When I first started metal detecting, I was a bit intimidated. I didn’t know where to start or what the best places were, to find treasures.
Throughout the years, I’ve hunted for treasure in all sorts of places, from parks to abandoned buildings and from beaches to wooded areas.
27 of My Favorite Places to Go Metal Detecting
Whether you’re just starting out or looking for new places, here are 20 of my favorite places to go metal detecting.
1. Backyard
The first place you should start to metal detect is your own backyard. It’s the most accessible and convenient place to start. It’s the perfect opportunity for kids who are just getting into the hobby or parents with their curious youngsters in tow.
2. City Parks
A walk through the park can be a great way to spend an afternoon, but it’s also another prime location for metal detecting. You’ll find all sorts of things in a city park: lost keys, coins, rings, and jewelry. Focus your efforts where there are lots of people.
3. Near a Railroad Track
The next place I want to recommend is near railroad tracks. This is because trains are often used to carry money or gold bullion, and these items can fall off the train during transit. The best part about this location? You don’t need any special permission from anyone! It’s also easier to research where the train might have been when it was transporting money.
4. Historical Locations
I also love to metal detect near historical locations like old battlegrounds or towns that were bustling at some point. People often lose money and mementos of their past, and plenty of items are to be found here. This is an excellent place for beginners to start because you are more likely to find something valuable, and it’s much easier to research the area.
5. Underwater
One of my favorite places is underwater! There’s nothing quite like being in a kayak or boat and looking for treasures on the bottom of rivers or lakes with metal detectors. It can sometimes be challenging and requires a higher skill level, but the number of valuables you find makes it definitely worth it.
6. Beaches
Another popular place to take your metal detector is the beach. It’s incredibly easy to find coins and jewelry beachcombing. People take them off before getting into the ocean and forget or lose them. But don’t be afraid to get close to the water! I’ve found many relics washed up near the beach too. The best part? You don’t need any special permission to go metal detecting at public beaches.
7. Dirt Trails
Dirt trails are also one of the best places to go metal detecting because of all of the foot traffic that comes through there. It’s easy for people to lose things while walking in these areas. I recommend finding some old newspapers or magazines to check for lost and found ads. This is often the best way to find out what types of items were lost.
8. Under Tree Roots
Another of my favorite places is under tree roots. It’s rare to find a tree that’s fallen or uprooted, but it’s usually a place that’s never been searched before. People have likely dropped things or thrown old coins at trees while they walk by on a trail. It’s also easier to see what you’ve found since the soil is usually softer than other areas of ground.
9. Golf Courses
I love to metal detect at golf courses because it’s easy to find lost balls in the rough or sand traps, and people might have dropped coins while playing as well. Most golf courses are privately owned, so you’ll need permission from the course owner before digging.
10. Stadiums
One of my favorite places to find money and jewelry are stadiums. I often find coins that people have lost or dropped, and it’s a great place to look for older items like pennies because fewer people visit this area than others around the stadium. The best part about metal detecting at stadiums? You’re likely to get permission from the owners of these areas!
11. Parking Lots
I also love to metal detect in parking lots because of all the traffic that comes through, and people often lose things or throw something out getting in and out of their cars. I would avoid going during peak hours, like lunchtime, for example, since it’s more crowded with vehicles coming and going at this time. It is the perfect place to find money and coins though.
12. Farmland
Farmlands are fertile ground for the metal detectorists’ pickings. It requires a lot of stamina, since most farmland is only accessible by foot or ATV. You’ll have a vast open space to go through and your chances of finding something valuable are slim. But when you do, it will all be worth your while!
13. Forest
Forested areas are home to many lost treasures. You’re most likely going to find old arrows and primitive weapons, which can often be very valuable. Focus on areas that are close to streams and walking paths because that is where people tend to camp and hunt.
14. Rivers and Lakes
Rivers and lakes can be excellent places to metal detect. They’re often home to lost rings, coins, and other treasures that are dropped into the water by careless people or swept down from higher ground during heavy rainstorms.
15. Areas with History
Areas with historical significance should be on your radar for reasonable hunting grounds. In particular, battlefields have been found to contain items of military value, such as medals and uniforms.
16. Schools
Schools are another great place to metal detect because they’re usually full of objects that people care about enough to lose. Even if the school is abandoned, you’re sure to find something.
17. Campgrounds
Campgrounds are popular destinations for families of all kinds, and that means they’re a great place to metal detect. Just make sure you have permission before hopping the fence!
18. Tourist Sites
Hotels, tourist sites, and attractions are all excellent places to metal detect. They’re visited by large numbers of people who often misplace things – or lose them on the ground altogether!
19. Military Training Areas
Military training areas are a great hunting ground because people often lose their belongings while going through rigorous drills.
20. Quarries
Quarries have been popular treasure hunting spots for generations, and you can continue the tradition, even as a beginner. They are home to all sorts of goodies: coins, keys, jewelry…the list goes on and on.
21. Industrial Sites
Industrial sites can be treasure-troves for metal detectorists, with their old abandoned buildings home to lost keys, coins, and all sorts of other things.
22. Areas with An Interesting History
Areas with an interesting history – old churches, abandoned cemeteries, forgotten battlefields, and so on – are also a great place to hunt.
23. Abandoned Buildings
Abandoned buildings are another great place to metal detect. People who have lost their keys, rings, or coins often leave them behind in the old building they were visiting.
24. Swamps
Swamps can be hazardous places to explore, but the risk is often worth it. They are notorious for being dumping grounds for weapons and boat parts. Usually, people don’t even bother retrieving lost items from there. So, you never know what you’re going to find!
25. Ghost Towns
Ghost towns are some of the most exciting places to metal detect. They’re often deserted, so you can easily find your own private treasure trove.
26. National Parks
National parks are some of the best places to metal detect, as there has been plenty of history in and around these natural spaces. There is a great variety of national parks out there for all sorts of climates, so take advantage and explore them with your metal detector!
27. Fishing Areas
Fishing areas, in particular, can be a great place to metal detect. You can find different types of fishing gear like rods, lures, reels. They’re often left behind on land and cast into the water and can earn you a good amount of money if they’re in good condition.
Conclusion
There you have it! My list of the best places to take your metal detector to find treasures. You definitely don’t need to be an expert or live in an exotic place to try them out. Anyone with a basic detector can start in their own backyard and start finding coins and other valuables.
I like to keep my content fresh and up-to-date. So, if you have any favorite place to go treasure hunting, let me know in the comments below. Happy Hunting!
