Location
United States
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
September to October (least fog)
About Zmudowski State Beach
Zmudowski State Beach is a lightly used California state beach on Monterey Bay, just north of Moss Landing in Monterey County, about 20 miles northwest of Monterey. It is reached by a long, narrow farm road through farm fields and includes the mouth of the Pajaro River, where a natural preserve protects the estuary and salt marsh. The beach itself is a long, straight stretch of fine sand backed by low dunes, exposed to wind, fog and cold surf with rip currents. The state acquired the land in 1950 and renamed it after the donating family. For years the far north end, towards the river mouth, was known as 'Hidden Beach' and used informally by nude sunbathers who settled in the hollows behind the dunes. By 2010 local guides reported that ranger patrols and new housing nearby had largely ended that use and that the beach was mainly used by families, horse riders and anglers. Treat it today as a quiet clothed beach where discreet nude sunbathing is occasional at best.
Getting there
From Highway 1 just north of Moss Landing take Struve Road to Giberson Road and follow it about two miles through fields to the state beach parking lot at the end. Parking is free. The historical nude area is a walk north along the beach or on the dirt access road towards the Pajaro River mouth. The road can be potholed and muddy. No public transport reaches the beach and there is no accessible path onto the sand.
What visitors say
Older nudist guides describe a once-secluded beach with nude sunbathers behind the north-end dunes, but by 2010 they rated it poorly and said nude use had largely faded. General visitor reports describe a windy, foggy, uncrowded beach good for walking, horse riding and birdwatching near the river mouth, with cold, rough water.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
California State Parks has not designated any part of Zmudowski as clothing-optional; state park rangers may cite for nudity, usually on complaint. A 2010 guide advised keeping a suit on when rangers or clothed visitors are near. No recent enforcement reports were found as of 2026.
Naturism at Zmudowski 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. 36.8398, -121.8039
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 Zmudowski still a nude beach?
Not in any official sense, and nude use has largely faded. Discreet sunbathing behind the north-end dunes was common in the past but is rare now.
How do I get there?
Take Struve Road off Highway 1 north of Moss Landing, then Giberson Road to its end at the parking lot.
Is it safe to swim?
Not really. The water is cold with strong rip currents, and there are no lifeguards.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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