Beach Metal Detecting

There is a unique beauty and serenity to beaches that other landscapes just can’t match. Anyone who’s ever watched the sunrise out of the ocean can attest to this. As the sun rises, so do people who want to enjoy the beach in their own way: sunbathers, surfers, and people building sandcastles. But what about people who want another option? That’s where another classic pastime comes in: beach metal detecting.

Metal detecting is a great way to take in the beach’s natural beauty while separating yourself from the crowds. Even better, crowded beaches make for some of the best hunting spots!

Why Metal Detect on the Beach?

There is a metal detector for every type of hunt imaginable. Many modern metal detectors models come with an LCD screen, are waterproof, and have lots of unique features.

There are all sorts of benefits to metal detecting on the beach. Beachcombing — an activity that involves simply looking for treasure on the beach whether you have a metal detector or not — has been popular for centuries. People have always combed the beaches for shells, sea glass, and washed-up treasure.

If you have a love for adventure, you’ll love metal detecting. Every alert signals a new discovery. You may never be Indiana Jones, but there’s a whole world to be discovered just under your feet. And best of all, you almost never have to give it to a museum.

Exercise & Relaxation

Looking to get in a few extra steps in between getting some sun? Metal detecting can help with that! What’s great about being a detectorist is that you can go as far as your legs or battery will take you.

There’s a rhythm to treasure hunting that forces you to slow down, relax, and take everything in. This won’t just help you be a better hunter. It will help you be a better person as you learn to relax and be in the moment.

Friendly connections

Metal detecting, whether you’re at the beach or any other environment, can be done solo or as a group. The detectorist community is a passionate one with clubs all over the world. Chances are that there’s one near you. detectorists gather to enjoy the thrill of the hunt together. Not only do they detect together, but members also participate in search and recovery efforts.

Clubs often participate in group hunts. It’s a lot of fun to get together with people who share your love of detecting. You can compare finds and get help identifying them, discuss some of the best places to hunt, and share detecting tips and tricks that help you combat the learning curve.

Beach metal detecting is just like detecting anywhere else. There are local rules and regulations you must follow. For example, you can’t dig on a historic or archeologically important site. It pays to research those laws as well as the history of the area to find the best hunting spots.

Places to Go Metal Detecting on the Beach

The best beaches for beach metal detecting are upscale with lots of tourists. These beaches increase your chances of finding the treasure of higher value. There isn’t just one best place to metal detect on the beach. Check out the following areas:

Towel lines – Typically, people on the beach follow each other’s lead and lay their towels down in a line along the shore. Look for sections of the “towel line” that are empty and search those areas. Be careful to not irritate the sunbathers — you don’t want to be that person.
Areas of activity – The best places to hunt are where people are gathered (or were gathered). For that reason, it’s a good idea to hunt around picnic areas and refreshment stands where items may have been dropped. If there are beach volleyball areas and lifeguard stations, those are great sites as well.
Shady areas – In the heat of the summer, beachgoers will look for shade. Hunt in areas where piers or large rocks provide afternoon shade; people have likely spent some time there.

The best single spots on these beaches to treasure hunt include trails, walkways, seawalls, boardwalks, and concession stands. Using maps and resources from the library will allow treasure hunters to find abandoned or lesser-known swimming destinations which can open up new, exciting opportunities for treasure hunting.

Private or quiet beaches tend to produce less because they have a smaller amount of people on their shores. On the other hand, beaches that have been visited often in the past make for great treasure hunting. Changes in the topography, like erosion, can reveal valuable items that may have been lost over time. Development along beaches can also play an important role because construction tends to dig up loose soil where gold rings and other jewelry can be found.

Keep in mind that rules will vary from state to state, so do some research beforehand if you plan on traveling with your detector. You don’t want to find out that you should have left your metal detector at home!