Nude beach side . Calm less crowd and in nature . Sunbath ... It's on north side little hiden u go down and on right side cross the wall

Not exactly family, friendly. But we're open minded grown-ups it's pretty nice. Not an easy walk down to the beach and then back up again to the street. But if you're healthy enough to handle it, it's worth it. read more

This is a great beach located just off of Highway 1 in the north end of Santa Cruz County. There are a few ways to get down to the beach; you can either cross the train tracks by taking the far south path and go directly down to the beach via a sandy path which can be a little tough to get back up, or take the far north path, cross the tracks, and take the steep, rocky path down. If you have time, walk along the cliffs above while you're there. The views are absolutely stunning. You can find some other amazing neighboring beaches close by as well. If you get lucky and come on a clear late afternoon, this beach is a great place to watch the sunset! read more

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Disappointed because I love this beach so much but there are soooo many creeps. Don't recommend coming alone or bringing your children here even if you stay on the non nude side. read more

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Very beautiful secluded beach, but they do have a "nude" side that's divided by a huge rock (right side if your facing the ocean). Which is absolutely fine until I see an older gentleman, naked, with only a cowboy hat on, kept peeking over to the water area where 2 little boys were playing, with a hard on and staring with his hands on his hips and just staring at them. Boys would see him and run to their parents and then when they thought he was gone, they would go back to the shoreline but then here comes the naked cowboy hat. Parents seen what was happening and they finally packed up and left.. the others were more respectful.. read more

Bonny Doon Beach - Just on the other side of the closet rocks is the nudest area - Beaches Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Walked down the steep rocky part to get down the beach, wasn't the worst to get down. Beach is really nice and pretty. We saw a lot of nude people which we figured out it was a nude beach later but we didn't really mind. However, one guy was pleasuring himself so be careful if you are bringing children. We walked back up the rocky part and made a wrong turn so we ended up in a bunch of bushes. There was a path through them so we walked through only to layer find out it was a lot of poison oak. Still have my rashes a week later :( be careful!! read more

Superb beach! I don't know if there is a better parking lot but I parked right off the highway and walked past the railway track and then took a fairly treacherous path down the hill to get to the beach. Once you are there, it's incredible. Other than a couple of folks who were fishing off the big rock. there was no one else there. Out of this world! read more

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This is a beautiful beach! Please note, this is a nude beach in some parts (near the north side)! I went on a sunny day, and it was in the 70s. The water is so blue and it's a very calm place. I did not see many people at all which is exactly what I wanted. There are two ways you can come down it seems but I went on the very north and it's a bit rocky. You can also hike around to get great views around. There's parking nearby (and a winery a few miles away that you can check out after). This was spectacular and I'm so glad I came. It's a bit secluded. This makes for a nice time to enjoy the views and take in the calming waves. read more

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I wanted to go to Shark's Fin Cove but GPS took us to this nudist beach. So walk a little further from the parking lot to get to Shark's Fin Cove. It was at least dog-friendly. Make sure your dog is on leash. read more

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The view was very amazing and it's a whole vibe when you're here. the scenery is very beautiful. Nudist are typically towards the right of the beach tho fair warning read more

Been to this beach many times. Great spot to hang out and watch the sunset, can't see it from the road but it's well worth a little hike. It is one of the most serene beaches I have ever been to. Also, great beach, especially if you forgot your swimsuit . read more

Absolutely beautiful plan to return yearly; enjoyed going there. A must see; you can't go wrong

Visited hole in the wall for the first time Monday. The reviews were correct about the path down to the beach. I will wear different shoes next time. That is the only negative about this beach. I got there about 1130 in the morning. I was the only person in the beach. I stripped down to my swim suit, because it was a little chilly. After getting comfortable with the weather, I removed my suit. This was the first time being naked in public. It was exhilarating. Other people started arriving on the beach. They remained clothed. I wasn't concerned about being nude. I didn't try to be obvious. But I didn't have a problem walking on the beach. When people walked by I couldn't see where they were looking at me. All in all I had a great time. Can't wait for the next time I go. Maybe Bonny doon. ...went to Bonny doon July 1. Beautiful. Walked down the sandy path. Wasn't a bad walk. Found my way to the north end, past the flat rock. Undressed down to my trunks. It was still a little chilly. After a while the clouds cleared and it warmed up. That's when I removed my suit, naked in public for only the second time. Unlike hole in the wall there other nude men. I played out and enjoyed the freedom. After a while couples began to arrive and stripped. Everyone was respectful and kept boundaries. I didn't see any sexual behavior. I really enjoyed myself again. I plan on going back in two weeks. It's over two hours to get here but well worth it. read more

We went here after visiting Bonny Doon Vineyard. This is on Hwy 1, cross street is Bonny Doon Road. Free parking on the side of the road on Hwy 1. There is a small sign that it is Bonny Doon Beach, but if you didn't stop you would drive right past it. No bathrooms available. Loved the views of the cliffs, but on a windy day can be kinda bad cuz they have tons of sand around and the wind brings the sand upwards into your eyes and face. So you cross railroad tracks before going down the sandy cliffs to the bottom, then you gotta cross some fast moving water to get to the beach. We didn't stay too long on the beach since it was cold and windy. Then we walked up on the sandy cliff to the top and looked down at the ocean which was great. Highly recommended if you have the time and nearby. My pics above. read more

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This is such a beautiful, hidden beach in Davenport, about 8 miles north of Santa Cruz! It's a bit tricky to find on Highway 1, which is probably why you shouldn't or won't find that many crowds. When you do get to the beach itself, it's a bit steep climbing down and back up, so do have some sturdy shoes or sandals handy. Probably one of those nude or clothing-optional beaches knowing how empty it can get. Haven't personally seen it happen here at Bonny Doon, but I wouldn't doubt it happens from time to time. read more

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I went here with my boyfriend and family but only because the Panther Beach parking lot was closed during COVID19. It was a great alternative in terms of it being a secluded beach. Not a lot of people know about this place which is great. In front of the parking lot is a steep trail that you can walk through and will lead you to a railroad. Pass that railroad right across from it and you'll see the beach. Going down the sand hill isn't so hard. Going back up is the hard part. When you get down there, there will be a river that separates you from reaching the beach. Walking through it shouldn't be a problem if you don't mind getting your shoes/feet wet, but there is a long log that you may walk on to get across. I advise you to wear comfortable shoes just to get around. Wearing slippers may cause you to slip, fall, or injure yourself in the process of getting to the actual beach. There is a bunch of great wildlife here as well, super harmless, just great to admire. Lots of starfish on the shore, muscles, sand crabs, jumping sand fleas (completely harmless) etc. The beach itself is pretty rocky, so beware of large rocks hitting your feet/ankles every time the tide pulls in. Whenever I go to the beaches here, it is advised not to swim so beware of the high tides. Otherwise, everything was great, I loved the view and the wildlife. read more

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Beautiful beach... seems like a most gay male crowd... There were men getting pretty friendly with each other, and other men watching and touching themselves. Overall great time... Look forward to going again soon. read more

The hill down and up is a pain and it's usually cold but still a nice little spot for the free spirited people

Awesome beach. The view was great. Pretty clean beach too. Not crowded when we went. Wished we went there more often when we visit my daughter in Santa Cruz while she's attending UCSC the last four years. read more

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This is one of my favorite beaches! It's *clothing optional,* so what more can I say? Unlike the popular Baker Beach, the crowd here is not notoriously skewed towards one particular orientation, causing everyone not of this group to sometimes feel uncomfortable, and in some instances, rather disgusted. No sir-ree, ain't none of that funny business going on around here. At Bonny Doon, the majority of visitors is a mixed collection of younger 30-somethings or college students. Everyone tends to be fit, free, and open minded, as if they are starring in the latest edition of the Abercrombie & Fitch catalog. Contrary to many other clothing optional beaches, where individuals may feel timid to undress in the midst of all the pervs, gawkers, and otherwise unsavory characters, the negative element seems to be practically non-existent at Bonny Doon. The location could have much to do with it, since it is a bit off the beaten path, and those who actually take the journey out this direction are only here to have a good time. The beach itself is very clean and pristine, which helps you loosen up. You almost feel left out if you decide to be prudish, and not join in on the festivities. Even if the almighty one up above did not grant you with the highest level of physical prowess, there is no need to be ashamed because no one will look down on you. Heck, if a wimpy little Chinese guy like me can feel perfectly at home, so should you! read more

Really cool little private beach. About a 10-15 minute drive north from Santa Cruz, gets away from the crowds there. Free parking, never had a trouble finding a spot. Even on a cool day, the breeze is blocked by the cliffs. Clothing optional, in the north part of the beach, if that's your thing. Occasionally seen straight couples having sex here, in little hidden niches. I don't hate them for it, they were born that way, and can't help it. read more

4/16/2009 Edit " Pretty nice beach. Only real problems are the gawkers on the cliffs, and the children like many on here who have issues with lifetime nudists. Bonny Doon has been a nude beach for decades, and many have been going there since the 70's. Sorry we're older now, and lose our tans with indoor jobs, but that doesn't mean we give up our clothes free lifestyle. So if you're put off by real people in the buff, save yourself the trouble and stay in your back yard. Seems the only cool people, are the ones who have lived life. About the path. Most people are taking the wrong, and dangerous path to the beach. The better path is at the south end of the parking lot, a short climb up the hill and over the RR tracks, the down an easy sand dune. read more

Bonny Doon Beach - Winter waves - Beaches Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

I hold this beach close to my heart because I had fond memories of my late cousin, Josh. He was probably 6 years old when my uncle Gilbert brought us here. My brother was visiting from Canada at the time, so it was a win win for All. It's clean and parking is by the freeway. It's free in that sense. And to warn you, if you are not a fan of a nudist beach, refrain from coming here. Respect that this has been a nudist beach for a long time. With that said, don't be afraid to be open minded. Life has more problems, and being nudist ain't one! read more

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Ugh. sometimes its the yelper's that bug me more than the place I'm reviewing. Hello, people- news flash. there will *always* be naked/gross middle aged men as the stereotype at clothing optional beaches. What-do-you-expect? enough of my rant on that. I happen to feel comfortable in my skin and like the occasional clothes-optional beach visit. feeling the sand under my toes, sunshine in my eyes, ocean waves crashing around me, creepy naked guy peeing next to the rock....okay...that wasn't part of the deal - but again, models are not hanging out in these spots. For women, I would not recommend going solo (obviously) if for no other reason then to be left alone. I've had a few brave "johns" that like to walk up (naked) and introduce themselves even when I'm there with my boyfriend. At that rate, we just say "buzz off" The bonny doon beach itself? (nude portion...) is delightful. safe. easy to access. bring a packed lunch. :) read more

Bonny Doon beach was certainly an adventure. If you're driving south on CA-1, you will see a sign saying "Bonny Doon" with an arrow pointing left. Stay going straight. There will be parking directly behind this sign on the right. Near the south end of the parking lot, there is a path. Follow it up to the train tracks. No, that train isn't moving. It's stopped as my friends informed me. I'm just crazy I guess. Head down the path directly in front of you and you will be at the south end of the beach. Hang out here if you like clothing. Head up to the other side of the big rock by the water if you want to take off all your clothes with other like minded people. This is a beautiful, quiet, clean beach. My friends and I loved stopping in here and at the end of the day, no one could say they didn't see penis. read more

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This beach is a little slice of heaven. Amazing views, perfect weather, and the right amount of people *not too crowded*. Only one creeper. The dude with the bunnies makes this place perfectly weird. My new fav go-to spot. read more

Bonny Doon Beach - Epic! - Beaches Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

We actually were trying to get to Panther Beach, but my phone died right when we were supposed to turn and we ended up driving a whole mile north, landing us here. A quick foray ended up turning into a cheer of, "Why not, it's goddamn gorgeous!!" The plod down is steep and entirely sand, which makes for a tiring trip uphill. There were maybe 3 other groups of people here on MLK Day, a Monday, so we were pleasantly almost alone. We ended up transporting all of our food and towels on top of the rock for a blustery and sandy lunch. On the other side of the rock, a man had freed himself of the confines of pants and happily frolicked with his dog. Fair enough, man, you can do what you want. Breezy, brilliant, clean, vast, refreshing, uncrowded, A+ beach for an afternoon and a picnic. read more

There seems to be two sides to this beach. The north side is the clothing-optional area. The south side are for shy (or cold) beach-goers. And in the middle is a big 20 foot-high rock. If you're able to climb this rock, you'll have a good view of the beach and ocean. The day I came here, i was lucky enough to see DOLPHINS swimming just 30 feet away from the shoreline. As soon as the dolphins' fins poked out of the water, everybody took out their cameras to take a picture. *see uploaded picture* Maybe whales show up at this beach too? The problem with this beach is the cloudy/foggy weather. Eventhough the weather in the valley can be 100 degrees, the weather here (and other santa cruz beaches) is almost always cloudy. It's kind of a let down when you're expecting to see a sunny beach. read more

Bonny Doon Beach - there's a dolphin in the ocean - Beaches Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Such a beautiful beach! Amazing views of the ocean with cliffs surrounding a tiny beach. This beach is about 15 minutes north of Santa Cruz and I've never seen a crowd of more than 10 people here. I recommend wearing good shoes for climbing down the cliffs to get to the beach, it's a little bit steep and sometimes slippery to get down. read more

Bonny Doon Beach - Ocean Views - Beaches Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Nude Beach Alert! This is a beautiful beach, but I don't feel it's a great beach to be nude. It's cold and getting sand blasted isn't very relaxing for that nude relaxing experience. read more

Driving from UCSC to here takes around 15 minutes. It is not a long way to drive, plus you have nice views along the highway. =) My boyfriend pulled over at a spot where the right side is grasses/lakes/flowers, and the left side is the beach. We parked and walked down to the beach. Walked along the shore, then later we decided to play with the water. haha.. too bad we werent in summer outfits and flip flop (because we didnt plan to be here at first) or else we wouldnt have left early because our socks and shoes were too soaky wet. =( However, we didnt regret coming here over a weekend though. It was a bit windy, oh well, we had fun!!!(A beanie is recommended to take with you though) We will definitely come back again! But on a less-windy day with summer clothings! P.S. if you dont mind spending an extra 20 minutes driving to Santa Cruz, I would highly recommend HWY 1 instead of HWY 17 just because here you gotta see this beautiful natural views! read more

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Beautiful clean Beach one of my favorites,really nice to go for a picnic spend the whole day and bomb with the sunset read more

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Going UP the CA-1, the beach will be on your left hand side, directly opposite of the Bonny Doon Road sign. If you are confused on the way up as to whether you have already passed it or not, keep an eye out for Fambrini Produce, which you cannot possibly miss. The beach is right after it. Across from the Bonny Doon Road sign, there is a paved area where you can park. Unfortunately, the space is severely limited (about 20 cars and occasional dumbass motorcycles that take some spots), so get there early. If you can't find a space, don't fret; there is another paved parking area on the same side about another half mile up. This spot is actually closer to the north side of the beach, anyway. If this area is also full, you are SOL as parking on the shoulder of the highway (yes, some actually do) and parking on Bonny Doon Road is illegal. Don't think you can get away with it. There is normally a cop parked right there to catch those illegally parked, those who are speeding, and those who are making illegal turns. From the farther parking area, walk towards your left to the path that leads down to the beach. You will then notice that the paths spilt up. STAY TO YOUR LEFT, don't go up any paths. You can either continue walking to the left down to the south side of the beach or you can stop at the sign (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/Qij1M9Lpho_ToQzcAxxQcg?select=3hflc0XDw7qVP6999oAaqw) and take the fairly steep and rocky walk down (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/Qij1M9Lpho_ToQzcAxxQcg?select=VMprSLmZC_JbyENZU5oh7Q). On your way down, you'll encounter an area where you could continue walking down, but would probably break many bones, or you could turn to your left, and walk through the narrow and unnoticeable path (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/Qij1M9Lpho_ToQzcAxxQcg?select=bv9mx4S-BLS1BnsxFf3cXg) that leads you down, safely. Use the plants and bushes on the side to stabilize yourself. This part of the beach is extremely small and secluded. It is surrounded and hidden by cliffs and coves. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/Qij1M9Lpho_ToQzcAxxQcg?select=Qo0SlVF-4SdXlduwPf8SDQ) It's beautiful; you'll feel as if it's your own private beach. When I got there, today, there were two other young couples (with SMOKIN' bods), everyone fully clothed. I double checked with everyone if this was the nude area, and they all said they had no idea. I asked if they'd be offended, and they told me to go on ahead. Awesome. I found a nice spot, undressed, and laid back with my eyes closed and ipod on. I woke a little later to see those couples and some additional people undressed as well. Hottt. The only con about nude beaches is that there are sometimes inappropriate people. It's awkward to see naked people publicly straddling each other and making out. I think most people are fine with nude beaches, but they are uncomfortable with acts such as this. I don't bring my man here because I'd be so tempted to do the same, so I think others should consider the other people who are there with them as well. There are younger children who are raised to enjoy their own and others' bodies and run around naked here, but that doesn't mean they are raised to witness soft porn at the same time. Something to note: there are people with cameras walking around. Just ignore them and maybe try to get over yourself since they really are just taking pictures of the beach and its beauty. read more

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I first came here some 20 years ago, when I was student at UCSC. Compared to other spots along the coast, Bonny Doon Beach wasn't as foggy. But this is still the Central CA coast, so even if fog is absent, it's frequently windy and cold. When I was in college, we didn't have the internet. So everyone learned by word of mouth, and each person had to find Bonny Doon Beach on his/her own. Ah, but now we do have the internet, and some of the other reviews here on Yelp have done an excellent job in describing how to get down to the beach. Thanks to the photos, no one should have trouble finding the narrow parking lot at the intersection of Highway 1 and Bonny Doon Road. As of now, that "Coastal Access" sign at the north end of the parking strip clearly tells you where to hike. Maybe it's luck, but I've never seen a train pass by. As long as you don't wear heels, you'll be able to make it down to the beach. But don't let our reviews make you apprehensive or scare you off; it's easy to get down to the beach. Let's get some of the negatives out of the way first. 20 years ago, my friend wisely made sure that we all used the bathroom, BEFORE making the trip to Bonny Doon Beach. 'Cuz if you get there, and have to go potty... Furthermore, there are no showers. So if you get all dirty from the paths, water, and sand, you'll just have to live with it. My advice is to bring water in a container, and leave it in your car. When you are about to leave, use that water to wash off. At least during the times I've visited Bonny Doon Beach, the waves have always pounded the shore. That makes it unsafe for swimming. My friends claimed to have seen dolphins and whales, but I've never seen any :-( Perhaps it's our carriers, but our cell phones typically do not get reception, down on the beach. So take note. However, when sitting in our cars at the parking lot, we can get one or two bars. You can't control other people's behavior, but I've been fortunate that no one's threatened me or vandalized my car. However, I have witnessed beachgoers smoking and bringing alcohol. If you happen to be downwind from a smoker, you'll just have to move. When you stand on top of the cliff, you might swear that this is Santa Cruz's version of Hanauma Bay. The views are stunningly beautiful. Just pretend that it's 20 degrees hotter :-) The south and larger portion of Bonny Doon Beach is the clothed section. A stream flows out of a hole in the cliff, and meanders to the shore. The northern end has a smaller cove, nicely blocked from the south by rocks which jut out from the cliffs. This smaller northern cove is the clothing-optional section. I've come here several times. While walking around, I've found some spots to be less windy than others. Hmmm. Some people complain that the grains of sand aren't small enough. But I actually prefer them that way. The sand here isn't as sticky, "dirty," and sinking as, say at San Francisco's Baker Beach. I like walking on the Bonny Doon Beach sand, which tends to support my weight. Yet, when you place a towel on the sand, it's not that hard. Once you get over your hangups, you realize that this place is rather secluded. Or maybe the isolation itself is just the thing to help you overcome those hangups. And no words of mine can describe just how gorgeous the views are. read more

Why is it that the people who you would like to see naked never take advantage of nude beaches? Usually, nude beaches are populated with older male specimens who have turned an unfortunate pink color. It's been pointed out to me that I'm a bit of a prude, but I would like to point out that I like to be aesthetically inspired. Despite the not so welcome (at least by me) human additions, the landscape here is gorgeous. The beach is surrounded by bluffs and has the requisite swooping birds. The sea was angry and rolling the day we visited, with waves crashing in all directions and at all angles. There is a bit of a hike to get to it, but it's not bad and helps keep the place secluded. It was a bit windy and cold the day we went, but that only added to the allure. read more

Love this beach and tried to go here for my birthday.. but my best friend was too creeped out by the ONE man at OTHER SIDE of the beach.. But whatever if she was uncomfortable I wasn't gonna make her stay. It was pretty empty.. up high and secluded from the highway.. the only problem I had was it was kind of a blustery day and the way the cliff is shaped it kind of funneled in the wind right at you. But I would love to go back and stay and on a calm hot day! As far as kids and old naked men? Parents: if you have issues with ANY nudity don't bring your kids and raise hell when you see a penis.. be respectful of the sunbathers on the nude side of the beach Shy ones: if you are bothered by ANY nudity other than your own or your significant other's - DONT go to a nude beach read more

Overall a GORGEOUS and tranquil beach with stunning views! You should know that the north cove is clothing optional with a mixed bag of naked sunbathers. I'm not sure why women yelpers are complaining about middle-aged men so much. I usually see more men than women, but there's a big mix of all types of lifestyles and ages here. I've never seen anything inappropriate there save a few creepy gawkers whom I have seen being scolded by beach regulars. The naturist community seems to do a good job of policing this beach for bad behavior. The main clothed part of the beach is wonderful although not as sheltered as the clothing optional part. You might experience wind if you set up away from the cliffs. If you are going for the nude portion, park as far north as possible and take the northern entrance. The walk down is rocky and steep. Flip flops will slow you down. The southern entrance will bring you to a large dune and deliver you to the main beach. If you think that nude=lewd. Don't come here! You don't have to mingle up close with naked people, but you WILL see them in the distance. There are plenty of other places to go if you or your family has an issue with nudity. And for heaven's sake, don't be that person who calls the police. Yes, the police will come because they have to. They'll simply say someone called the cops because they or their kid saw a naked person and to please be discreet and aware of everyone using the beach. No, they will not issue citations or tell people to put their clothes on. You'll just be wasting their time better spent fighting crime. read more

Ohhh the nudist sunbathers make this experience. The beach is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. I got some amazing pictures while we stopped here, and the nudists just give you a good LOL. I can imagine this place probably gets crazy packed in the summertime, but it was a gorgeous view to stop into and see while visiting California. The climb down is steep, so be prepared. I managed it in sandals just fine, but I can't imagine this being very safe or friendly for children. read more

Love this beach! It is gorgeous and very secluded. Ironically, I have been coming here for years and had never seen a weirdo, middle-aged, nudist dropping his shorts to frighten away the ladies...until I was about to write a review arguing against the hype! I go to BD yesterday, alone with my dogs by the way, to relive the many fun filled college years when we'd go and have bonfires at this scenic beach, and lo and behold, the evidently ubiquitous naked creepy dude appears! These guys really are taking over the reviews of this gorgeous beach, and it's a shame. However, as a woman there alone, I couldn't help feel very uncomfortable when the guy just stood up, and dropped trou. *Shudder* On a side note, why don't some hot dudes come here and sun-bathe naked? That might make this a 5 star beach. Lovely scenery, despite the not so attractive nudity. read more

Great secluded location. Not for the beach-goers who need to park their car adjacent to where they park their towels. You have to walk a bit but this beach is prettier than seabright. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you feel about the naked over 50 crowd) the nudies have claimed it as their own. I think it might even officially be a nude beach (are these things made official?). You definitely see more here than the ocean view. It's not everyday you see an old naked man playing volleyball. naked except for a back brace that is. read more