Recommended!
Rating: B
Whether you’re a naturist or not, Sculptured Beach is one of the best places to be on a warm day. From stunning views to much-cherished privacy and awesome sand, the site offers plenty of “pluses.” Plus as long as you don’t go nude near the public entrances to beaches and don’t do anything that will draw complaints, almost anything goes here and at the rest of the Point Reyes National Seashore. The beach is so big that, away from the parking lots and paths, there’s lots of space where visitors can disrobe without bothering nonnudists. To avoid fog and wind, consult forecasts before heading out. Expect a moderately long walk to good sun spots. Tip: go exploring. There’s lots to check out, including tide pools, rock formations, a blowhole, whales, dolphins, and some of California’s most beautiful sunsets.
Legal status:
Property of Point Reyes National Seashore. See ranger comments in next entry.
How to find it:
From San Francisco, take Highway 101 north to the Sir Francis Drake Boulevard exit. Then follow Sir Francis Drake through San Anselmo and Lagunitas. At the intersection with Highway 1, go north. Pick up a map at the ranger office in Olema off Highway 1, then take Limantour Road to Limantour Beach and hike three miles south, passing Coast Camp, to Sculptured Beach. Or hike seven miles from the ranger office, or battle the tides by walking south two miles along the coast from Limantour. Two creeks wash down into the ocean between Limantour and Sculptured.
The beach:
Laced with stunning tide pools that are fun to check during low tide and backed by breathtaking cliffs, Sculptured Beach is rugged and narrow.
The crowd:
It’ll probably feel like just you and a few other people.
Problems:
Fog; wind; cold water; long hike.