The clothing-optional beaches in California, with what the law actually says, where to park, how far the walk is, and what a first visit is like.
Written up by hand
Someone has actually been to each of these. Where we are unsure, the spot page says so.
La Jolla, San Diego · San Diego
Good for a first visitOcean
Getting there. Below the Torrey Pines cliffs. The clothing-optional stretch is the middle/south section; steep trail (Ho Chi Minh trail) or a long walk from Torrey Pines State Beach. The state-park end up top is enforced — stay on the tolerated lower beach.
Rules on the ground. California technically bars public nudity statewide, but Black's has been socially tolerated for decades on the city/federal portion. Not officially designated.
If it is your first time. The most famous nude beach on the West Coast. Check the tide — the cliff base floods at high tide. Steep climb back up.
Full details, map and directions →
North of Santa Cruz · Santa Cruz
Ocean
Getting there. Off Hwy 1 at Bonny Doon Rd. Cross the railroad tracks and down to a cove backed by cliffs and dunes. Clothing-optional by custom, mostly at the north end.
Rules on the ground. Customary/tolerated; not designated.
If it is your first time. Dramatic cliffs and dunes. Wind can whip up — tuck into the rocks. Watch the tracks on the way in.
Full details, map and directions →
Near Montara · Bay Area
Ocean
Getting there. North end of Gray Whale Cove State Beach on the San Mateo coast. Stairs down from the Hwy 1 lot. Clothing-optional custom has waxed and waned with enforcement.
Rules on the ground. STATUS UNCERTAIN — it's a state beach and nudity enforcement varies year to year. Verify before you count on it.
If it is your first time. Beautiful but check current status — rangers have cracked down here before. Cold water.
Full details, map and directions →
Toronto · Ontario, Canada
Good for a first visitLake
Getting there. Officially clothing-optional beach on the Toronto Islands (ferry). Imported listing — verify current legality, access, and clothing rules locally before you go. Not yet confirmed by members.
Rules on the ground. Imported listing — verify current legality, access, and clothing rules locally before you go. Not yet confirmed by members.
If it is your first time. One of the world's better-known naturist spots — confirm current status before traveling.
Full details, map and directions →
Goleta / Santa Barbara · Santa Barbara
Ocean
Getting there. Below the More Mesa bluffs east of Goleta. Walk the mesa trails, then a steep bluff path down. Clothing-optional at the east end by custom.
Rules on the ground. Customary/tolerated; not designated.
If it is your first time. Quiet, local, and often nearly empty on weekdays. The bluff path is steep and can erode.
Full details, map and directions →
San Francisco · Bay Area
Good for a first visitOcean
Getting there. The clothing-optional north end of Baker Beach, right under the Golden Gate Bridge (GGNRA land). Park at Baker Beach and walk north toward the bridge.
Rules on the ground. Federal recreation area; long-tolerated clothing-optional custom. Cold water, strong currents — wade only.
If it is your first time. Unreal Golden Gate views. Windy and cool — bring a windbreak. Go on a warm, clear afternoon.
Full details, map and directions →
Avila Beach, San Luis Obispo · Central Coast
Good for a first visitOcean
Getting there. Sheltered cove below the bluffs between Avila and Pismo. Dirt lot up top, trail down; caves and coves. Clothing-optional by custom.
Rules on the ground. Customary/tolerated; not designated.
If it is your first time. SLO county's classic clothing-optional cove. Sun-trap and sheltered. Bring water — no services.
Full details, map and directions →
South of Stinson Beach · Marin
Ocean
Getting there. Small cove just south of Stinson Beach off Hwy 1. Steep, rough trail down from a pullout — not obvious and not easy.
Rules on the ground. Customary/tolerated; not designated. Marin's long-standing clothing-optional beach.
If it is your first time. The trail down is the gatekeeper — sturdy shoes. Sheltered and mellow once you're there.
Full details, map and directions →
San Onofre State Beach · San Diego
Ocean
Getting there. The 'Trails' section of San Onofre State Beach — Trail 6 has been the clothing-optional spot. Reached by trails down the bluffs from the day-use lot.
Rules on the ground. STATUS UNCERTAIN — this is state-park land and clothing-optional use has faced repeated enforcement and legal fights. Confirm current status before going.
If it is your first time. Historic SoCal nude beach, but the most legally contested one here — check before you go.
Full details, map and directions →
Vancouver · British Columbia, Canada
Good for a first visitOcean
Getting there. North America's largest clothing-optional beach, below UBC. Steep stairs down. Imported listing — verify current legality, access, and clothing rules locally before you go. Not yet confirmed by members.
Rules on the ground. Imported listing — verify current legality, access, and clothing rules locally before you go. Not yet confirmed by members.
If it is your first time. One of the world's better-known naturist spots — confirm current status before traveling.
Full details, map and directions →