Many people have misconceptions over whether the detect magic spell can detect golems and magical beasts. I sent a message to Sage Advice to settle the issue. The following response has only been edited for better formatting. All typos are left in their full glory. The Sage's answers are in bold.

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Date: Thu, 19 Jul 2001 18:48:53 -0700
From: Skip Williams <thesage@wizards.com>
Subject: Re: Detect Magic vs. Constructs and Magical Beasts
To: Guy Fullerton <guyf@apple.com>

Guy Fullerton wrote:

Hello,

Would constructs (in general and golems specifically) and/or magical beasts detect as magical with the detect magic spell?

No. Neither golems nor magical beasts have magical auras. A golem is created using spells, but it's a creature, not a spell or magic item. "Magical beast" is just a name, it doesn't imply anything about the creature (except what the Monster Manual says about the type). Note, however, that conjured creatures (such as those produced by a summon monster spell) do have magical auras.