Metal Detecting at Santa Monica Beach

I have lived in LA for the last 15 years, and I've owned 5 metal detectors. Here are my tips for successfully searching Santa Monica and other tourist beaches.

What should you expect to find?

• What you will find. Honestly, I mostly find trash (bottle caps and can tabs) and change ($2 to 5). But you can find rings, watches and gopros (from surfers), etc.

  Be careful. It is LA, so you may also find knives, razor blades, and needles. This is why I use a sifter.

  
  

• What you won't find. Several Pacific Ocean plates cause deep ocean trenches right off the California coast, so it is very unlikely that you will find shipwreck treasure or ancient coins.

Timing

I find that

• Early Morning or Late Evening: These times are less crowded, and after high tides, you might find freshly washed-up items.

• After Events or Holidays: Busy days like weekends or festivals can result in more lost items.

Where to search?

Keep in mind Santa Monica is a wide beach, so this is important. Since you are looking for lost items from tourists, you will want to search...

1. High-traffic areas... where you would want to sit

2. beach entrances and areas where people set up towels or

3. where people play beach sports, esp around the volleyball courts

4. where it looks like people have dug in the sand. (hint: people lose rings all the time while digging in the sand)

5. where wet sand meets dry sand is a prime location for lost jewelry, coins, and other valuables washed up by the waves. (make sure your metal detector is waterproof for this)

Bring the Right Equipment

• Metal Detector: Choose one designed for beach detecting.

• Scoop or Shovel: A sturdy sand scoop helps dig up items quickly. A long-handled one can make things easier on your back. Ive had this one for over 15 years.

• Headphones: Optional

  
  

Be Respectful and Friendly And Dig Carefully

Santa Monica is a public space, so always be considerate of other beachgoers. Avoid detecting near people who are resting or having picnics.

When you dig, try to replace any disturbed sand to leave the beach as you found it.