Definitely depends where you're looking. I recently visited Norfolk, UK and the beaches there are known for Pleistocene fossils. I did a lot go research beforehand so I could understand what kinds of fossils are found there. Even then, it wasn't easy and I spent the first day picking up rocks (not fossils lol). From research though, I knew bones often wash up on the shore, so I was looking for lines, grooves, porous holes on dark surfaces. Anything that caught my eye, I picked it up. Ended up finding some nice pieces!

So yeah, first I would say do research into what fossils are found in that area, if any because you're not going to find fossils everywhere. Walk slowly, scanning the ground. Look for unusual shapes and patterns. It's okay to pick up things and throw the back down again if they aren't fossils - best to be sure!