Recommendation - California Gold Panning

[mjm579]

I will be visiting California for a business trip this coming weekend. Normally my idea of treasure hunting is hitting the local thrift shops, yard sales, and (if space permits) good old metal detecting.

I've perfected my gold panning in an storage container at home with bags purchased off of eBay (seriously !!).

Anyway, I've tried some panning here in PA, but with two small children, they are easily bored and ready to move on to the next thing.

So, I'm thinking, since I will have part of Saturday free, why not try to find a place to pan for gold while I'm in CA.

Can anyone offer any recommendations on places close (I won't have a rental car) to San Francisco? Even if it's "touristy".

(FYI - my evenings will be spent touring the local thrift stores - if time permits)

 

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[goldenmojo]

You need to go to the gold country which starts about 120 east of SF. Good luck thrift store hopping.

 

[H&F909ORO]

Ya Mojo pretty much said it you need to go much farther from SF to go panning for gold. No use in walking unless you walk at 100 mph haha. But the golds 120 130 miles up from where your at.

 

[KevinInColorado]

PM sent with a couple tips...

 

[mjm579]

Thanks to all for the info. I arrive at 9 am Saturday morning. Can't check into my hotel until afternoon. I'll let you know how I made out.

 

[2cmorau]

San Francisco Beach ( Ocean Beach) , south of the Cliff House, black sand sometimes 4 to 6 inch's thick with very, very, very, very small gold,, seems the further south the better, cover yiour holes right away, Golden Gate park rangers get a little upset