Weird Things That Wash Up: The Gulf Coast’s Strangest Beach Finds

If you’ve spent any time on the white sand of the Gulf Coast, you know our beaches serve up more than just sunburns and seafood platters. Every now and then, the tide rolls in with something so strange, you’d swear the Gulf had a sense of humor. From mysterious sea creatures to treasure-worthy finds, the beaches of Perdido Key, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Fort Morgan have seen it all. Here are a few true tales that’ll make you laugh, scratch your head, and maybe keep one eye on the surf.

The Whale of a Tale

Let’s start with the big splash—literally. In December 2024, a 40-foot, 30,000-pound sperm whale washed up near Fort Morgan. Officials believe shark bites may have played a role, and it took a crane to haul the poor fella off. It wasn’t exactly beach towel material, but it did remind everyone that we share the sea with some serious giants.

Ashes to Ashes, Sand to Sand

April 2025 brought one of the most unexpected beach discoveries yet: a funeral urn resting quietly on West Beach in Gulf Shores. Police respectfully investigated and were able to reunite it with a family in Ohio. While it certainly wasn’t your average seashell find, it added a touch of mystery—and a reminder that every item has a story.

Say Hello to My Little Bundle

Also in Fort Morgan, June 2025 delivered a beach find that made national headlines—a 110-pound bundle of cocaine washed ashore like a plot twist in a crime drama. Homeland Security swooped in, and just like that, a quiet stretch of sand became the scene of a federal investigation. Talk about a high-stakes beach day.

Jellyfish with a Vengeance

What looks like a balloon and stings like regret? Portuguese man-o-wars—those vibrant, floating menaces—aren’t strangers to our shores. These stingers wash up periodically on our beaches, especially after strong winds or changing currents. They’re strikingly beautiful, but don’t be fooled—those tentacles can still zap you long after they’ve hit the sand. Talk about a toxic ex.

Washed Up and Weird

Ever heard of a globster? It’s what scientists call mysterious, unidentifiable sea blobs that roll up after storms. One day it’s whale blubber, the next it’s the stuff of nightmares. While Alabama hasn’t hosted the biggest blobs, don’t be shocked if your beach selfie includes an unexpected photobomber.

The Peekaboo Pirate Ship

Down at mile marker 6 in Fort Morgan, an old wooden shipwreck named The Rachel likes to play hide and seek. Strong storms reveal her skeleton now and then, giving beachgoers a front-row seat to coastal history—and a great excuse to shout “Aye, matey!”

Unidentified Squishy Object

Back in 2021, beachgoers stumbled upon a strange, pink, fleshy mass that washed ashore in Gulf Shores—something that looked suspiciously like a tongue or maybe a chunk of sea creature straight out of a sci-fi flick. Social media lit up with wild guesses (some serious, most hilarious), but no official ID was ever confirmed. Whatever it was, it definitely spiced up the usual beach stroll.

Coins Older Than Grandma’s Cast Iron

In early 2024, a metal detectorist found a King George II half-penny on Fort Morgan beach—dated back to the 1700s. Proof that sometimes, treasure really is just beneath your flip-flops.

Pirates, Pistols, and Perdido

Legend has it pirates once buried treasure near Perdido Pass and Orange Beach. Locals have turned up old coins, flintlock pistols, and other seafaring oddities after storms. So next time you’re digging for your lost sunglasses, who knows—you might hit gold.

From sea monsters to mystery urns, the Gulf Coast has a knack for the unexpected. Whether you’re here for the sunshine or hoping to stumble across your own weird beach tale, one thing’s for sure—these shores never disappoint.

Ready to uncover a beach story of your own? Book your next stay with BEACHBALL PROPERTIES. From Perdido Key to Fort Morgan, we’ve got the perfect home base for sunshine, shell hunting, and maybe even a mystery or two.

Come Have A Ball At The Beach!

– Ginger & Hunter Harrelson