California
Nude Beaches & Naturist Clubs
California has 22 AANR-affiliated clubs and a legal public nude beach, ranking #2 of 50 states for naturist activity in this guide. The page lists 7 clubs and resorts, 6 beach locations and 3 annual events. Places to know: Black's Beach (La Jolla) and Baker Beach (San Francisco).
7
Clubs Listed
Yes
Public Nude Beach
#2
National Rank
13
Listed Locations
State Laws & Overview
No statewide nude beach designation. Black's Beach access is via UCSD/Torrey Pines State Reserve — technically clothing is required but nudity is widely practiced and rarely enforced. Baker Beach is federal land (Golden Gate NRA); nudity is tolerated in the northern section. Pirate's Cove is designated clothing-optional by San Luis Obispo County. San Francisco banned public nudity in 2013 (Board of Supervisors ordinance) except for permitted events. Toplessness is legal statewide for all genders.
Nude Beaches & Public Locations
Black's Beach
La Jolla Shores, San Diego (below Torrey Pines Gliderport)
The most famous nude beach on the West Coast. Accessible only by a steep cliff trail or from the water. Stunning setting below 300-foot sandstone cliffs. Not officially designated but nudity has been practiced here for 50+ years with minimal enforcement.
Access: Steep trail from Torrey Pines Gliderport parking; 300-foot descent. Access from La Jolla Shores also possible via beach walk at low tide.
Baker Beach (North Section)
Presidio, San Francisco
The northern section of Baker Beach has been de facto clothing-optional for decades. Dramatic views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Federal (NPS) land with tolerant enforcement.
Access: Baker Beach parking lot off Lincoln Blvd in the Presidio; north section beyond the signs
Pirate's Cove
Avila Beach, San Luis Obispo County
The only officially clothing-optional beach in California, designated by San Luis Obispo County. Small rocky cove accessed by hiking trail. Protected from wind, popular with locals.
Access: Trail from Ontario Road south of Avila Beach; about 0.5 miles each way
Bonny Doon Beach
Santa Cruz County (north of Santa Cruz)
Remote state beach north of Santa Cruz with a long tradition of clothing-optional use. Rocky coves at the north end are the traditional nude area.
Access: Bonny Doon Road off Highway 1; steep trail to beach
Red Rock Beach
Stinson Beach, Marin County
Small clothing-optional beach just south of Stinson Beach, accessible only by hiking south along the coast from Stinson Beach parking. Isolated and scenic.
Access: Walk south from Stinson Beach; about 0.75 miles
San Onofre State Beach (Trail 6)
Camp Pendleton area, San Diego/Orange County line
Trail 6 at San Onofre State Beach has been used as a clothing-optional area for decades. Popular with surfers as well as naturists.
Access: San Onofre State Beach parking; Trail 6 specifically
Naturist Clubs & Resorts
Glen Eden Sun Club
Corona (Riverside County)
The largest naturist resort in Southern California, operating since 1935. Over 100 acres with two pools, tennis courts, fitness center, and RV camping. One of the most established clubs in the Western US.
pools · tennis · fitness center · volleyball · RV camping
Laguna del Sol
Wilton (Sacramento area)
Northern California's premiere naturist resort. Lakefront property with marina, pool, volleyball courts, and full-service restaurant. Strong community with year-round events.
lake · marina · pool · restaurant · volleyball · hot tub
DeAnza Springs Resort
Jacumba Hot Springs (east San Diego County)
Desert resort in the mountains east of San Diego. Natural hot spring pool, mountain views, and dramatic desert scenery. Near Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
hot springs · pool · hot tub · tent camping
Olive Dell Ranch
Colton (San Bernardino County)
California's oldest nudist park, established 1952. Rustic mountain setting with pool, volleyball, and year-round camping. 75+ acres.
pool · volleyball · horseshoes · camping
Lupin Lodge
Los Gatos (Santa Clara County)
Woodsy 110-acre naturist retreat in the Santa Cruz Mountains south of San Jose. Known for its progressive community and strong ties to the Bay Area tech community.
pool · hot tub · volleyball · trails
Sequoians
Castro Valley (Alameda County)
East Bay naturist club established 1947. Wooded hillside property with pool, volleyball, and picnic areas. One of the few clubs serving the Oakland/San Francisco East Bay.
pool · volleyball · hot tub
San Diego Sunbathers
San Diego
Social club that organizes clothing-optional pool parties, hiking trips, and beach days around San Diego. No fixed venue — members host events.
Annual Events
June
World Naked Bike Ride — San Francisco
Annual clothing-optional bike ride through San Francisco celebrating body freedom and cycling. One of the largest WNBR events in North America.
Find tickets / info →June
World Naked Bike Ride — Los Angeles
LA chapter of the global WNBR event, typically routed through Hollywood and surrounding neighborhoods.
Find tickets / info →Various
Nudist Film Festival
Annual film festival featuring naturist cinema, held at varying California locations.
Find tickets / info →Stay Updated
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Also on California
Also on California: the full California profile covers taxes, cost of living, crime and schools, and the county map lets you compare every county in the state. For related rules, read the California sex laws guide and the California gambling laws guide.
Full California profile
Taxes, cost of living, crime, schools, housing and more.
Data sourced from AANR, The Naturist Society, state park records, and municipal ordinances. Laws summarized for informational purposes only — verify current local regulations before visiting. Club locations approximate; contact clubs directly for access. Some facilities require membership or advance reservation.