Discover the Best Beaches in Florida to Metal Detect

Florida is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. But did you know that some of these are also the best beaches in Florida to metal detect on?

With over 1,350 miles of coastline, it’s no wonder that it is a popular destination for beach goers as well as treasure hunters.

Whether you’re a seasoned metal detectorist, which is a person that uses a metal detector as a hobby or a beginner, Florida has plenty of beaches that are perfect for treasure hunting.

There are also several other great beaches in the United States also a treasure trove for hunters. For this article, we will focus on Florida beaches. 

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I will list other things to do and see near these Florida beaches below as well as accommodations to make your trip planning easier.

If you would like to jump to a certain beach or location, click the link below for the area you plan to visit:

The treasure you may find includes lost jewelry to old silver coins. You really never know what you might find buried in the sand. 

Before we did into the best beaches for treasure hunters and metal detectorists, let’s take a look at the history and why people head to the beach to find treasure.

The beginning of Metal Detecting

Believe it or not, metal detectors were invented way back in the 1800s. The most famous story is Alexander Graham Bell building a metal detector.

He did not build it to find gold coins, however. He built it to find a bullet that was lodged in President James Garfield’s back. They never did find it and the president died from infection.

Fast-forward to today, and metal detecting and treasure hunting is a popular hobby. There are TV shows and documentaries and many people are taking up this fun pastime today.

What are people looking for?

Makes you wonder exactly what all those people you see on the beaches are looking for. Along the Treasure Coast in the State of Florida, in the town of Vero Beach, folks are searching for Spanish coins and other ancient artifacts.

The Treasure Coast includes 3 counties on the Atlantic Side of the Sunshine State. They are Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin Counties.

The name Treasure Coast comes as a result of Spanish treasure ships that sank off the coast. Over 300 years ago a fleet of 11 Spanish ships wrecked offshore between the St. Lucie River and Cape Canaveral.​

These ships were loaded with treasure and coins that were being taken back to Spain. To this day, lucky treasure hunters continue to find some of this treasure when it washes up on the shore.

What do you need to metal detect?

When you are beginning, do not spend a lot of money and time looking for the best metal detectors. After all, you may only treasure hunt when on vacation.

Metal detectors range from $100 to over $10,000.  This is definitely a hobby you want to be sure you will continue before investing in an expensive detector.

To get started, you simply need a pulse induction metal detector which is one of the best beach metal detectors to use around salt water and at the beach. Again this range from around $100 to well into the thousands. 

In addition to the metal detector you will use, you should have something to dig up the sand, often wet sand, to see what your detector has picked up. If you can, you might want to also have a little brush to brush the sand off your find.

Rules For Metal Detecting On Florida Beaches

Yes, there are rules. A few of the more important ones you absolutely must be aware of are:

Be sure you are on public beaches. You are not allowed to metal detect on private property. This includes national parks, federal parks and forests as well as areas within the Florida state parks and within state property boundaries.

You also may not treasure detect on archaeological sites. Metal Detecting is governed by the State Laws of Antiquities and also by the federal law ARPA (Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979).

One of the best places to search for treasure is on the beach. But keep in mind that while you may keep what you find on the beach, when it comes to what you find in the water, that falls under different rules.

Anything in the waters over 50 years is the property of the state of Florida. Yes, that includes the ancient treasures we chatted about above including the gold coins from Spanish galleons that sank off the Coast of Florida.

One final comment. Check to determine the local rules for the beach areas along the Florida Coast you plan to search. That way you are covered.

Best Beaches in Florida to Metal Detect

Now that we covered all the things you need as well as the rules, let’s talk about the best beaches for metal detecting in Florida.

They are in no particular order.

Best Beaches in Florida to Metal Detect on the East Coast

Little Talbot Island State Park

I am listing this one first as it truly is a good place for beginners and one of the most gorgeous coastal parks in Florida.

Located near Jacksonville as well as Amelia Island. You do not need a permit, but you must stay off the dunes.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a popular destination for metal detecting enthusiasts searching for hidden treasures. With its wide stretches of sand and long history as a tourist destination, there are plenty of treasures to be found here. 

You might find coins, jewelry including gold rings, and other precious items. The best time to go metal detecting at Daytona Beach is during low tide, when the water recedes. The shallow water exposes more of the beach.

New Smyrna Beach

New Smyrna Beach is a popular destination for metal detecting enthusiasts. This beach is known for its wide stretches of sand and long history as a tourist destination.  Search for jewelry coins and more. 

Melbourne Beach

Melbourne Beach is one of the best beaches to metal detect. Folks have found many treasures at the water line. Be sure you are searching at low tide as the high-tide line is farther inland. 

As I mentioned, you cannot search in the water as that is the property of the state. Divers have, however, have found sunken treasure including silver platters and even an iron cannon in the Florida waters offshore. 

Sebastian Inlet

Sebastian Inlet is considered the center of the Treasure Coast. One hunter found $300,000 worth of treasure while beach hunting. Do not enter the state park lands as those are off limits.

Wabasso Beach Near Vero Beach

Wabasso Beach is roughly 11 miles north of Vero Beach and one of the best places on the Atlantic Ocean for metal detecting. In 2020, a treasure hunter found dozens of silver coins on this beach.

South Beach

Before we move over to the Gulf Coast, one more beach to mention and that is South Beach. A bit south of the Treasure Coast, but you can still find all sorts of treasures in the soft sand.

Miami Beach is the playground for many and the beaches of South Florida had many ships traveling from Spain and Europe passed near the shoreline.

In addition, Miami Beach continues to be a very popular tourist destination and a great place for your metal detecting experience.

Best Beaches in Florida to Metal Detect on the Gulf Coast

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach is another great spot for metal detecting in Florida. This beach is known for its clear waters and soft, white sand. Visitors can expect to find a variety of items, including coins, jewelry, and other artifacts. 

The best time to go metal detecting at Clearwater Beach is during low tide, when the water recedes and exposes more of the beach. The best way to see the high tide mark is when the tide is out giving you an idea where to search the wet beach sand.

Venice Beach

Venice Beach is a popular destination for metal detecting enthusiasts. This beach is south of Sarasota known for its unique black sand, which is rich in minerals and other natural resources. 

Visitors can expect to find a variety of items, including coins, jewelry, and other artifacts.  The best time to go metal detecting at Venice Beach is again during low tide, when the water recedes and exposes more of the beach.

Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach is a great spot for metal detecting in Florida. This beach is known for its clear waters and soft, white sand. Visitors can expect to find a variety of items such as coins and jewelry.

Tips for Metal Detecting on Florida Beaches

Now that you have your list of Best Beaches in Florida to Metal Detect, here are a few other things you need to know.

Check the Tide Schedule

Before heading out to the beach, it’s important to check the tide schedule. The best time to metal detect is during low tide when more of the beach is exposed. You can find tide schedules online or through local weather apps.

Get Permission

Always make sure to get permission before metal detecting on any beach. Some areas may be off-limits or require permits.

The best thing to do is to check with local authorities or park rangers to find out more information for the beach you plan to search for treasure.

Use the Right Equipment

Using the right equipment is essential for successful metal detecting. A good quality metal detector is a must-have, and it’s important to choose one that is designed for use on beaches and salt water.

A sand scoop, headphones, and digging tools are also important items to bring along. 

Stay Safe and Respectful

When metal detecting on Florida beaches, it’s important to stay safe and respectful. Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas with strong currents or hazardous conditions.

Additionally, it’s important to respect the beach and other beach goers by filling in any holes you dig and properly disposing of any trash you find.

Metal detecting and treasure hunting on Florida beaches is a great time for everyone. Send me a message when you find your treasure. Have fun and happy hunting!