Metal detecting is a hobby that has been around for many years. It's also a great way to spend time outdoors and get some exercise while looking for hidden treasures in the ground.
In this blog post, I will share with you our favorite places to metal detect during the summer months. Whether you're new to the hobby or an experienced veteran, there are plenty of spots worth visiting.
That answer might be different for everyone, but one of the most popular places to try your luck at unearthing treasure seems like an old battlefield (more about that later) - especially if you're looking for spent ammunition or other military paraphernalia from decades ago.
#1 The beach
This is the classic one. Beachcombing is a hobby in itself, but many people do it with the intent to find lost treasure. The beach usually attracts metal detectorists because of the high likelihood that there are lost coins and jewelry in the sand. You should use metal detectors specifically designed to use on the beach. This article about the best beach metal detectors will be useful for you, check it out.
I recommend going early in the morning or late evening. This will give you the best chance to avoid people who are just out for a romantic walk on the beach.
The beauty of metal detecting at the beach is that there's no need to worry about trees and bushes spoiling your hunt. Just make sure you stick to the wet sand and avoid high tide.
Metal detecting at the beach is also a lot of fun because you're almost guaranteed to find something interesting.
The biggest downside is that if you're not careful, you might find a rusty nail buried in the sand and end up with an unpleasant puncture wound. The best thing to do is wear shoes that cover your feet - tennis or soccer trainers are perfect for this type of activity.
#2 Near abandoned buildings
Near abandoned buildings, many people get the impression that there might be valuable items left behind.
Metal detecting is a great way to find out if they are right as it's possible for you to scour through an entire building without having to look in every nook and cranny for hours on end.
It also gives you a good excuse to explore abandoned buildings which can be an exciting experience in itself.
#3 Old battlefields
Old battlefields can be a treasure trove of historical items that have been overlooked for years.
Metal detecting in this area is great to find out if you are lucky enough to strike it rich by unearthing some old military artifacts or even something more valuable like jewelry from the past century, which could make your metal detecting trip worthwhile.
It is worth noting that metal detecting in old battlefields can be quite dangerous as you are entering an area where there may still be unexploded bombs, so it's always a good idea to take some safety precautions before setting off on your adventure.
#4 Forest
Metal detecting in forested areas is a great way of getting outdoors and exploring your natural surroundings.
Just be sure to keep an eye out for poisonous plants, wild animals, insects, or other hazards you might encounter on the trail as they can all cause harm if not dealt with promptly by someone who knows how to handle them.
Even if your forest looks like a lonely forest, there's still a chance that someone left something somewhere and you never know what you might find.
The best place for metal detecting in a forested area is an old battlefield as there are often bullets and other military paraphernalia left lying on the ground from decades ago - the time-capsule quality of this spot is a definite plus.
#5 Abandoned cars in a parking lot or on the side of the road
Some people may have abandoned their old cars on the side of the road or in a parking lot, and this can be an opportunity for metal detection. Park your car near theirs to make sure you don't get towed while you're out hunting for treasure.
You may find things like old coins, jewelry, and other valuable items inside the cars you hunt for treasure in this way.
Just please, be sure that this is an abandoned car and not someone who has pulled over to fix a flat tire.