Location
United States
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June, and September to October
About Marina State Beach
Marina State Beach is a broad, dune-backed beach on Monterey Bay in the city of Marina, best known for its hang-gliding dunes and heavy surf. Nude sunbathing does not take place on the state beach itself. Bay Area guides from 2010 and 2011 describe a small, long-used nude spot just over the state property line, about 100 yards north, in a hollow between the last two large dunes before the sand, a little to the right of the beach path from Dunes Drive. The land there is believed to be private, which keeps it out of the rangers' patrol area. It is used mostly by local regulars and is rarely crowded. Expect fog, wind and cold water much of the year, with powerful surf that makes swimming dangerous; June and the autumn months tend to be the most pleasant.
Getting there
From Highway 1 take the Reservation Road exit in Marina, head west and park in the small lot at the end of Reservation Road, a few spaces by the gate or on the street. Walk back to Dunes Drive and go north about 300 feet, past the Marina Dunes Resort and a sand plant, to a yellow vehicle gate on the ocean side. Follow the sandy path over five dunes; the nude area is between the last two. The dune walk is soft and tiring and not wheelchair accessible.
What visitors say
The only detailed descriptions date from 2010 and 2011. They describe a small, uncrowded spot known mainly to locals, sheltered by dunes but close to the public path. Problems named are fog, cold water, uncertain legal status and limited parking. We found no recent visitor reports, so current conditions are unknown.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
California State Parks rules prohibit nudity in park units except in authorised areas, and Marina State Beach has no such area. The nude spot lies just outside the park on land believed to be private, with unknown legal status (as described in 2011); there is no recent information on enforcement.
Naturism at Marina State Beach 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. 36.6908, -121.8114
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 nudity allowed at Marina State Beach?
No. The nude spot is in the dunes just north of the state beach boundary, on land believed to be private.
How do I find the nude area?
From Dunes Drive, take the path through the yellow vehicle gate and cross five dunes; it is between the last two, just right of the trail.
Can I swim?
Swimming is dangerous here because of strong surf and cold water.
When is it best?
June and autumn tend to have less fog.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Members’ reviews
Write a review →Loading member reviews…