Ever wondered where hidden treasures lie in South Carolina? Uncover the state’s best-kept secrets for metal detecting and embark on a thrilling treasure hunt that awaits you!

One of the earliest states I visited during my state tour metal detecting was South Carolina. I was amazed by how many places there are in this beautiful state to metal detect.
During the time I was metal detecting in South Carolina I was able to get connected with the local expert detectorists.
I was able to identify the most metal-detecting-friendly places and what are the places that have rich treasures.
Based on my own travel experience and the Data I collected from expert South Carolinians, let me provide you with the best locations you should treasure hunt in this scenic state.
So, here are the best places to metal detect in South Carolina,
- Folly Beach
- Morris Island
- Sullivan’s Island
- Isle Of Palms Beach
- Seabrook Island Beach
- Kiawah Beach
- Edisto Beach
- Hilton Head Beach
- Daufuskie Island
- Andersonville Ghost Town
- Meyers Mill Ghost Town
- Hickory Grove
- King’s Mountain Belt
- Francis Marion National Forest
- Garden City Beach
- Surfside Beach
- Myrtle Beach
- Hamburg Ghost Town
- Hillsville Ghost Town
So, in this article, I’ll explore the best places in South Carolina to metal detect the treasures you can find in each place
Plus, I will also be taking a look into the legal aspects in South Carolina which affect metal detectorists.
So, let’s dig in!

Best Places to Metal Detect in South Carolina
So, let’s talk about the best places in South Carolina to metal detect. These are in no particular order from the best to the worst.
I arranged them according to this order so you can visit them easily.

These are set in order of closeness from the Charleston International Airport, which I used to get to South Carolina.
1. Folly Beach
Folly Beach is located in Charleston County near the Folly Beach town area. This is a public beach located in the South Carolina state.

Most locals in the area visit the beach to enjoy the wide-spread sandy shores of the beach. Apart from that you can enjoy surfing in the area too.
The Folly Beach Pier is also nearby, and multiple shops are nearby. People can do many things on the beach, from picnicking to fishing to swimming.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the beach area. Searching in the shallow water line and then moving towards the landward side will help you find some metal items quickly.
How To Get To Folly Beach
- Get onto I-526 W via the ramp to Savannah.
- Then take exit 11A to merge onto US-17 S/Savannah Highway toward Savannah.
- Continue on US-17 S. Drive to Ashley Avenue in Folly Beach.
Things You Can Find In Folly Beach
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Other relics
2. Morris Island
Morris Island is also situated in Charleston County near the Charleston city area.

This is one of the most beautiful barrier islands you can find anywhere in the United States of America.
Most of the visitors, locals, and some foreigners visit the beach to witness the great historical past of the beach.
This island was heavily involved in the civil war; still, monuments belong to that past.
Apart from the historical monuments, the surrounding beach area is lovely.
The calm waters and the scenic shore with seashells and wildlife manage to catch the attention of anyone visiting the site.
Metal detecting is also allowed on the island. You can search the island’s beach areas to find some interesting findings.
How To Get To Morris Island
- Get onto I-526 W via the ramp to Savannah.
- Then take exit 11A to merge onto US-17 S/Savannah Highway toward Savannah.
- Continue on US-17 S. Take Harbor View Road to Fort Johnson Road.
Things You Can Find In Morris Island
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Other relics
3. Sullivan’s Island
Sullivan’s Island is also located in Charleston County. This is also a public beach that people often visit to enjoy downtime with their families and friends.

Most people visit the beach area to enjoy the scenic views of Fort Sumter; apart from that, there are historical sites like Fort Moultrie on the island, too.
This area is rich in historical monuments and artifacts. Having a metal detecting license before proceeding to metal detection on the beach is better.
Searching in the beach areas was successful for me, so I suggest you move from the beach area, too.
How To Get To Sullivan’s Island
- Get onto I-526 W via the ramp to Savannah.
- Then take exit 29 for Georgetown/Rifle Range Road.
- Continue on SC-703 N/Rifle Range Road. Drive to Middle Street.
Things You Can Find In Sullivan’s Island
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Other relics
4. Isle Of Palms Beach
Isle of Palms Beach is located in Charleston County. This is also a county-managed public beach in the area.

This is one of the more family-friendly pristine beaches in the area.
There are many activities for you to enjoy on the beach, from swimming in the sea to playing beach volleyball on the volleyball court.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the beach area.
If you are interested in metal detecting in the isle of Palms Beach, I suggest you start from the people gathering places, like the towel line and shading areas, then move to the other regions.
How To Get To Isle Of Palms Beach
- Get onto I-526 W via the ramp to Savannah.
- Then take exit 29 for Georgetown/Rifle Range Road.
- Continue on SC-703 N/Rifle Range Road. Drive to Palm Boulevard.
Things You Can Find In Isle Of Palms Beach
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Other relics
5. Seabrook Island Beach
Seabrook Island is located inside the Charleston County Margins. This is a private gated community beach, which you require permission to enter.

This is a relatively sparsely crowded beach with much natural beauty. There are lovely sandy shores for relaxing and engaging in different beach activities.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the area.
You need permission from the owners before metal detecting on the beach. To search this area, start from the shallow water line and move inwards.
How To Get To Seabrook Island Beach
- Get onto I-526 W via the ramp to Savannah.
- Then take exit 11A to merge onto US-17 S/Savannah Highway toward Savannah.
- Turn right onto SC-174 W.
Things You Can Find In Seabrook Island Beach
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Other relics
6. Kiawah Beach
Kiawah Beach is located on Kiawah Island in Charleston County. This is also a private gated community, which you have to seek permission before entering.

People often visit here to glimpse lush maritime forests and adjoining beaches. There are luxury resorts and some golf courses in the vicinity, too.
The area also offers bike riding opportunities and wildlife viewing options.
Metal detecting is also allowed on the beach.
Searching in the biking trials and then moving to crowded areas like shades and the towel line will help you to find some interesting finds quickly.
How To Get To Kiawah Beach
- Get onto I-526 W via the ramp to Savannah.
- Then take exit 11A to merge onto US-17 S/Savannah Highway toward Savannah.
- Turn right onto SC-174 W.
Things You Can Find In Kiawah Beach
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Other relics
7. Edisto Beach
Edisto Beach is located in the Edisto area in Colleton County. This is a public beach, and anyone can access its resources.

This is a lovely calm beach, where most people visit to enjoy some free time with their families and friends.
The nearby state park and as well as the Botany Bay Plantation areas attract lots and lots of locals as well as foreigners.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the area. If you want to find items from this beach, I suggest you look for the birdwatching areas and the towel line.
Based on my experience, Edisto Beach is one of the best beaches in South Carolina to metal detect.
How To Get To Edisto Beach
- Get onto I-526 W via the ramp to Savannah.
- Then take exit 29 for Georgetown/Rifle Range Road.
- Continue on SC-703 N/Rifle Range Rd. Drive to SC-174 W in Edisto Island.
Things You Can Find In Edisto Beach
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Other relics
8. Hilton Head Beach
Hilton Head Beach is located on the Hilton Island of Beaufort County. This is a public beach where private companies own some parts of the beach.

There are some nice sandy shores in the area. There are also opportunities to engage in water sports and play golf on the courses.
Apart from that, metal detecting is also allowed in the area.
I had luck finding items in the shallow water areas and the people gathering places like the towel line and the shads, so I suggest you search those areas to find something interesting.
How To Get To Hilton Head Beach
- Get onto I-526 W via the ramp to Savannah.
- Then take exit 29 for Georgetown/Rifle Range Road.
- Continue on SC-703 N/Rifle Range Rd. Drive to US-17 N in Ravenel.
Things You Can Find In Hilton Head Beach
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Other relics
9. Daufuskie Island
Daufuskie Island is located in the Hilton Head Island area in Beaufort County. This is a barrier island, which you have to travel by a ferry to access the island.

This is a former historic district off the coast of South Carolina. The main points of attraction in the area are Haig Point lighthouse and the Gullah Heritage cultural sites.
Apart from visiting these historical monuments, people can enjoy bike-riding tours around the island.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the area.
It would be best if you had a permit to metal detect. Searching in the lighthouse and people gathering spaces will help you find some exciting items quickly.
How To Get To Daufuskie Island
- Get onto I-526 W via the ramp to Savannah.
- Then take exit 2 for US-278 E toward Hilton Head Island.
- Take the Hilton Head Island – Daufuskie Island Ferry.
Things You Can Find On Daufuskie Island
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Other relics

10. Andersonville Ghost Town
Andersonville ghost town is located in the Anderson area in Anderson County. A tragic flood later destroyed this former textile community.
The people then built the town area, but again, it was hit by another flood.
This second flood made the people in the region move to a new setting.
Metal detecting is allowed in the area.
You can enjoy metal detecting among the old buildings and find some exciting findings belonging to the past.
How To Get To Andersonville Ghost Town
- Get onto I-526 W via the ramp to Savannah.
- Take exit 17 to merge onto US-17 S/Savannah Highway toward Savannah.
- Continue on US-17 S. Take SC-81 N to E Hampton Ave in Anderson.
Things You Can Find In Andersonville Ghost Town
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Other relics

11. Meyers Mill Ghost Town
Meyers Mill ghost town is located in the Walhalla area in Oconee County. This is one of the thriving communities back in the day.
Due to a lack of development and facilities, the town was abandoned in the early 1900s.
You will be able to see some of the remaining rich history of the town area.
Metal detecting is allowed in the area. You can find something useful by searching among the old buildings and establishments.
How To Get To Meyers Mill Ghost Town
- Get onto I-526 W via the ramp to Savannah.
- Then take exit 17 to merge onto US-17 S/Savannah Highway toward Savannah.
- Continue on US-17 S. Take US-123 S to E Main St in Walhalla.
Things You Can Find In Meyers Mill Ghost Town
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Other relics

12. Hickory Grove Ghost Town
Hickory Grove is located in the Spartanburg area in Spartanburg County. This old farming town saw its glory days in the early 1900s.
The town was populated with a farming community back in the day. With abundant freshwater reserves, the area supported the culture too.
But the towns began to empty after some time due to the lack of development.
Even today, you can see the town’s rich past.
As metal detecting is allowed in the areas, by searching in the alleyways and old farmhouses, you will be able to find some interesting findings.
How To Get To Hickory Grove Ghost Town
- Get onto I-526 W via the ramp to Savannah.
- Then take exit 17 to merge onto US-17 S/Savannah Highway toward Savannah.
- Continue on US-17 S. Take SC-5 W to US-176 W in Union.
Things You Can Find In Hickory Grove Ghost Town
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Other relics

13. King’s Mountain Belt
King’s Mountain Belt is located in the Balsburg area in York County. This is a famous historical site in the state.
People often visit the area to witness the historical battle sites of the American Revolution period.
While enjoying these historical sites, people can trek on hiking trails too.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the area.
If you are interested in metal detecting in the King’s Mountain belt, I suggest you start the search from the hiking trails.
How To Get To King’s Mountain Belt
- Get onto I-526 W via the ramp to Savannah.
- Take exit 11A to merge onto US-17 S/Savannah Highway
Things You Can Find In King’s Mountain Belt
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Other relics

14. Francis Marion National Forest
Francis Marion National Forest is a vast forest reserve closer to the Huger area in Berkeley County.
The extensive features of the forest reserves tend to attract thousands and thousands of people to the forest reserves every week.
The extensive woodlands, swamps, and waterways provide an incredible setting for the natural beauty of the forest reserve.
There are extensive hiking trails in the forest reserve, too. Apart from these, park rangers also allow you to hunt certain species of animals living in the forest.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the park. I suggest you look at the hiking trails first and then move elsewhere.
How To Get To Francis Marion National Forest
- Get onto I-526 W via the ramp to Savannah.
- Then take exit 17 to merge onto US-17 S/Savannah Highway toward Savannah.
- Continue on US-17 S. Drive to Halfway Creek Road in Cordesville.
Things You Can Find In Francis Marion National Forest
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Other relics
15. Garden City Beach
Garden City Beach is located in the Garden City area in Horry County. This is a friendly public beach which is accessible to anyone.

When you visit the area, you will see many locals and foreigners enjoying the calm and tranquil setting of the ocean.
The beach also allows you to engage in fishing activities near the pier.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the area. If you want to find some relics, I suggest you look in the people gathering places like the towel line and the shades.
How To Get To Garden City Beach
- Get onto I-526 W via the ramp to Savannah.
- Then take exit 26A to merge onto US-17 S toward Georgetown.
- Continue on US-17 S. Drive to US-17 Business S in Murrells Inlet.
Things You Can Find In Garden City Beach
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Other relics
16. Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach is also located in Horry County, closer to the garden City Beach. This is also a public beach that anyone can access easily.

This is a quiet, small beach compared to others on the list.
Even though the locals mostly visit the beach, you can see many people doing different activities.
Meal detecting is also allowed in the beach area. I suggest you search in the shallow water areas and then move to much more crowded places like the towel line and the shades on the beach/
How To Get To Surfside Beach
- Get onto I-526 W via the ramp to Savannah.
- Then take exit 26A to merge onto US-17 S toward Georgetown.
- Continue on US-17 S. Drive to US-17 Business S in Surfside Beach.
Things You Can Find In Surfside Beach
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Other relics
17. Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is located in Horry OCunty, closer to Myrtle. This is also a public beach managed by the local county.

The iconic grandstand is the main point of attraction on the beach. This beach is considered one of the most famous beach areas on the East Coast of the United States of America.
You can enjoy different activities like swimming, water sports and other entertainment activities on the beach.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the area. Searching for metals in the low water line and people gathering spaces will help you find items quickly.
Myrtle Beach State Park is one of the best state parks in South Carolina to metal detect.
How To Get To Myrtle Beach
- Get onto I-526 W via the ramp to Savannah.
- Then take exit 26A to merge onto US-17 S toward Georgetown.
- Continue on US-17 S. Drive to US-17 Business S in Myrtle Beach.
Things You Can Find In Myrtle Beach
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Other relics

18. Hamburg Ghost Town
Hamburg ghost town is located in the Aiken area in Aiken County. This was a former cotton-producing community in the area.
After the Civil War, the community started to thrive well. After being attacked by some brutal people, the people of the town left, and most of them were murdered.
Due to this tragic incident, the city is now abandoned.
Metal detecting is allowed in the areas. As this was once a thriving industrial community, you can still detect some old equipment and parts through metal detecting in the area.
How To Get To Hamburg Ghost Town
- Get onto I-526 W via the ramp to Savannah.
- Then take exit 17 to merge onto US-17 S/Savannah Highway toward Savannah.
- Continue on US-17 S. Take US-301 S to Harrison Road in Allendale.
Things You Can Find In Hamburg Ghost Town
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Old machinery parts
- Other relics

19. Hillsville Ghost Town
Hillsville is located in the McCormick area in McCormick County. This was one of the thriving communities back in the day in the early 1900s.
Due to a lack of development and infrastructure facilities being provided to the community, people started to move out of the area to different places.
After some time, the whole town was abandoned.
You can still see the ruins of old buildings and establishments in the area. Searching for items among these will help you to find something interesting.
How To Get To Hillsville Ghost Town
- Get into I-526 W via the ramp to Savannah.
- Then take exit 17 to merge onto US-17 S/Savannah Highway toward Savannah.
- Continue on US-17 S. Drive to SC-7 W in Estill.
Things You Can Find In Hillsville Ghost Town
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Lost items from previous visitors
- Other relics
Map of Metal Detecting Friendly Places in South Carolina
Congrats folks! Now you know all the best places to metal detect in South Carolina and how to get to those locations including the treasures that are likely to be found.
Let me tell you some tips that will be useful when metal detecting in South Carolina to find cool treasures and avoid common problems that might occur.
Some of the below tips were collected by interviewing some local expert detectorists.
So, just keep reading!
Tips for Visiting Metal Detecting Places in South Carolina
- Obtain necessary permits or permissions
- Respect private property and local regulations
- Use appropriate digging tools and techniques
- Research the historical background of locations
- Plan visits during off-peak hours for less crowded conditions
- Be prepared for varying weather conditions
- Practice responsible trash and treasure separation
- Stay informed about local metal detecting clubs and events
- Be mindful of wildlife and natural habitats
- Report significant historical finds to authorities.

Metal Detecting Laws In South Carolina
Metal detecting is considered a leisure activity in the state of South Carolina.
Even though it is regarded as a leisure activity, few rules and regulations affect metal detecting in the lands of South Carolina.
Almost all the governmental land is controlled under the Archeological Resources Preservation Act.
So, when metal detecting on a state or federal land, you must have a valid metal detecting permit issued by a responsible person or an authority.
Private owners will control private lands, and these laws will not affect them. If you have permission from the private landowners, you can metal detect them.
Is It Legal To Metal Detect In South Carolina Beaches?
Yes. It is legal to metal detect on South Carolina beaches.
When metal detecting on public beaches, you need permission from the state office or a responsible party.
If you are metal detecting on private land, you can metal detect with the owners’ will.
Is It Legal To Metal Detect In South Carolina State Parks?
Yes. It is legal to metal detect in South Carolina state parks.
Ensure you have a proper metal detecting permit when metal detecting state parks. The permit will explain the limits you can detect in the state park.
According to the Metal Detection Policy for South Carolina State Parks, Metal detecting is not allowed at State Historic Site properties and other significant archaeological sites, including those listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This policy aims to preserve cultural resources, as these sites often contain fragile and irreplaceable artifacts that are crucial for public interpretation and education.
Removing or disturbing these artifacts can significantly deplete their value.
The policy lists specific locations where metal detecting is strictly prohibited. These include various historic sites, battlefields, plantations, and other culturally significant locations.
Even in state park areas that are not primarily historic, there’s a potential for undiscovered archaeological sites.
Metal detecting in these areas must consider the protection of potential archaeological sites, natural resources, aesthetics, visitor experience, and safety.
Guidelines for Allowed Metal Detecting
Metal detecting is allowed only in non-sensitive areas and requires prior approval from the Park Manager or their designee.
Sensitive areas such as historic structures, sand dunes, or habitats for rare/endangered species are off-limits for metal detecting.
Digging is restricted to areas where it won’t cause damage. Forested areas, erosion-prone zones, landscaped areas, and locations with buried utility lines are not to be disturbed.
Visitors must obtain a signed permit for each metal detecting session, specifying approved areas, dates, and times, along with other special conditions.
Historic or prehistoric artifacts found must not be removed and should be reported to park staff.
Modern personal items like jewelry found should be turned over to the park manager.
The policy is grounded in the authority granted by the 1976 Code of Laws of South Carolina, which allows for the establishment of rules for the protection, operation, and maintenance of state parks.
Removal of cultural artifacts from state parks may constitute a legal violation.
If the limits are not specified, it is advisable to ask a park ranger about the limitations.
Is It Legal To Metal Detect In South Carolina Ghost Towns?
Yes. It is legal to metal detect on South Carolina beaches.
It would be best to have a metal detecting permit when metal detecting in ghost towns.
According to the South Carolina Heritage Trust, Metal detecting is prohibited on all properties managed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).
Once you have found something old, it should be reported to the authorities. If not, you cannot claim them.
So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
FAQs
Can I metal detect in historical sites in South Carolina?
Metal detecting in historical sites is often restricted, especially in places listed on the National Register of Historic Places, to preserve cultural resources.
Is it legal to metal detect in private lands in South Carolina?
Metal detecting on private land is legal with the landowner’s permission, and always respect the property and fill any holes you dig.
Can I keep the items I find while metal detecting in South Carolina?
Generally, you can keep modern items like coins and jewelry, but items of historical significance may be subject to state laws and should be reported.
What equipment is recommended for metal detecting in South Carolina?
A multi-frequency metal detector and a pinpointer are recommended, especially for beach detecting where different types of metals are buried.
Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best Places to Metal Detect in South Carolina
In this article, I discussed the best places to metal detect in South Carolina in detail with the historical values of each place and their metal detecting capabilities.
The best places to metal detect in South Carolina include Folly Beach, Morris Island, Sullivan’s Island, Isle Of Palms Beach, Seabrook Island Beach, Kiawah Beach, Edisto Beach, Hilton Head Beach, Daufuskie Island, Andersonville Ghost Town, Meyers Mill Ghost Town, Hickory Grove, King’s Mountain Belt, Francis Marion National Forest, Garden City Beach, Surfside Beach, Myrtle Beach, Hamburg Ghost Town, and Hillsville Ghost Town.
Furthermore, I answered some frequently asked questions.
Hope you learned all you wanted to know about the best places to metal detect in South Carolina including experts’ tips.
Now it’s time to do your own research about the mentioned place and select the one nearby. Then start your South Carolina treasure-hunting journey starting from there!