“What next?” is a very popular question I hear from our customers. They buy a detector, and after about a week of searching around their yard, they start to try and figure out where else to treasure hunt. Here’s a small list of places that might help get you started. This is by no means the most definitive list, so if you know of a good place to metal detect, tell us in the comments section.

BEACHES
The beach is one of the most popular places to go metal detecting, and for good reason. People will often change clothes when they arrive at the beach, or when they’re getting ready to leave, so there’s a good chance you’ll find modern coins a-plenty. People also spend a lot of time in the surf on the shore of the beach, so if they had change in their pockets, it’s easy for it to fall out. The soft sand at beaches is very easy to dig through, making it simple to locate items. Try hunting not only the sandy area, but also parking lots near the coast. Some beaches have regulations in place for metal detecting, so make sure you check the rules before you head out.

RIVERBANKS
Check your town’s history if you have rivers running through it. Some rivers had old bridges with toll booths on them, and many parts of the river might have been ferry crossings. You may also want to find out if there were any popular fishing spots. There’s plenty of treasure hunting to do on riverbanks, so make sure you give yourself enough time.

SCHOOLS
Let’s face it….kids lose stuff. Metal detecting at a school can be a fun search, but keep in mind the type of items you’ll find. Be prepared to walk away with modern coins, and a handful of toy cars. Try researching the schools in your local area. Some schools are built on older school sites. If this is the case, you improve your odds of finding something valuable.

CHURCHES
Churches are usually one of the first buildings constructed in a town, which obviously makes them the oldest in the area. Weddings and many social events are hosted at churches, so there’s no telling what you’ll find. If you’re lucky enough to live in Santa Fe, NM, you’re living next to the oldest church in the U.S.

NATURE TRAILS
Hikers usually travel with backpacks, and often stop to eat a snack or take a break. When metal detecting on nature trails, try to think like a hiker. Don’t just search the trail, try searching near big rocks that someone might sit on, or just off the beaten path.