Metal detecting laws, verified & up to date

Metal Detecting at Myrtle Beach (City Beach)

Horry County · Grand Strand · City beach

✅ Allowed

Last verified:

The rules

The City's official beach-laws page states metal detecting is allowed on the public beach but NOT in the dunes, at the street ends, or on any other public property. Since a May 2021 ordinance you may not dig a hole deeper than two feet, every hole must be filled before you leave, and metal shovels are barred for recreational digging (a metal sand scoop used while detecting is allowed). Beach violations are a misdemeanor punishable by up to $500 and/or 30 days.

Permit: Not required

📞 Call ahead: 843-918-1000 (confirm the current rule before you go)

Why detect here

The Grand Strand's flagship tourist beach - boardwalk, oceanfront piers and heavy summer crowds drop coins, rings and jewelry along the towel line and dry sand.

Beach detecting here? You want a saltwater-capable machine and a long-handled sand scoop. The Nokta Legend 2 is the best value that handles wet salt sand. See the Nokta Legend 2 →


Source: City of Myrtle Beach - official Beach Conditions & Laws. Verify against the managing authority before detecting.