Best Beaches in California for That Perfect Tan
Nothing ruins a perfect beach day like awkward tan lines. The entire swimsuit is drawn on the body, which is anything but attractive. While most of California’s coastline is swimsuit-mandatory, there are some spots where you can ditch the fabric and soak up the sun completely uninterrupted. These clothing-optional beaches are about freedom, relaxation, and enjoying nature on your own terms – even if it means without clothes.
If you’re new to the scene, we bring you the most popular beaches that come with their own set of unspoken rules (like no gawking and always bringing a towel).
Black’s Beach – San Diego
Credit: flickr
Let’s begin the list with California’s most famous beach. This is one of the best experiences you can gain, but getting there is a workout. It’s tucked under the Torrey Pines cliffs, making it hard to reach but totally worth it. Though technically illegal, nudity here is widely tolerated. Expect big crowds on weekends and surfers catching waves nearby.
Gray Whale Cove Beach – Half Moon Bay
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Cliffs, whales, and a clothing-optional section on the north end. This cove offers stunning views and a rare nudist-friendly zone in Northern California. The ocean is too cold for swimming, and great white sharks frequent the area. The scenery? Unmatched.
Pirate’s Cove – Pismo Beach
Credit: flickr
There’s no buried treasure to deal with but it’s definitely a very relaxing escape. The atmosphere around this beach is laid-back, so you can enjoy the sun. The cove shields it from the wind, but at high tide, the sand disappears.
More Mesa Beach – Santa Barbara
Credit: flickr
The location of this beach makes it even more interesting. The More Mesa beach is a hidden beach surrounded by eucalyptus groves. This Santa Barbara secret is perfect for quiet sunbathing. The north side is more risqué, while families stick to the south. The steep hike down keeps the crowds light.
Hole-in-the-Wall Beach
Credit: flickr
To access this stunning beach, you enter through a rock tunnel. This makes it accessible only at low tide. Plus, this secluded stretch near Panther Beach feels like a secret world. The cliffs add privacy, but watch out—high tide can trap you in.
San Gregorio Private Beach – San Mateo County
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Did you know San Gregorio Private Beach is the first risqué beach in the U.S.? That’s correct, and it’s still going strong. San Gregorio Beach is historic and still a popular nudist destination. The northern side is clothing-optional, while the southern part follows state park rules (meaning no nudity).
North Baker Beach – San Francisco
Credit: flickr
Sunbathe with a front-row view of the Golden Gate Bridge? Yes, sir! The north end of Baker Beach is San Francisco’s most famous risqué spot. Expect tourists with cameras since it’s one of SF’s most photographed locations. The best way to grab a good spot for the perfect tan is to arrive early.
Red Rock Beach
Credit: flickr
This beach is about a clothing-optional spot with red-tinted sand. A steep hike keeps this beach peaceful and uncrowded. The cliffs and soft sand make it a great starter beach for those who prefer to bare it all. But be careful—high tide erases the beach. Wear sturdy shoes for the tricky trail down.
Crater Beach – Sand City
Credit: Sandee
A massive sand crater adds a playful twist to the crater beach. This unique beach near Carmel features a huge sand depression, perfect for running, sliding, or lounging in the buff. Technically private property, but no one enforces it.
Secret Cove Beach – Lake Tahoe
Credit: flickr
Located along the Tahoe’s Nevada shoreline, this one’s not your typical beach setting. The Secret Cove has crystal-clear water and breathtaking views. Space is limited, so arrive early or settle for sunbathing on the rocks. Tip? Bring a floatie to relax in the warmer waters.
Bonny Doon Beach – Santa Cruz
Credit: flickr
Bonny Doon was a longtime nudist favorite and is now attracting a mix of visitors. The beach was once fully unclothed, but now it’s a mix of textile and non-textile visitors. It’s actually the weekdays that are quieter and less crowded. But if you talk about the real beauty, the golden sand and surrounding cliffs make it one of the prettiest beaches around.
Pebble Beach – Crescent City
Credit: Getty Images
The name of the beach gives you an idea of what to expect here. This is basically a rocky yet risqué cove that’s surrounded by redwoods. Plus, the spot is secluded and peaceful. The rocky shore isn’t great for lying down, but the scenery makes up for it.
Greyhound Rock Beach – Davenport
Credit: flickr
Greyhound Rock Beach is a quiet alternative to crowded Santa Cruz beaches. A steep hike down keeps the water calm and the shoreline uncrowded. Plus, if you’re not fully comfortable, you can always find a tiny spot on the long shoreline. Since there will be no one to bother, you’ll enjoy a relaxing and uninterrupted tan.
Indian Canyon Beach – Bodega Bay
Credit: Reddit
If you’re a dedicated nudist, this beach is for you. This tiny and hard-to-reach beach is for those who really want solitude. The remote location keeps it crowd-free, but getting there requires scrambling over rocks. Feeling adventurous? The Indian Canyon Beach it is!
San Onofre Beach – San Diego County
Credit: flickr
You will be thoroughly impressed with the laid-back vibe of the San Onofre beach. This place, in fact, has a long history of being clothing-optional. While rules have changed over the years, many visitors still enjoy the freedom of sunbathing here. It’s also a popular surf spot, attracting those looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure.