Location
United States
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Sand
Best season
September to October (least fog and wind)
About RCA Beach
RCA Beach is a remote strip of sand below the bluffs of the Bolinas Mesa in west Marin, at the southern end of the Point Reyes peninsula. It takes its name from the old RCA transmitting station whose antenna towers still stand on the mesa above. The land was bought by The Nature Conservancy in 1977 and passed to Point Reyes National Seashore, which leased it to a nonprofit health organisation, so the beach sits on the edge of the Seashore with an unusual management history. It is roughly a mile of decent sand under eroding cliffs, windy but with sheltered nooks, and with plenty of driftwood that regulars stack into windbreaks and shelters. There are tidepools at low tide and the surf attracts some surfers. Because it takes a steep, eroded scramble to reach, the beach is never crowded; a long-standing estimate is five to twenty people on a typical day, and most of them are nude. The water is cold with strong currents, so it is a sunbathing and beachcombing spot rather than a swimming beach. There are no facilities of any kind, and dogs are not allowed.
Getting there
From Highway 1 take Olema-Bolinas Road to Bolinas, then Mesa Road north. Park on the roadside near the old transmission towers and walk about a quarter mile to the end of the pavement, through the gap in the fence, along a gravel road and then a clifftop path that drops steeply to the beach: about 20 minutes, eroded and slippery. A second route from a eucalyptus grove further along Mesa Road crosses pasture and brush and has a rope near the bottom. Some guides suggest walking south along the shore from Palomarin at low tide instead. Parking free; no transit. Not accessible.
What visitors say
The few published reviews describe RCA as one of the most reliably nude beaches in the Bay Area: small numbers, mostly nude regulars and a quiet, live-and-let-live mood. Visitors praise the driftwood shelters and the sense of remoteness but warn that the trails are steep, eroding and slippery, and that the beach is windy and the water cold and rough. Most reports are older, so current trail conditions should be checked.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Legal context
There is no designated nude area. As reported in 2010, Point Reyes National Seashore's approach is to ask nude visitors to move if someone complains, rather than to cite routinely. California law penalises nudity only when combined with lewd intent.
Naturism at RCA 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. 37.9233, -122.7352
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is RCA Beach clothing-optional?
By custom, yes; most visitors are nude. It is not officially designated, and the Seashore may ask nude visitors to move after a complaint.
How hard is the walk?
About 20 minutes from Mesa Road, ending in a steep, eroded descent of the bluff. A rope helps on one route. Not suitable for people with limited mobility.
Are there facilities?
None. Bring water and pack out everything. The nearest toilets are at the Palomarin trailhead area.
Can I bring my dog?
No, dogs are not allowed.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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