Location
United States
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Sand
Best season
September to October
About Garrapata State Park
Garrapata State Park covers several miles of rugged coast and hills along Highway 1 between Carmel and Big Sur, about 18 miles north of Big Sur village. Garrapata Beach, the park's main sandy beach, sits below the highway north of the Garrapata Creek bridge, with coves, sea caves, a creek lagoon and wildflower-covered bluffs. Naturists traditionally gathered at the far north end of the beach, away from the main access trail. That use has shrunk: a 2010 Bay Guardian survey found only a few nude sunbathers left, mostly gay men, who dressed when rangers approached, and recent travel listings say nudity is no longer allowed. Expect a mostly clothed beach with, at most, a handful of discreet nude users at the northern edge. The setting is spectacular but harsh. The centre of the beach is often very windy and can feel much cooler than the sheltered ends, fog is common, and the cold, powerful surf is dangerous; people have drowned here and others have died scrambling down unofficial cliff paths.
Getting there
From the Rio Road junction in Carmel, drive Highway 1 south about 9-10 miles. State Parks' brochure lists Garrapata Beach access from numbered roadside turnouts 18 and 19 on the ocean side, near postmile 63. Park in the turnout, then follow the official trail down the bluff to the middle of the beach and walk north along the sand. If you reach the Garrapata Creek bridge, you have gone too far. Stay on official trails, since cliff shortcuts have caused deaths. No fee, no facilities and no public transport.
What visitors say
Visitors rave about the scenery, coves and wildflowers but warn about wind, cold water, rough surf and steep paths. Naturist accounts agree that nude use is now rare and confined to the far north end, and that it is not a place to expect a nude crowd. Some listings say nudity is no longer permitted at all, so the safest approach is discretion or choosing a different beach.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
California State Parks requires clothing at Garrapata; a supervising ranger told the Bay Guardian in 2010 'we require that you be clothed', and anti-nudity signs have been posted. Rangers act on complaints rather than patrolling for nudity, and may warn or cite depending on the officer. Sexual activity is not tolerated.
Naturism at Garrapata State Park sits under United States's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: United States public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 36.4736, -121.9056
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in United States
Frequently asked questions
Is Garrapata Beach clothing-optional?
Not officially. State Parks requires clothing, and only a few discreet nude users remain at the far north end.
How do I get to the north end?
Park at Highway 1 turnouts 18-19, take the trail down to the beach and walk north along the sand.
Is it safe to swim?
No. The surf is cold and powerful and there are no lifeguards; drownings have occurred.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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