Where to go nude in California for fist timer?

[nu2this]

Hi! I wanted to where in california, is a good place to try naturism for first time. What places are recomended, and what should I expect if going alone? Albert

[nu2this]

Hi! I wanted to where in california, is a good place to try naturism for first time. What places are recomended, and what should I expect if going alone? Albert

[carbuff]

Expect to have a good time . Experience freedomto be nudewith others. Most advice Ive read says to go to a resort first .I would recommend Glen Eden there are probably places closer though. Bring a towel to sit on. Have agood time and let us know how it went.
Welcome to the boards.

[weldon]

I've been going to my local clothing optional beach (Black's in San Diego) a few times now in preparation for my first visit to a resort next month.

The beach has been a great experience and has been an opportunity to shed not only my clothes byt, also, some of the misconceptions and fears surrounding first time public nudity.

As a single/unaccompanied male, some situations do seem a bit awkward. It is easy to feel suspect by others and, based on some of the activities I've seen by a few others I can understand why. But that awkwardness, too, seems to be going away more with each visit.

I've heard many good reasons why a resort is best for a first time experience. In my case, the resort I picked is not clothing optional so I felt a need to try another venue first to get used to it. It seems to have worked out well for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the beach and plan to spend much more time there in the future.

[Florida Cracker]

I have heard too that going to a resort for the first time is best, but for me it was not so. I think going to a GOOD nudist beach first is best. I had lots of skinnydipping experiences growing up and also went nude around the campsite with friends (especially right before swimming or right after getting out). But going to a resort or club was a little intimidating because I would be in the company of "real" nudists. So I worried about being accepted. So I went to Playalinda Beach a few times first. I was surprised to see so many people of all ages nude. I felt right at home right away and got nude within 10 minutes. Then, when I did visit a resort, I had more confidence that I would be accepted and enjoyed it immensely.
Florida Cracker

[FireProf]

I'd have to agree with Florida Cracker and recommend that you save the club or resort visit until after you've visited either Blacks Beach in La Jolla (near the City of San Diego) or San Onofre Beach near San Clemente.

For first timers I'd suggest a nude beach first.

Have fun and good luck.

[Norbert]

Black's Beach in San Diego at the Glider Port or any of the "local" resorts. We also have More Mesa Beach up here in Santa Barbara CA. We also have numerous resorts in Palm Springs now days. Take your pick- just have a great time naked !!!!

[NudeAl]

I echo FireProf and Norberts advice, try a nude beach. It is not as restrictive as a resort and you'll know if you like it enough to go to a resort. Tons of resorts out there esp. here in SoCal but they have different policies regarding admitting single males. It's a good idea to check out there web sites and give them a call or email in order to find out what their policies are.

[Longhairbear]

We did the home nudist thing first, and then with friends we were comfortable with. I've never been to a clothing optional beach, yet. We do go to Palm Springs alot.
Norbert, where in Palm Springs do you go?

[DoctorSurferDude]

I think for a first time visit, a nude beach is the best option. It gives you a little more room to breathe while you're in the "I can't believe I'm doing this" phase. San Onofre is a good choice, so is Blacks Beach.

When you get used to being nude you'll begin to be comfortable moving, standing and taking a walk on the beach nude. After the point where you're feeling pretty comfortable in your skin, able to walk knowing you are not alone, and able to talk to a person on the beach without having a fight or flight response, then you're ready for a resort.

A word of warning.... be careful not to stray too far past the mixed crowd on where you walk or place your towel. Almost every nude beach contains perverts at it's fringes....so stay with the fold.

[luvnaturism]

Black's Beach doesn't show up on some maps, but Torrey Pines Nature Preserve will always be there. Black's is the southern two miles more or less of the beach alongside Torry Pines. It's so big that you can be isolated or close to others, your choice.

Some distance up from the south end Friends of Black's Beach, a naturist group that helps keep the place safe and attractive for naturists, usually has a setup. You can always find someone to talk to there.

There always textiles passing through, but no one cares.

[Ken Palmer]

Black's Beach was an excellent choice for a first-timer. I first went there in the summer of 1992 myself. But I had visited Glen Eden in Corona,C.A. before that. I do know what you mean by feeling suspect and akward because I am also a single and unaccompanied male. So, you have my sentiments 100%! We as single males have the most difficult time in finding a comfortable spot or place because it seems like the entire environment is leary of us. Anyway, that was my official experience.

Ken Palmer

quote:

Originally posted by anothernewbie:
I've been going to my local clothing optional beach (Black's in San Diego) a few times now in preparation for my first visit to a resort next month.

The beach has been a great experience and has been an opportunity to shed not only my clothes byt, also, some of the misconceptions and fears surrounding first time public nudity.

As a single/unaccompanied male, some situations do seem a bit awkward. It is easy to feel suspect by others and, based on some of the activities I've seen by a few others I can understand why. But that awkwardness, too, seems to be going away more with each visit.

I've heard many good reasons why a resort is best for a first time experience. In my case, the resort I picked is not clothing optional so I felt a need to try another venue first to get used to it. It seems to have worked out well for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the beach and plan to spend much more time there in the future.

[NakedGary]

Most people don't realize but L.A. County does not have any public or nude beaches since they outlawed & closed all the nude beaches, and made it illegal to be nude on any beach in Los Angeles County. LA county ought to be ashamed of them selves closing many areas set aside or made available to millions of people for public nude recreation.

Search
California for Visitors
Los Angeles County Nude Beach Guide Several years ago, public nudity was made illegal in LA County, and there is no such thing as a Los Angeles County nude beach. Anyone found nude here is cited. Punishment includes a stiff fine and court appearance. Read the nudity laws.

Nudity Laws in Los Angeles

www.About.com link to Los Angeles County Nude Beach Guide

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[FireProf]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by NakedGary:
LA county ought to be ashamed of them selves closing many areas set aside or made available to millions of people for public nude recreation.[QUOTE]

I'm not defending them at all but can you tell me why LA County alone should be ashamed!? Do you know of ANY beachside counties in our state that make available "legal" nude beaches?

[NakedGary]

FireProf,

Look no further than CFI's Nudist Explorer for California's nude beach listing at:

CFI's Nudist Explorer Search Engine

Clothing-optional beaches

Black's Beach - From a city guide
http://sandiego.citysearch.com/profile/91197

California Nude Beach Guide
http://www.geocities.com/clubstarkers/starkers.html

Fort Ord Dunes - Newly opened beach area near Monterey
http://www.bayareanaturists.org/ftord.html

The Falls - Bass Lake, CA
http://www.nudistexplorer.com/nudeus...-thefalls.html

Pirate's Cove - San Luis Obispo, CA
http://www.nudistexplorer.com/nudeus...ratescove.html

Red Rock Beach - Marin County - the CO beach with its own domain name.
http://www.redrockbeach.com

Secret Harbor - Lake Tahoe, CA
http://www.geocities.com/daves_ndt/secret/secret.htm

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The law and public-land nudism in California

Federal law:

There is no federal law against nudity. Nude beaches, such as Baker Beach in San Francisco, operate within federal park lands in California. However, under a provision called concurrent jurisdiction, federal park rangers may enforce state and local laws, or invite local authorities to do so.

State law:
A 1972 California Supreme Court decision In re Smith held that simple beach nudity (absent sexual or shock motives) does not constitute the crime of indecent exposure.

The California State Park system is a special case. Simple nudity is illegal in state parks except in areas designated for the purpose. Although the state has declined to officially designate any nude beaches, traditional use has un-officially designated them, according to the Cahill policy.

It is widely believed that health laws require shoes in a restaurant or food store. However, such laws apply only to the food-handling staff. There is no California state health law requiring customers or patrons to wear anything at all. Dress codes are at the discretion of private business management. See letter from California Department of Health Services.

Finally, California Penal Code section 647(a) states:

647. Every person who commits any of the following acts is guilty of disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor:
(a) Who solicits anyone to engage in or who engages in lewd or dissolute conduct in any public place or in any place open to the public or exposed to public view.
However, it would be quite a stretch to apply this law against nudists, since simple nudity is not a lewd act.

Local law:

Various counties and municipalities may enact their own dress codes, and many have.


Northern California:


Orr Hot Springs. 13 miles west of Ukiah on Orr's Hot Springs Rd. (707) 462-6277, Several covered soaking tubs, one large covered hot tub, one outdoor soaking pool. Swimming pool just outside the sauna door. Massages available. Community Kitchen (Great full restaurant-size & quality). Several cabins at reasonable rates. Dorm sleeping & camping at $15 a night. Please call ahead for reservations, no drop-ins allowed.

Wilbur Hot Springs, Wilbur Springs, California 95987-9709, (530) 473-2306 has been highly rated by many visitors. Clothing is optional in the bathing area (it is, however, required everywhere else on property).

North Bay
Red Rock Beach, just south of Stinson Beach on Highway 1 at milepost MRN 11.35, is a mellow, sheltered nude beach. Park off the highway and follow the long trail down to the beach. Aerial photo.

Muir beach, one of the best nude beaches around, was in 2001 the center of some nasty conflicts among local residents, with nudists cited for violation of Marin County Chapter 6.76 (for more information see "`Nudies' stir passions at Muir's Little Beach" by Dave Mitchell, Point Reyes Light, May 31, 2001). However, in 2002 it seems that the woman responsible for the complaints has moved away and nudists are returning to Muir without incident. Aerial photo.

Bass Lake is a popular skinny-dipping site. It's in the Point Reyes National Seashore, about 3 miles hike north from the Palomarin Trailhead, at the northern end of Mesa Rd. in Bolinas. Bass Lake is in Zone 9 on this map.

Harbin Hot Springs, 18424 Harbin Springs Rd., P.O. Box 782, Middletown CA 95461. (707) 987-2477. 1100 acres, naturally heated pools (clothing optional), cool swimming pool, sun decks, hotel, vegetarian/organic restaurant (clothing required), health food store, sauna, camping, hiking trails. Massages available, community kitchen, free movies at night. Various classes by advance reservation, including the famed Love, Intimacy, and Sexuality workshops produced by the Human Awareness Institute.

Billy Frog's 10 School Street Plaza, Fairfax CA 94930, (415) 453-7647. Therapeutic massage, private redwood hot tubs, saunas, sun deck, invigorating cold plunge. Open from noon until midnight. Use of facilities half price with any massage.

Meadowlark Country House is a B&B on 20 acres near Calistoga, with a clothing-optional pool, hot-tub, sauna, and deck. Seven rooms with private bath and scenic views, TV, VCR, and phone. Full breakfast is served. Owner Kurt Stevens is a naturist and member of AANR. Guests are straight gay, bi or whatever. Phone: (800) 942-5651 or (707) 942-5651; Fax: (707) 942-5023.

Highlands Resort, 14000 Woodland Drive, P.O. Box 346, Guerneville, CA 95446, is a rustic gay, Lesbian, and straight-friendly resort with a clothing-optional pool and hot-tub. Phone (707) 869-0333 or Fax (707) 869-0370.


San Francisco area
Baker Beach is in the city of San Francisco, in the Presidio, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The north end (closest to the Golden Gate Bridge) is a long-standing traditional nude beach with no hassle. Served by SF Muni bus route #29. Aerial photo.

Gray Whale Cove State Beach, Montara CA. This traditional clothing-optional beach, located at Devil's Slide between Pacifica and Half Moon Bay, has some of the most interesting topology of the northern California coast. Park in the lot on the inland side of Highway 1 exactly 1¼ miles north of the Chart House Restaurant in Montara, cross the highway and walk down the gated driveway, use the restrooms and descend the 145 stairs to the beach. The beach is clean and wide, and the surrounding cliffs block the wind and make for interesting scenery.Photo Aerial photo.

San Gregorio Beach. There are two beaches at San Gregorio, due west of Palo Alto where Highway 84 meets the coast highway 1. The textile-oriented San Gregorio State beach is just south of the intersection; about a hundred yards north is an unmarked white gate; pass through it and about a half mile to the pay parking lot ($3/person, $5 minimum per car) for the private beach. The nude section is to the north; the south end is designated textile to the state beach. The beach is popular with (but not limited to) gay men. Well over a mile in length, this is one of the longest nude beaches in northern California; as such, people tend to be more spread out than in others. It can be windy, but many users have built shelters from driftwood (resembling low log cabins with no roof). The length and the shelters combine to make this a beach where you and a friend can be quite alone. It is a common practice to hang a T-shirt over a pole to indicate a shelter is occupied. Aerial photo. San Gregorio Weather and Web-Cam

San Jose-Santa Cruz area
Lupin Lodge, P.O. Box 1274, Los Gatos CA 95031, (408) 353-9200, is a very pleasant clothing-optional membership resort, in the Santa Cruz Mountains just south of Los Gatos, since 1936. It is well-equipped with heated swimming pool, sauna, spas, tennis and volleyball courts, and clubhouse restaurant. Visitors welcome by appointment.

Red White & Blue Beach, 5021 Coast Hwy., Santa Cruz CA 95060, (831) 423-6332. (Latitude: 36.9777, Longitude: -122.14166) This privately-managed clothing-optional beach, located on Scaroni Road just off Highway 1 at milepost 24.9 (less than ten miles northwest of Santa Cruz, see map) has long been a favorite of naturists because it provides flush toilets, showers, an improved campground, and a secure, clothing-optional off-highway parking lot. Admission is $12 per adult per day (10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) plus $1 per child. Overnight camping is $18 per adult and includes admission from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. the following day Reservations not taken; just drop in. Open Feb. 1 - Oct. 31. Aerial photo. Also listed by Santa Cruz County Conference and Visitors Council.

Bonny Doon Beach, at the corner of Bonny Doon Road and Highway 1, milepost 27.6 (about ten miles northwest of downtown Santa Cruz), has been an extremely popular naturist beach for many years. A semi-cylindrical cove at the north end of the beach provides wonderfully warm protection from the wind. Aerial photo. Public; free. Served by Santa Cruz Metro Transit District bus route #40.

Kiva Retreat House, 702 Water St., Santa Cruz CA 95060, (831) 429-1142, is a former single-family dwelling in downtown Santa Cruz converted into a clothing-optional retreat, with several spas and pools, a sauna, massage tables, and sunbathing area. Hours noon till 11pm every day; Friday and Saturday to midnight. No reservations are necessary. Admission includes use of all community areas; private tubs and staff masseurs are available at extra charge. Multi-visit passes and annual memberships are available.

Compassion Flower Inn, 216 Laurel St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060, a bed-and-breakfast which welcomes medical marijuana patients, also has a clothing-optional spa. Phone (831) 466-0420, fax (831) 466-0431.

East Bay
Sequoians Park, P.O. Box 2095, Castro Valley CA 94546, (510) 582-0194. Less developed (and less expensive) than Lupin, this friendly AANR-affiliated club in the east-bay hills has a number of resident members and many more summertime visitors contributing to social events such as luaus and potluck dinners.

Monterey area
Release of the former Fort Ord to civilian use has made some new beaches available for nude bathing. Indian Head Beach at Fort Ord Dunes, just south of the pre-existing Marina State Beach, is increasingly popular with naturists. Aerial photo.

Pfeiffer Big Sur area
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is indeed "totally clothed", but a short walk upstream along the Big Sur river from the State Park Campground brings you to some pools which may or may not be for nude use depending on who else is there. One time, I went there with my then-young son and we happened upon some German tourists who had been skinny-dipping. Seeing us, they dressed so as not to offend us, but relaxed again as soon as we undressed and demonstrated we were like them.

In California State Parks, we live by the Cahill policy, which says that nudity is illegal, but no one will be arrested unless there is first a complaint and then a request to dress which is disobeyed. That is, if you are told to dress, ask if there was a complaint; if there was, you must comply.

If you want a serious hike, start at the U.S. Forest Service office about 1/2 mile south of the State Park and hike the Pine Ridge Trail about 11 miles east until it encounters the river again at Sykes Hot Springs. These natural hot springs feed user-built redwood tubs (carved from redwood tree stumps) and are always clothing optional. To go in and out in one day is a grueling undertaking; you may want to back-pack a sleeping bag and make it two days. Maps available at USFS office.

Across the street from the USFS office is Sycamore Canyon Road, which takes you down to Pfeiffer Beach. On USFS land, there is no rule against nudity here, but the nudists usually go to the extreme north end of the beach--beyond the rock formation, almost to Cooper Point. Aerial photo.

Esalen Institute, just south of Big Sur, has completed restoration of the magnificent hot-spring baths destroyed in the 1998 El Niño storms. The clothing-optional tubs, perched on cliffs just above the Pacific, are and are only available to registered guests. As a workshop and retreat center, access to Esalen Institute is by reservation only. The tubs are open to the public between 1:00 and 3:00 a.m. for $20 per person. You need to make reservations at (831) 667-3047.

Ventana Inn & Spa, Big Sur, is an upscale resort hotel offering one of whose two pools is clothing-optional and has a clothing-optional sun deck. Phone (831) 667-4222, fax (831) 667-0573.

Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, 39171 Tassajara Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924, is a Zen Buddhist community which was established by the San Francisco Zen Center in 1966. Its hot springs were used by Esselen Indians, and it has been a hot springs resort from the 1860s. From May through August, Tassajara offers guest practice and work-study programs, workshops and retreats as well as individual accommodations for vacationing guests. For the rest of the year, September through April, the monastery is closed to the public so that students of Zen Buddhism can engage in traditional monastic training periods. Reservations are absolutely required, even for day guests. Phone (415) 863-3136.

Central Coast
Pirate's Cove near San Luis Obispo is a delightful nude beach. Exit U.S. 101 at Avila Beach Rd. and go west about a mile. Pass Sycamore Mineral Springs (a commercial spa on your left), and turn left (south) onto Cave Landing Rd. At the top of the ridge, where the road turns left (inland), park in the dirt lot on your right and, as you face the ocean, follow the trail down to the beach on your left. The sandy beach is about a quarter mile long. It faces south, is sheltered from the surf, and has water calm enough for swimming. A closely-knit community of regulars cooperate to prevent harassment and other misbehavior. Aerial photo.

Central Valley
Laguna del Sol (formerly called Rawhide Ranch), 8683 Rawhide Lane, Wilton CA 95693-9409, (916) 687-6550, is the largest nudist resort in northern California, with three pools (one indoor), two spas (one indoor), huge clubhouse with dance floor, lake, acres of lawns, plenty of room for RV's. Southeast of Sacramento, about three hours drive from San Jose.

River Dippers, P.O. Box 188366, Sacramento CA 95818-8366, is a non-profit organization dedicated to sharing information about public locations in central and northern California where people may swim or sunbathe free of clothing (or with whatever attire they wish) without hassles. In addition the club facilitates social gatherings hosted by member volunteers.

Northern California Exposure, P.O. Box 188876, Sacramento CA 95818-8876, (877) 653-1999, is a family-oriented non-landed group of social nudists affiliated with the American Association for Nude Recreation.


Sierra Nevada Mountains:

Secret Cove, Nevada is a nude beach on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe.
Travertine Hot Springs
Sierra Hot Springs, P.O. Box 366, Sierraville CA 96126. (530) 994-3773
Tahoe Area Naturists (TAN), P.O. Box 975, Zephyr Cove NV 89448 (no web site)


Southern California:

Beaches
Black's Beach, (Torrey Pines State Beach), La Jolla (San Diego)
Black's Beach Bares Association
Map to Black's Beach Parking (Latitude: 32.89, Longitude: -117.25)
Aerial photo
San Onofre
Friends of San Onofre
Aerial photo
Hot Springs
Deep Creek Hot Springs, San Bernardino National Forest near Apple Valley
Resorts
Mystic Oaks (formerly McConville), Lake Elsinore
Glen Eden Sun Club, Corona
Olive Dell Ranch, Colton
Desert Shadows Inn, Palm Springs
Terra Cotta Inn, Palm Springs
Silver Valley Sun Club, Newberry Springs (near Barstow)
Swallows Sun Island, El Cajon
De Anza Springs, Jacumba
Elysium Institute, Malibu (now closed)
Travel Clubs
Black's Beach Bares, San Diego
Camping Bares, San Diego
Naturally California, San Diego
Canyon Country Bares, northern LA County
Bakersfield Sun Club, Bakersfield
Western Assn. for Nude Recreation
Southern California Naturist Association


CFI's Nudist Explorer

About's CA nudist beach guide/reference

Top 6 Nude Beach Guides

Dr. Leisure best nude beaches

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