Metal Detecting in California

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

2 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

Allowed

Newport Beach

California, Orange·Metal detecting

Metal detecting is allowed on Newport Beach's city-managed Balboa Peninsula strand without a permit. Crystal Cove State Park immediately south is prohibited — it is a state park, not a state beach, and CA law prohibits removing any natural resource.

No permit required on Newport Beach city-managed beach sections (Balboa Peninsula strand, Newport Pier to Balboa Pier and beyond)
No prohibition on metal detecting found in Newport Beach Municipal Code as of July 2026