San Gregorio State Beach, known for its stunning beauty off the San Mateo coast and clothing-optional practices, will soon become the newest addition to California’s state park system. This means that bathing suits will soon be required.
There are still a number of nude beach options in the Bay Area, however:
Black Sands Beach: As its name implies, this beach has stunning dark sand and is located in the Marin Headlands. Each end of the strip is considered a clothing-optional beach.
Marshall’s Beach: This stretch of beach extends from the Golden Gate south to North Baker Beach in San Francisco. It is a secluded area below steep cliffs, which makes it popular with nude sunbathers.
North Baker Beach: This is the clothing-optional north end of Baker Beach. There is a steep bluff in that area, so swimming is not advised due to rising tides and rip currents.
Red Rock Beach: Located just south of Stinson Beach this is another clothing-optional option. Access to the beach can be steep and rocky so come prepared.