How to Find a Nude Beach in Santa Barbara County, California

Nude Beaches are increasing in popularity as our society lowers its inhibitions, but we are finding freedom in letting go of some previously accepted norms. Use this information to help you find a nude beach in Santa Barbara County, California.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

San Onofre Beach

1. San Onofre Beach is located in Santa Barbara County near Camp Pendleton. If you are in Los Angeles and Orange County, this is the closest nude beach to you. When the weather is warm, you will find 200 or so nude sunbathers on this beach.
2. To reach San Onofre, take I-5 and exit onto Basilone Road. Travel on Basilone until you reach the state park. Do not go to the state beach.
3. Find the entrance to the San Onofre about half a mile south of the nuclear plant's entrance.
4. Once you are inside the state park, continue to drive 3 miles until you reach the parking lot.
5. Take Beach Trail #6 and then walk south for about 20 minutes. Once you pass the lifeguard station and gully, you are there!

More Mesa

6. More Mesa is another nude beach in this area. While at More Mesa, you will have access to a white sand beach surrounded by cliffs. In addition to sunbathing, those who visit this beach enjoy volleyball, swimming, jogging and surfing.
7. To get to More Mesa, take US 101 north out of Santa Barbara between Hope Beach and the University of California at Santa Barbara.
8. Exit south onto Turnpike Road and head toward the ocean. Turn left onto Hollister Avenue.
9. Take a right onto Puente Drive and drive for about 1 mile. Puente Drive will turn into Vieja Drive.
10. When you come to Mockingbird Lane, keep an eye out for a parking spot on Vieja Drive. Once you have parked, walk up the hill on Mockingbird until it ends.
11. Walk on the stairs that you will see at a barricade that indicates private property (it is okay to use these stairs).

Tips & Warnings

• Because San Onofre Beach is frequently patrolled, sex acts are rare here. There are some facilities here that you may not find at other nude beaches. There are showers, sinks, and toilets along with campsites and drink machines. There is a fee charged for the parking lot. Come early—the parking lot can be full by 9:00 a.m.
• Wear shoes for the 1-mile walk from the parking area to the beach when visiting More Mesa. Be sure to wear foot coverings while at More Mesa. Some people have reported oil on their feet after visiting this beach.
• During warm weather at More Mesa, police often are on the beach ticketing nude sunbathers. In addition, sexual activity on this beach is somewhat common. If you are careful and stay on the north side of the trail located on the right when heading to the beach, you will not have as many problems.
• There are some additional nude beaches in Santa Barbara County, including Gaviota, Rincon, Summerland and Vista del Mar. However, for various reasons, these areas are not recommended.