Metal Detecting in California

1 verified location for metal detecting in California. Each page includes exact permit requirements, restrictions, and what to know before you go.

1 Allowed

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Allowed

Huntington State Beach

California, Orange·Metal detecting

Metal detecting is allowed on Huntington State Beach's sandy shore under CDPR rules. The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve immediately north of the state beach is a CDFW preserve where detecting is prohibited. California's pre-contact antiquities law (PRC § 5097.5) applies to all archaeological finds.

  • No permit required on the sandy state beach under CDPR rules
  • Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve (immediately north of the state beach boundary) prohibits all metal detecting — it is a CDFW preserve, not public beach