Totally worth checking this place out no matter what your age. When we finally took the short hike from the parking lot we saw a bunch of high school kids hanging out, however, there are other places to enjoy the view on many different rocks. My wife and I watched the sunset here and it was fantastic! read more

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My friend and I came here after a long day of ATV riding on the sand dunes. We brought a small cooler of booze and then just hung out here just to see what it was like. Everyone kept mentioning this nude beach like it was a huge taboo, and we had to go see it for ourselves. The yelp reviews are true, it was nothing but naked old people. It's also pretty hard to get to. You would have to drive to this small parking lot, and then walk quite a bit, and then hike down a rocky, gravelly path in order to get down here. Leave your BBQ grills and heavy stuff at home folks! In fact, leave all of your clothes too, cuz every here is gettin nekkid! It's a nice novelty so it was enjoyable. The water is nice and calm, so you could actually go wade in the water, but like the rest of the pacific, it's freezing! read more

This is a beautiful spot. It is a nice hike. kinda steep but doable. and totally worth the walk.. It is a nude beach which is awesome. It was crowded and the people that were there was respectful and nice. I would come here again in a minute. Becareful parking .. there are some deep holes. read more

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Yes people get nekkid here! It's a short hike but gets steep. There's a rope for you to hang on to your dear life but that's only the very last part. Brought our dog and we had a blast running around. read more

If you venture at the very end of Shell Beach, and where the huge McMansions end, you can spy a secluded cove down the slope. With a brief hike you can be somewhat along... except for the naked.....which did shock my wife...since we stumbled upon here while hiking from the Avila Beach direction. You can hike to the "cave" (which is rather corrupted by a-holes), around the coastline rocks, which is rather hazardous, down to Pirate's Cove (rather steep), or up the huge over-looking hill. All in all, this area is worth at least a half a day to explore..... & lacks the huge gaggle of tourists at the other well known area beaches. Unfortunately, there are no restrooms, nor other facilities in this area. But there are even better, more isolated beaches within about 20 miles that are real nature preserves, like the amazing Montana de Oro State Park & the Rancho Guadalupe Dunes County Park , among some lessor known others.... read more

Shell Beach Bluff Trailhead: From Highway 101, exit on Avila Beach Drive and turn south on Shell Beach Road, which runs down the west side of the freeway. Drive 1/3 of a mile and turn right on El Porto Drive. Continue west for 0.4 miles to the end of the road, and make a slight right on Indio Drive. Continue up to the cul-de-sac outside the private Bluff Drive, and turn left down to the parking lot. read more

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I used to go to Pirate's Cove when I was in college in my twenties. The nude beach at Gaviota is much better with miles of beach that are almost pristine. It's more private there and you can walk for miles. The cove is nice if you have never experienced it, but Gaviota is far much better where you can be alone. read more

Not your average nude beach. Pirate's is nestled in a little nook between PB and AB and is probably hands down the most relaxing place to spend a Sunday afternoon. There's a couple ways to access this private location, 1) kayak from pismo's pier (with clothes please) 2) hike down to it from the bluff 3) park where the dunes are and take a dirt trail down I prefer 1) and 2) because it's more "adventurous" and less people do it. Not that Pirate's Cove ever gets very busy. If you're thinking, no way in h*ll would I EVER walk around nude at the beach in public...that's okay I am with you. It wasn't until the 3rd or 4th time I went that I just said, "Screw it" and went sans clothes. The best parts are: *no one stares, people just mind their own business. *volleyball (of course) *mud bath going (I've never partaken in that, but a lot of people seem to like, especially those with a paler complexion, keeps them from burning...OUCH!) *the happy ol' guy who is ALWAYS BBQING and willing to share his goodies *being able to drink a nice cold beer AT the beach without some David Hasselhoff wanna be lecturing you *swimming in the ocean in your birthday suit. Best of all...NO TAN LINES. ;) read more

Screw Disney -- THIS is the Happiest Place on Earth!!! I've been to this nude beach a few times, all on weekdays. It was never crowded, and everyone kinda kept to themselves. Not everyone was nude, so if you're shy, you won't feel awkward keeping your swimsuit on. The drive is easy, just minutes off the 101. The parking lot is a bit rough, but nothing crazy. And the hike/walk down to the beach is steep, but very easy and short. Because it's in a cove, this GORGEOUS beach is even great to hang out at when it's windy -- on one of my visits the wind was BLASTING up above, but down on the beach it was pretty chill. On all of my visits, I laid out around the halfway point. Reading about the territorial locals down at the end, though, has piqued my curiosity....so next time, I am definitely heading all the way down there to make some new friends. Or enemies, I guess...depending on the vibe :-) read more

My absolute favorite place in this little city. Whenever I come, there are people hiking but most of the time it is secluded. There's something about this place I just totally dig... Most of the people who showcase their birthday suits here are cute (and I use this term from the waist up...) elderly men who look like they would wear suspenders had they been clothed. Some people climb on top of the Cove but I love being inside it and just spacing out into the ocean. Occasionally, you will see kayakers below. Come at the right time and watch the sunset; but don't forget to bring a flashlight and a friend for the way back. read more

Ok I am a bit contradictory. I have body issues. I've hated my stomach since age 8 and will go extraordinary lengths to keep it covered (even when I had visible abs). I won't wear certain clothes anymore because of various regions that have turned traitor. But yet, I love nude beaches. I know I know, put me in a short skirt and belly shirt, I won't leave the house but tell me we're going to a clothing optional beach and I'm packing the extra sunblock. So what makes Pirate's a good-better than average-all around great nude beach. Well for starters the water is much calmer and slightly warmer than nearby Avila, Shell and Pismo. The beach is a sheltered slice of coastline surrounded by cliffs on each side. While this does mean there are lookie loos peeking from every vantage point, unless a dirty birdy is peering and pointing with binoculars (this means you Nena), peepers creepers are kept a healthy distance away from your nekkid venture. The scene here is a healthy representation of vintage folks (middle aged to down right old) with a smattering of nearby college students. It's not a pick up scene though so don't get any ideas about coming here and taking home an exhibitionist or two. This beach is all about a peaceful day on the coast enjoying your clothing optional sojurn. Yes, there is nude volleyball and while not permitted by law, it is totally possible to down a few brews and smoke a blunt while baking your naughty bits. If you plan on taking the hiking trail but are unsure how to get here by car, try to bring some who's been here before because the turn is unmarked. If you don't know anyone who's been here, my best advice to find it is to take the side road to your left on Avila Beach Road just as the road curves around the golf course (this is coming in from 101). Bring some footwear sturdier than flip flops because the hike up from the beach is at an odd and steep incline. And sunscreen. Don't forget to your sunscreen. You'll be sixty ways of sorry otherwise. read more

If you're looking for a place to strip off all your clothes and relax on a hot summer day you couldn't find a better place than this pretty little secluded beach North of Pismo and just down the road from Sycamore Springs Hot Tubs. My girlfriend and I found this place several years ago and have been going way out of our way to visit ever since. Like, three hours out of our way. Hey, it's hard to find a good nude beach in these prudish times. Unlike most nude beaches there's a good mix of men and women here, which gives it a fun, casual vibe attracting couples, families, and groups of friends who tend to hang out the whole day here and have a picnic, strum their guitar, toss the frisbee, play a game of volleyball, or just look at their iPhones and listen to the waves roll in. The spot is so relaxed that after awhile you forget you or anyone else is naked and you can turn off the "Woo, I'm at a nude beach" self-conscious feeling and just enjoy the sun on your skin. Yes, I'm sure some people steal the occasional glance, but whatever. After awhile you forget to care. Surrounded on all sides by hills, rocks, and modest cliffs, the beach itself is a long strip that you hike down to from a large dirt parking lot. I use the term "hike" loosely here, because it's fairly easy to get down to, but you need to watch your step along the trail and be careful. The place gets a fair sized crowd on some days, and on holiday weekends it's packed, so you'll have plenty of company both clothed and unclothed, young and old. The cool naked section is at the far end of the beach once you reach the bottom of the trail although it's pretty much clothing optional throughout. There are no services down here, so make sure you sure to bring some water, a magazine, a snack, an umbrella, a towel, sunscreen, maybe a hat, and use the bathroom in town before you drive out here. Here are the directions: Drive the 101 north from Pismo Beach and get off at the Avila Beach Dr exit. Continue straight through the stop light. Shortly after you see the golf course on the right, look for Cave Landing Road going uphill on your left. Take Cave Landing Rd and park in the dirt parking lot at the end. As you enter the lot the opening to the trail will be on your left. It's a big opening, so you're unlikely to miss it. Continue on foot down the path leading south and stay on the left. Be careful along here. It's not an difficult path, but you should exercise caution especially at the end. Go down the wooden steps and you're there. read more

This USED to be a great nude beach, but ever since it somehow became "clothing optional" it's gone completely downhill. 15-20 years ago the beach was overwhelmingly nude, the people friendly, and not a speck of litter anywhere. Nowadays it's been invaded by groups of uptight college kids who blast their loud, crappy music, keep all their clothes on, and leave huge piles of litter for others to pick up. When did young people become so body-shamed and so environmentally unconscious? I can't tell you how many glass bottles I've seen laying on the sand. And what is with the gang bangers tagging the cave and cliffs? Not to mention someone planting a cross on the ridge top. People who don't have respect for the environment don't deserve to come here. I know I sound like an old geezer longing for the good old days, well let me tell you, in this case the good old day WERE much better, unless you prefer litter and people who are ashamed of their bodies. I still give the place two stars because it is scenic and warm. Come early and find a spot away from the clothed crowd. Maybe sit next to another naked couple, if you can find one. They are now an endangered species. Enjoy the freedom, because I'm afraid this soon will become a clothing-required beach. read more

Amazingly beautiful place to see and hike (at certain times) Early morning is good or during the rainy season. One negative is dealing with the mud during the rainy season. BUT if you go on a warm afternoon or evening, be prepared for trash, drunks, bongs, condoms,people peeing along the path, and the icing on the cake: human feces. read more

I really wouldn't call this a hike, more like a 10 minute walk and while the cave is pretty cool and the views stunning the inside of the cave is covered in graffiti and there are remnants of partying teenagers - fire wood and beer bottles. The adjacent beach seems to be the popular place with teens, their loud music and packs of beer. read more

We only visited the cave and not the beach. (Clothing optional beaches aren't really my thing.) The cave was really more of an arch that overlooked the ocean, but it was absolutely stunning. I could have sat under the arch and watched the ocean for hours. The only reason I gave this mystical place four stars instead of five is because there was so much trash. I'll definitely bring some gloves and a trash bag next time I come back here, and I highly recommend you do too. read more

Sick of kitschy tourist shams and massive crowds? Looking to get in touch with nature among friends? Pirate's Cove is the place for you. In all seriousness, my husband and I love this beach. Considering how much Pismo and Avila have been built-up in recent years, this has restored my faith in local beaches. Sure, you may find yourself awkwardly avoiding eye contact, but there's plenty of other scenery here. read more

We found a cozy covey area to lay out in. Nobody bothered us and we didn't notice any trash or graffiti. The water was a pleasant temp and the scenery was nice. Everybody seemed to be enjoying themselves there! read more

Great place))) You can walk and relax naked or in swimsuits, it depends on you) Very nice place to hang out with your friends!!! Highly recommended it read more

Because of the reputation that this place has and because a lot of people have this huge discomfort of being around naked people, this place hardly ever gets crowded as a result. Yes, there are naked people here and there, but this beach doesn't enforce that you have to get naked. Clothing is optional! So, if you're not sensitive to nudity, then this is a WONDERFUL place to go as all the tourists and massive crowds don't exist here. read more

My favorite beach on the west coast! It's clothing optional - woo hoo! At the far end are the locals, they have a volleyball net up. The best place to swim is the far end, otherwise lots of rocks under water. It's gotten quite popular, used to come here 14 years ago and there weren't many. A lot of college kids come party with loud music, all ate clothed. A few naked woman, mostly men. If a woman, just look down and ignore the perv guys, don't talk to 'em. Can't escape them at any nude beach. Worth the annoyance! Bring shade, water, snacks, hat (water shoes help). Pick up your dog poop and trash! read more

So funny story. Friends and I decided to head to this beach last summer and spend a whole day here because we've heard about how beautiful it is. Little did we know it was a nudist beach! That was such a treat! You have to do a very short hike and then climb down using this rope, its quite an adventure honestly, and you'll find a small beach with a mix of people. Young & old alike...naked! It was such a fun experience, no one was made to feel uncomfortable, no one was disrespectful and we were able to picnic without a care. Even though we didn't take our clothes off it wasn't uncomfortable. We appreciated the comfort from everyone. Before we left, we had to take amazing pictures of the sunset from the caves nearby. It truly is an impressive beach I hope to go to again! read more

Pirate's Cove is a clothing optional beach. After you walk down, a sign will point you to either the beach or the main cave (Pirate's Cave). We came here for the cave, no beach for us. The cave is actually a tunnel through the rock which leads to a picture perfect view of the ocean. It felt nice and cool down there. Enjoy! read more

I never knew nude beaches do exist but this was the first one I have ever been too. True there were not hot bods as far as the eye can see, infact most bods were old, flabby, hairy and ugly. Generally people you dont want to see naked (myself included...sigh). But there are a few lookers in the bunch and they all keep their distance so it is comfortable. Although they are ugly looking, most are nice and know the boundaries, plus it is always best to go with a friend that way you dont have to feel left out. So feel free to get naked (once on the beach of course, and maybe when you get further from the trail) or you can strip down to bathing suits and undies. Clothing is optional here but if you don't want to stick out like a sore thumb...get naked. The only thing I would suggest is to look out for yourself while on the trail to get to the beach because there are guys who just hang out there hoping to catch a glimpse at a hot lady (which there hardly are). Try to avoid these guys, dont look at them or even acknowledge their existence. Also, while on the beach, avoid the guy who dont get naked...or strip to their undies. They are awkward and shouldn't be there. All in all, a great experience to get an all over tan. My suggestion, go early in the day, towards the evening the peeping toms get off their day jobs. read more

Far less cruisers than anywhere else, and it holds a special place for a particular memory and that's worth at least four stars. Like most of the water in this area, it's pretty chilly most of the year. Late summer/early fall the water can be warm enough to bother getting in past your calves. It can be a little difficult to get to/find...so plan ahead or take someone who has been there before. read more

Reading all the reviews about the nude beach make me laugh because I came here on a road trip up the coast and was trying out my new long distance lens on what I thought was a mellow, beachside walk/hike-- ended up feeling like a skeevy paparazzi when I saw something moving far in the distance, used my lens to check it out, and was promptly presented with a happy little man in his birthday suit. :) We started out walking along a paved neighborhood path toward the cave, and found out we had parked in some random little spot when we came across the actual parking area, where there was plenty of space. There's a little path that takes you to a fork, either to head right and up toward the cave, or left and down toward the beach. Both are lovely-- from the beach you can see sea lions basking in the sun and swimming and playing, seagulls swooping through the air, and a wonderful stretch of sand and rock. Going up to the cave is cool- you can step right out to the edge and look down at the waves crashing into the rocks, and have another beautiful viewpoint of the coast. It was a really nice little spot to take in Pismo Beach, and I'm glad we parked in the wrong spot, because if you park in the main parking area, it really isn't much of a walk/hike, though it's a beautiful turnout point. It's too bad some lame-o's had to graffiti the rock of the cave, but hopefully the California sun will melt it away over time and restore it to its natural beauty. read more

Don't go to this beach to expect to be able to stare at a lot of hotties of either sex. It's mostly flabby old men who regularly come down and frequent Pirate's Cove. However, it's a beach where you can feel comfortable about baring it all, regardless of your body shape, and everyone is extremely friendly and respectful. Bring cards, as a lot of the regulars enjoy card games. I love this beach and wish it were more accessible. Getting there is really tough, and even as a healthy, reasonably-in-shape person I felt nervous headed down the jabbed cliff to the beach. That's part of what makes it so nice and secluded, though. Also note that there's little to no cell phone reception here. read more

Great for the views and cave, but the trash was disgusting. Condoms, hypodermic needles, beer bottles and misc trash scattered all throughout parking lot and trails. It's sad people don't take care of this beautiful site. Also a couple shady drug deals happening as we pulled out of parking lot. Wish there would be more patrols by P.D. read more

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A gem of SLO. Small quick walk to the cave, beautiful sights. If you're afraid of heights this may not be ideal for you.

I was disappointed visiting the beach. Saw the cove on Pintrest and had to visit. Getting to the beach was kind of hard to begin with, you have to go downhill on a small trail. The beach itself was small, but plenty of room for everyone BUT it was dirty, tagged up, too many kids drinking, and being obnoxious. It's a nude beach too, so prepare to see some saggin. The view by the cove is beautiful though, also seals come close to shore as well, beautiful sight. read more

Pirate's Cove - Beaches Near Me

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This is one of my all-time favorite beaches! Whenever I bring someone new here, they are amazed at how much they enjoy it. One of my best friends described this beach perfectly. She said, "It's beautiful! Out of a storybook. The shore is intimate (small). It's an environment where openness is encouraged, and it has a pleasant aura about it." I usually go here when I need to unwind. Feeling the breeze on my body is so relaxing and seeing people talk to strangers like it is nothing makes me smile. Usually people think it is weird when a stranger on the beach starts talking to them, but here it is just another normal conversation. There are some college kids near the entrance that don't get into the spirit, which is sad, but it's not a mandatory nude beach so it's their choice. Anyway, this is an amazing beach where in the summer fish swim around your legs as you walk in the water. This is a very accepting community so don't be afraid to strip down and have some fun in the sun. read more

My wife and I spent yesterday at Pirate's Cove. It was as nice this year as last. Lots of people of all ages out enjoying the day. About 1/2 were nude and 1/2 were clothed and they were all mixed in together. Several kids running around with their parents, a bunch of college age kids and a bunch of older folks - everybody having a great time. Can't wait to go back! read more

http://gocalifornia.about.com/cs/clothingoptional/l/bl_nb_prtavmap.htm loved our beach time here. thought the climb was ez'er than other bay area spots. wide mix of people and attire or not cove was somewhat sheltered from the windy day at pismo I was able to take a nice swim here! yay read more

Pirate's Cove - View from the beach looking north toward parking lot - Beaches Near Me

Amazing views and gorgeous houses. The trail is easy and honestly any trail would be easy with a view like that. However parking sucks. There's about 4 parking spots so plan to park far and walk. read more

Pirate's Cove - Beaches Near Me

We felt like a short hike to work up an appetite for lunch. I don't think I've ever called a hike funny as hell, but this was it. Parking was a slow motion, 1/10 scale section of the Baja 500. Discussed what's up in the world of hip hop with my bumpin' parking neighbor as he enjoyed a freshly rolled joint. Beats smoking it at home, better view, and I don't turn down any chance for a contact high. That oak tree near the top? Yeah, if I was homeless I'd live under it too. The "Oak Tree Sea View" tenants would pop out now and then to do some dealing in the parking lot. One warned me where the broken glass was, very polite, though when you're shoeless with one good eye like him it's more of a concern. Passed on walking along the beach, the homies were starting to roll in to smoke some mota and do some sightseeing. We LOL'd at the hand written sign over one regulation sign that read 'NO DRONES, PERVS" No doubt one crashed in someone's buttcrack during a closeup. read more

Interesting place to run up the giant hill on the back side then the beach itself has a ton of Boulders to run and navigate through.. real nice view of the ocean and the mountain you can walk through is pretty awesome And keep those tan lines off read more

Gorgeous cove. Fantastic hike and deliciously warm soothing water. Be mindful though, as this is a clothing optional beach. I learned this one the hard way. ‍ read more

A bit of a hike down. When you get there you will find it is not crowded but everyone is kind and friendly. Hang loose of you want. Everyone is relaxed and laid back. read more

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Went with my girlfriend. Awesome, relaxing alot of clothed and half unclothed. Plus the few unclothed. Next time we will bring drinks. For the first time it was very relaxing. We both got good tans.... read more

Pirate's Cove - Beaches Near Me

Gorgeous location! Went to check it for the first time today. However, a pair of creepy middle-aged yokels have appointed themselves beach patrol... If you're a dude minding your own business, prepare to be asked if your watch, glasses, and iPod are actually secret cameras. I don't know if the paranoia is justified, but it doesn't change the end result. And even after stowing those away, they'll still make it known you're on "their" beach, something I've never had to deal with in Europe or even Canada. I left after about an hour because my buzz was demolished... I'll be back, but only with company. And when there's fewer people there. EDIT: I'm told the key is to stay away from the area around the volleyball net, as that is where the territorial, mildly deranged locals habitually set up camp. I'll heed that advice next time. read more