Best Places to Use a Metal Detector

Metal detecting is a rewarding hobby that combines outdoor exploration with the thrill of uncovering hidden treasures. To maximize your chances of finding interesting items, it's essential to know where to use your metal detector. Here’s a quick guide to the best places to use a metal detector.

When searching for the best places to use a metal detector, consider diverse and high-traffic locations. In addition to beaches and parks, playgrounds, churches, ghost towns, and soccer fields are excellent sites. Explore fields, high schools, tubing rivers, campsites, and historical sites for potential treasures.

Don't overlook scout camps, your backyard, college campuses, footpaths, forests, metal detecting parks, old barns, picnic grounds, ski resorts, and sporting fields. Abandoned houses, swimming areas, and battlefields can also yield exciting finds, offering a rich variety of potential discoveries.

1. Playgrounds
2. Beach
3. Churches
4. Ghost towns
5. Soccer fields
6. Fields
7. High schools
8. Tubing rivers
9. Campsite
10. Historical sites
11. Scout camps
12. Your Own Backyard
13. College campuses
14. Footpaths
15. Forest
16. Metal detecting parks
17. Old barns
18. Picnic grounds
19. Ski resorts
20. Sporting Fields
21. Abandoned houses
22. Swimming areas
23. Battlefields

1. Beaches

Beaches are popular spots for metal detecting due to the high foot traffic and the natural movement of sand, which can expose buried items.

Pros: Frequent turnover of items, easy digging, potential for jewelry and coins.

Best Times: Early morning or late evening to avoid crowds and detect freshly uncovered items after tides or storms.

Tips: Focus on areas where people lay their towels, near beach entrances, and along the waterline.

2. Parks

Public parks are great for finding a variety of items, from modern coins to old relics, especially in older parks with a long history.

Pros: Accessibility, variety of potential finds.

Best Spots: Around playgrounds, picnic areas, and under large trees where people often relax.

Tips: Check local regulations and obtain any necessary permissions before detecting.

3. Historical Sites

Areas with historical significance can yield valuable artifacts, including old coins, buttons, and relics.

Pros: Potential for high-value finds, historical interest.

Best Spots: Near old buildings, along historical paths, and in fields that once hosted events.

Tips: Ensure you have permission to detect in these areas, and follow all legal and ethical guidelines for handling historical artifacts.

4. Fields and Farmlands

Open fields and farmlands, especially those with a history of habitation or use, can be treasure troves for metal detector enthusiasts.

Pros: Large search areas, potential for old coins and relics.

Best Spots: Near old homesteads, along stone walls, and where events like fairs may have been held.

Tips: Always seek permission from landowners before detecting on private property.

5. Woodlands

Forests and wooded areas can hide treasures dropped long ago, such as old coins, tools, and military artifacts.

Pros: Less competition from other detectorists, potential for unique finds.

Best Spots: Near old trails, campsites, and where historical events occurred.

Tips: Be mindful of the terrain and carry a GPS or map to avoid getting lost.

6. Rivers and Streams

Waterways can wash up interesting items, and detecting along riverbanks and streambeds can yield exciting finds.

Pros: Potential for a variety of items, from coins to old tools.

Best Spots: Along bends in the river, near old bridges, and where people commonly swim or fish.

Tips: Use waterproof detectors or coils and be cautious of water levels and currents.

Essential Tips for Metal Detecting

• Research and Permission: Always research your chosen location and obtain any necessary permissions.
• Respect the Environment: Fill in all holes you dig and remove any trash you find.
• Use Proper Gear: Ensure you have the right equipment, including a good-quality metal detector, a digging tool, and a finds pouch.
• Stay Safe: Be aware of your surroundings, carry water, and let someone know where you’ll be detecting.

By exploring these recommended spots and following the essential tips, you'll increase your chances of finding interesting and valuable items while enjoying the adventure that comes with metal detecting. Happy hunting!