there is! After a few hours of shell hunting, you might want to cool off with a drink and dish at Capt’n Fishbones. Open for both lunch and dinner, guests will find a dining room and bar right on sight as well as the new Swamp Bar Patio. Though the food is great, there’s another reason why people love this restaurant. It’s pet friendly! If you’re traveling with your dogs in tow, make sure to bring them along.
Keeping with Florida style, the menu consists mainly of seafood dishes (even a few treats for your pet) and offers an all you can eat Fish Fry on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. The restaurant is open Monday through Sunday from 11am to 8pm. DogBones Cafe is open Thursday through Sunday at noon.
If a meal isn’t enough, venture back into the Shell Factory for some fudge! Inside you’ll find a cute little ‘fudge factory’ called Rosie’s Gourmet Fudge making a variety of fudge from fan favorite chocolate to exotics like cookies and cream. There’s also a Subway if you’re looking for a sub to take to the beach.
Shell Factory admission prices and location
Wishing to visit? Well, you’re in luck! There are no admission prices into the Factory itself, though there are admission prices for events and activities within the property:
- Zipline: $8.50 per person
- Nature Park: $13.00 per adult, $8 per child, $10 per senior
- Paddle Boat: $5 per boat
- Miniature Golf: $5 per person
- Water Wars: $5 per bucket
- Bumper Boats: $5 per boat
- 10 minute Trampoline: $3 per person
- Rock Climbing Wall: $3 per person
Shell Factory Contact Information:
2787 North Tamiami Trail North Fort Myers, FL 33903
Phone: 239-995-2141
Shell Factory hours of operation
The Shell Factory (retail store) is open year round from 10am to 6pm Monday through Sunday.
The Nature Park is open year round from 10am to 5pm Monday through Sunday.