Gold panning/nugget hunting in California this summer. Need advice.:twodetecting:

[Big Boys Hobbies]

Hello everyone. My family and I are going to Cali this summer for a wedding. I want to take my boys gold panning somewhere after the wedding. I have no idea how to do it and would like a touristy type place to go. Somewhere preferably that teaches you, is kid friendly and you can rent equipment. I think the boys would love it. Anyone suggest a place to go learn?

I plan on bringing a Teknetics G2 or Fisher Gold bug pro to use if I can.

Thanks for you responses! Love to hear any and all suggestions!

 

[Jeff (or)]

What part of California are you visiting?

 

[Big Boys Hobbies]

Monterey, CA but willing to go anywhere good for the kids!

 

[usafaviator]

Whatever you do, be careful if you are in Northern Cali just south of the Oregon border! I was up there in the woods panning and started feeling eyes on me. I always carry my trusty Glock 19, so I wasn't too worried, but my situational awareness was at it's highest. After I left, I told my brother in law where I had been and he laughed and said he was amazed I didn't get in a gun fight up there...apparently, I was in an area that was known for pot growers that use BLM land.

 

[jeepcj5]

BBH,
Head to Coloma California on HWY 49 where gold was discovered... There is much to do and see there, GREAT for the kids and an awesome history lesson

 

[Big Boys Hobbies]

n/t

 

[Jeff (or)]

Bart, check out ( jamestowngoldpanning.com ) may be what you are looking for. Jeff

 

[Tom_in_CA]

II'm in Salinas, ~25 from Monterey. There is no naturally occuring gold in this area. Something to do with the coastal topography is geologically wrong for the formation of nuggets, etc.... Some placer (hard-rock processing, stamp mills, etc....) has been done in the coastal hills, but not enough nuggets for detecting purposes (when compared to the sierra foothills).

Only coins/relics/jewelry/beach in this part of CA.