Location
United States
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Sand
Best season
August to October
About The Crater Beach in Sand City
The Crater is a large bowl-shaped hollow in the coastal dunes on the Sand City-Seaside shoreline of southern Monterey Bay, a short way from the Edgewater shopping area and in front of the Eolian Dunes Preserve. Its high sand walls hide anyone inside from the beach and the road, which is why naturists and skinny-dippers have used it for years; the long, wide beach below, about a mile of open sand backed by dunes, is also lightly used and sometimes clothing optional. People also use the Crater for dune climbing, jumping and sliding. The sand is soft and deep, there is no shade, and the Monterey Bay surf is cold with strong currents, so most visitors come to sunbathe rather than swim. Mornings are often foggy, and the wind picks up in the afternoon. Crowds are small: a mix of nude sunbathers and clothed walkers, cyclists and dog walkers, with more clothed visitors in recent years. Reviews mention sea glass on the beach but also trash and broken glass on the dune nearest Fremont Boulevard.
Getting there
Park at the north end of the Sand City shopping center (Edgewater) lot off Highway 1 at the California Avenue exit, then walk along California Avenue to the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail. The direct route past a gate onto the dunes is posted as private property; to avoid trespassing, walk to Sand City beach and go north along the shore instead. The walk is 10-15 minutes over soft sand and climbing the dune walls is tiring. Parking is free but limited at busy times. There are no facilities at the beach.
What visitors say
Visitors describe the Crater as secluded and uncrowded, with the high dune walls giving real privacy for nude sunbathing, and enjoy the long beach walks, bike rides and sea glass. Weekdays are quietest. Complaints include limited parking, the confusing private-property gate, litter and broken glass, foggy and windy weather, and an increasing number of clothed visitors. Information online is sparse and partly dated.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
The Crater has no official clothing-optional status, and the ownership of the dunes is unclear (a 2010 guide suggested part may fall within Fort Ord Dunes State Park); some approaches cross land posted as private property. California's indecent exposure law requires lewd intent, but rangers or police can still cite for nudity on state or city land if there are complaints.
Naturism at The Crater Beach in Sand City 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. 36.6265, -121.8437
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 the Crater an official nude beach?
No. It is an informal spot where nude sunbathing has long been tolerated because the dune hollow is hidden from view.
How do I get there without trespassing?
Park at the north end of the Sand City shopping center, walk to Sand City beach and go north along the shore rather than climbing the posted gate.
Can you swim?
The surf on southern Monterey Bay is cold and has strong currents, and there is no lifeguard. Most visitors only sunbathe.
When is the best time to go?
Late summer and early fall, when fog is less frequent, on weekdays for the most privacy.
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…