Rating: C
Small numbers of naked sunbathers have been appearing on the north end of McClures Beach, in Point Reyes National Seashore, for over 10 years. For example, in 2000 and 2001, then-district ranger Marc Yeston, who now is the chief ranger of a pair of federal parks in Colorado, counted four groups of nudists on the sand. Frequent fog, wind, and hazardous waves, plus a moderately long hike from the end of Pierce Point Road, keep the turnout low, but they also help ward off tourists and law enforcers.
Legal status:
Part of Point Reyes National Seashore.
How to find it:
From San Francisco, head north on Highway 101 to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Stay on Sir Francis Drake through San Anselmo and Lagunitas. At the intersection with Highway 1, head north to the Point Reyes headquarters in Olema. Pick up a map, then follow Bear Valley Road to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Take Sir Francis Drake to Pierce Point Road. Park at the end of the road and follow the trail to the beach. The path ends at the middle of the beach. So far, nudists have been using the north end of the beach.
The beach:
Sandy and mostly hassle free, except for the weather.
The crowd:
Most likely just you.
Problems:
Cold water, wind, and fog; swimming too hazardous; a bit lonely.