Metal Detecting at Holden Beach
Brunswick County · Brunswick Islands · Town beach
Last verified:
The rules
No town ban or permit for metal detecting. Digging: unlawful to dig more than 12 inches deep without a responsible person attending; any hole over 12 inches filled level before leaving ($50 fine, Sec. 94.05). No crossing the frontal dune except by town-approved ramps or stairs ($500 per violation, Sec. 94.03). No private vehicles on the beach strand (Sec. 94.02). Beach equipment removed daily; items left 6 p.m.-7 a.m. are treated as abandoned (Sec. 94.06).
Permit: Not required
📞 Call ahead: 910-842-6488 (confirm the current rule before you go)
Why detect here
Casual detecting with hole refills; shell and coin hunting
Beach detecting here? You want a saltwater-capable machine and a long-handled sand scoop. The waterproof Minelab X-Terra Elite is the best value that handles wet salt sand. See the Minelab X-Terra Elite → All picks by budget →
More spots nearby: Brunswick Islands · See the full North Carolina metal detecting laws · federal rules · which detector to buy
Source: Town of Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Ch. 94 Beach Regulations (AmLegal). Verify against the managing authority before detecting.