Ever dreamt of uncovering hidden treasures along the sun-kissed shores of California? Grab your metal detector, and let’s embark on an adventure to discover the top beaches in the Golden State where fortunes and surprises await beneath the sand!
Beaches are so far the best places to find treasures and a lot of other objects by metal detecting. It is also calming and fun as anyone can detect while enjoying the beauty of the sea.
California is one of the states that has beautiful serene beaches.
I was able to travel to California with my family for several metal detecting sessions, especially on beaches.
During my trips, I was able to visit many beaches in California with local expert detectorists and able to identify the most metal-detecting-friendly beaches among them.
According to my experience and stories I collected from local expert detectorists in California, let me share with you beaches that are great for metal detecting based on easiness of getting permission and the awesome treasures you can find.
So, here are the best beaches in California to metal detect,
- Malibu lagoon state beach
- Santa Monica state beach
- Ten mile beach
- Red rock beach
- Venice beach
- Rockaway beach
- Treasure island beach
- El Capitan state beach
- Emma Wood state beach
- San Onofre state beach
- Coronado beach
- La Jolla shores
- Laguna beach
- Newport beach
- Huntington state beach
- Manhattan beach
- Ocean beach
But there’s a lot more to know about beaches in California!
In this article, I’ll explore the best beaches in California to metal detect with their historic value and the treasures you can find.
Furthermore, I’ll answer some frequently asked questions as well.
Let’s dig in!
Is Metal Detecting Legal On California Beaches?
Yes. Metal detecting is completely allowed on California beaches. But there are a few exceptions.
According to federal metal detector regulations in California, metal detecting is allowed on designated beaches or other previously disturbed beaches unless they are prohibited by the district commander for the reason of protecting archeological, historical, or paleontological resources.
Also, some of the beaches that belong to the state parks are prohibited from metal detecting. So this should be checked with the parks management.
Can You Use A Metal Detector On The Beaches In California?
Yes. If the beach is not protected by the US government, you are completely allowed to use a metal detector.
Best Beaches In California To Metal Detect
California has some incredible beaches. Apart from other activities, these beaches are perfect for metal detecting.
Let’s go through some of the best beaches in California that are best for metal detecting.
1. Malibu Lagoon State Beach
This state beach is located at the end of the Malibu creek, Pacific Ocean. The lagoon is formed by the creek.
There is heavy traffic in this beach as it is popular among locals and tourists. The beach is also used to practice modern surf culture.
The best locations within this beach to metal detect are,
- The Adamson house and Malibu lagoon area are located on the Surfrider beach. This area has a high number of visits every day. So it would be a great spot to metal detect.
- East side of the Malibu coastline
- Malibu Pier- this area has a lot of restaurants, picnic areas, and trails. These locations also have a lot of people every day and chances of finding objects are high.
2. Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica State Beach is a popular destination among tourists. It is located in the west of Downtown Los Angeles.
The Santa Monica pier is located here. This beach is 3.5 miles long. There are a lot of hotels, shops and other popular spots where a lot of people can be seen every day.
And if you walk towards the north side of Santa Monica pier, it is also a great place for metal detecting.
Most of the surrounding places of this beach are great for metal detecting. And you will be able to find a lot of coins and jewelry.
3. Ten-Mile Beach
Ten Mile Beach has a long and stretched coastline located at the Inglenook Fen Ten Mile Dunes. This belongs to the MacKerricher State Park.
There are also sand dunes running along this beach.
The beach itself is around 4 miles long. However, the dunes are protected and that area is not allowed for metal detecting.
The coastline is open for metal detectorists. You can also check the parking lots that are located on both sides of the beach.
4. Red Rock Beach
This beach is in the south part of Stinson Beach, California. There is a trail to access the beach which is a little steep.
The north side of the shoreline is wide and a large area will be exposed during the low tide. So this would be the best part of the beach to metal detect.
There is also a rocky shoreline that will uncover treasures during the winter season.
The tides will change quickly here so make sure that you check the tide chart before detecting.
And since this is a free beach, you might want to consider that before going there.
5. Venice Beach
Venice beach is located on the south side of Santa Monica along the Pacific Coast highway.
This was developed as a beach resort with a lagoon, bridges, and a business district.
The walking area in front of the beach is always filled with different street performers. This beach is also frequently visited by the locals and the tourists.
As this beach is fully packed all the time, people may have dropped a lot of their personal belongings around. So this would be a great place to detect.
6. Rockaway Beach
Rockaway Beach is located in Pacifica, California. There are many hotels and restaurants scattered throughout this area.
There are also several trails around the beach that are perfect for hiking.
Most of the hiking trails are located on the south of the beach which is a little rocky.
There is also a path behind the beach that connects the two corners of the beach. Joggers, cyclists, and walkers use this path all the time.
All of these spots in Rockaway beach are ideal for metal detecting.
7. Treasure Island Beach
Treasure Island Beach is popular as a destination for snorkeling. It is a large beach that extends up to Aliso Creek in the southern part of this beach.
On the northern part, there is a large rock. Because of this beautiful natural setup, this beach is popular among a lot of visitors.
This, on the other hand, also makes the beach a great place for metal detecting.
8. El Capitan State Beach
El Capitan State Beach is located just west of Santa Barbara off Hwy 101. This beach is very popular among people as a destination for adventure.
There are many areas and setups built for entertainment.
Using a metal detector is completely allowed here. But make sure you always check with the management before detecting.
If you are someone who loves beach adventures and metal detecting, this beach is for you!
9. Emma Wood State Beach
Emma Wood State Beach is located in Ventura, California. It was a historic war site before.
And the beach is also a beautiful camping site. And out of all, it is more popular as a dolphin-watching site.
And for the metal detectorists, the beach allows bringing in detectors. Anyone can metal detect along the beach. But make sure that you avoid the historic sites.
10. San Onofre State Beach
San Onofre State Beach is a 3,000-acre park located in San Diego County, California. The beach is 3 miles south of Interstate 5 in San Clemente.
There are a lot of legendaries woven around this beach. And it is one of those beaches crucial for the environment as well.
Apart from camping, scuba diving, surfing, and biking, the park offers a beach area for metal detecting. There are a lot of treasures recorded from this beach.
11. Coronado Beach
This beach is located in Coronado City. It is a wide beach that stretches to 1.75 miles. The beach is open to the public from 6 a.m. to sunset.
This is a very flat beach and therefore, it is popular among a lot of families.
There is the iconic Hotel de Coronado standing beside the beach. A lot of mansions and fine homes are also scattered around the area.
Metal detectors are allowed on the beach but the management advises using it only around areas with a smaller number of people.
12. La Jolla Shores
La Jolla Shores is located next to Scripps Beach, San Diego, California. This is a village area mixed with residential, vacation, and business sectors.
The beach is around 1.6 km long. The beach is surrounded by Torrey Pines State Park, Oceanography Institute, and Kellogg Park.
The beach is also popular for kayaking because this is the only beach boat launch in the city limits.
The south end of the beach is enriched with wildlife where sharks, rays, and turtles can be observed.
Because of all these reasons, this beach is so popular among the tourists and the locals.
The beach shoreline is allowed for metal detecting. But the south and the north ends are not allowed for detectorists.
13. Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is a small coastal city that is located in Orange County, California. The city is extremely popular for its beautiful beaches.
It has around seven miles of beaches with sea caves, tide pools, ocean buffs, and natural pools.
There are also lodging facilities just in front of the beach where a lot of small hotels and restaurants are located.
Behind the beach, there is also a protected wilderness open for adventures and exploration.
The beach is well known by people from all over the world and it has been a holiday destination for many years.
The shoreline apart from the area with forests is allowed to metal detect. But permission should be obtained since some beaches belong to state parks.
14. Newport Beach
This beach is located in Orange County, California. There is also a beautiful harbor located in this area.
There are many beaches here including Balboa Pier, Corona del Mar State Beach and Newport Beach Pier.
Their beaches offer access to many activities such as swimming, fishing, kayaking, boating, and surfing.
Newport Beach is also popular as a place that offers many restaurants and nightlife.
This has made Newport Beach a popular destination for tourists to visit in Southern California.
It is important to note that metal detecting is not allowed on all the beaches in Newport.
Some of the beaches are preserved or belong to the state parks. So permission should be taken to explore these beaches.
Check out the Best State Parks in California to Metal Detect!
15. Huntington State Beach
Huntington State Beach is a long stretch of sandy beach that is located in Southern California.
It is a clean sand, clearwater beach that offers people space to do so many activities.
The beach is a perfect location for bathing, surfing, fishing, and even volleyball.
There are several amenities here including fire pits and picnic areas that are ideal for a peaceful gateway. There are also several restaurants and bars located at the beachside.
The beach is also well known for holding many activities such as the annual US Open surfing competition.
There are also volleyball competitions and music festivals happening at this beach throughout the year.
This is why it has caught the attention of the metal detectorists. Since the beach is busy the whole year, there are a lot of chances to find valuable objects.
But avoid the metal detecting process during the times of different events.
16. Manhattan Beach
This is also a coastal city located in the southwestern part of Los Angeles County, California. It is well known for its beautiful and stunning beaches.
The city is nestled between Hermosa Beach and El Segundo Beach.
The whole beach area is about 2.1 square miles long. It is also home to many wealthiest residents living in the state.
The beach offers many activities such as volleyball, surfing, and sunbathing.
Some beaches here are also known to be the most beautiful beaches in the area. There are also some parks that are popular for holding many events.
There are many types of restaurants and shops around the beaches and are filled with crowds all the time.
So it is a great place to detect some valuable and rewarding objects.
17. Ocean Beach
This is a beautiful beachfront neighborhood located in San Diego, California. It is well known for its long and wide beach and the buzzing nightlife.
The beach is also popular among surfers and beachgoers as there are a lot of bars, surf shops, restaurants, and cafes.
The beach is more than a mile long with soft and white sand. The waves here are ideal for surfing.
There are also many volleyball courts, fire pits, and picnic areas. The ocean beach pier is also popular as a viewpoint.
There is a vibrant nightlife scene with several bars around the beach area.
Ocean Beach offers a fun and enjoyable atmosphere that is perfect for whoever is looking to relax and enjoy.
The beach can also be used as a metal detecting site as it is always filled with many people.
That’s it, folks! Now you know all the best beaches in California to metal detect with the activities you can engage with and the treasures you can find.
Now I’m going to share with you several tips I learned from my personal experiences when metal detecting on California beaches.
The below tips will help you avoid any troubles when metal detecting on California beaches and help you to find cool treasures super easily.
Some of the below tips were collected from my friendly detectorists who live in California.
So, just keep reading!
Tips For Successful Metal Detecting In California Beaches
Here are some of the tips that I practically use while metal detecting in California beaches.
Research The Location
Before starting the metal detecting trip, it is very important to do research about the area. Check online for maps and records to identify the best spots on the beaches.
And join forums to learn more about laws, restrictions, and what kind of objects can be found.
Also, try to find reviews about the location from other people who have visited there already.
This will save more of your time and increase the chances of detecting something.
Watch Out For The Tides
Check the tide charts before heading out. This is important for your safety and increases the chances of finding something.
Low tide times provide more areas to explore and find more items.
Choose The Right Metal Detector
Make sure to invest on a high-quality metal detector that is suitable for use on a beach. A waterproof metal detector will be the best.
Also, check whether the coil is sealed and has waterproof features.
Also, adjustable settings are important in tailoring the machine according to different environments. So consider that too.
Follow The Rules And Get Permission
Before you metal detect on a beach, make sure you look into their rules. Sometimes, apart from general rules, each beach has its own set of rules.
Some beaches may prohibit metal detecting or restrict it to a certain area. So keep in mind to abide by these rules and respect them.
Also if the beach is a private property or belongs to a state park, make sure that you ask for permission.
Do A Thorough Scanning
Walk along the beach and scan for areas where people move and be a lot. Look for areas such as picnic locations and volleyball courts.
These areas are likely to have a lot of lost items. Make the search slow and pay attention while detecting.
Check out the Best Metal Detecting Finds in California!
Respect The Environment
Always make sure to protect the environment while metal detecting. Make sure that you fill in all the holes that you dig.
Take out any trash and dispose of them in a correct manner. And also do not disturb any wildlife or historic sites that are preserved.
If you like to know more about metal-detecting beaches, join a metal-detecting club in California and engage with the audience. They know many secrets that cannot be found online.
California boasts over 800 miles of picturesque coastline, offering a diverse range of beaches for various activities, including metal detecting.
www.myglobalviewpoint.com
So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
FAQs
What are some of the best beaches in California for metal detecting?
Southern California is popular for metal detecting, with beaches like Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Zuma Beach offering plenty of potential for finding lost items due to their popularity with tourists and locals alike.
Do I need a permit for metal detecting on California beaches?
It’s important to check with the specific city or county jurisdiction, as some areas may require a permit, while others have no restrictions on metal detecting.
What kind of items can I expect to find while metal detecting on California beaches?
Depending on the location and your luck, you might find lost jewelry, coins, relics, or even modern gadgets; however, expect to also come across plenty of trash and scrap metal.
Are there any specific rules or etiquette I should follow while metal detecting on beaches?
Always follow “leave no trace” principles by filling in any holes you dig, and consider reporting any significant historical finds to local authorities.
What is the best time to go metal detecting on California beaches?
Early mornings, low tide periods, or after large public events can be the most productive times for metal detecting, as there are fewer people around and more exposed ground to search.
Can I keep everything I find while metal detecting on California beaches?
While most modern items are likely finders-keepers, any significant historical artifacts or items of considerable value should be reported to local authorities or potentially returned to their rightful owner.
Is there any specific equipment recommended for beach metal detecting in California?
A waterproof metal detector and a sand scoop are highly recommended, as they will make it easier to search in wet sand and shallow water.
How do I clean and preserve the items I find on the beach?
Gentle cleaning with fresh water and a soft brush can help remove salt and sand; however, more delicate or historical items might require professional conservation.
Are there any community groups or organizations for metal detecting enthusiasts in California?
Yes, there are several metal detecting clubs and online forums where enthusiasts can share tips, organize outings, and discuss their finds.
What are some challenges or difficulties I might face while metal detecting on California beaches?
The highly mineralized ground in some beach areas can interfere with your metal detector’s performance, and competition with other detectorists can sometimes make popular spots less productive.
Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best beaches in California to Metal Detect
In this article, I deeply discussed the best beaches in California to metal detect in detail with their exact locations and meta-detecting techniques.
The best beaches in California for metal detecting include Santa Monica Beach, Venice Beach, and Zuma Beach, known for their high foot traffic and potential for lost items. Always check local regulations before starting, and bring a waterproof detector and sand scoop for optimal results.
Furthermore, I’ve answered some frequently asked questions as well.
Hope you learned all you need to know about the best beaches in California to metal detect including experts’ tips.
Now it’s time for you to ready your backpack and metal detector and travel to the nearest beach in California mentioned in the article for treasure hunting like a pro!
