New listing!

Rating: C

Just off Highway 101 and only five miles from Garberville, there's a beach on the south fork of the Eel River that's so hidden some visitors even camp nude there. It's been getting rave reviews from local residents for years. We're glad to unveil it here.

"The beach is excellent for tents," says reader Dave. "I have camped there two weekends so far. It's really private and fun."

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Improved directions!

Rating: C

Between Point Lobos and Garrapata Beach, one of Monterey County's most popular walking trails will lead you to a creekside skinny-dipping hole that most hikers don't know is there. To find the trailhead, look for cars pulled over on the inland side of Highway 1, near Garrapata. You can't see a marker from the highway, but if no cars are there, the best landmark is a large pullout under a row of cypresses next to the highway.

Legal status:

Part of Garrapata State Park.Read more »

Rating: C

Just 300 feet north of Marina State Beach, these sand dunes have been attracting nude sunbathers for years. "People have been going here for two decades," says Tom of Monterey. The main spot used by nudies is between two large sand dunes close to shore. "It's warm and secluded," says Debbie, a frequent visitor and local business owner.

Legal status:

Unknown, believed to be private property.

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Rating: CRead more »

Rating: D

Added to our Guide last year, pebble-strewn Cross Rock Beach is so small that it remains underwater until late summer. The beach path is so steep and dangerous that "you shouldn't even think about using it," says Red Rock regular Hugh Fullerton, who estimates the trail's angle at 45 degrees. At least one person has fallen from the cliffs.

Legal status: 

Unknown, believed to be part of Mount Tamalpais State Park.

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Rating: C

South Whale is a naturist's sanctuary -- the place where you may be able to be naked and alone. To find the beach, continue on the trail from North Whale Beach until you reach the end of the path. The quick and easy walk terminates at the top of South Whale Beach, which can be reached by stepping down some small rocks from there onto the sand.

Legal status:

Part of Toiyabe National Forest.

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Rating: C

If you look offshore you may see the rocks that resemble the head of a whale that give this spot its name. North Whale Beach and South Whale Beach are Tahoe's most remote -- and private -- nude enclaves. Not many people visit North Whale because of the long hike that getting here entails. To reach it, you'll need to take a trail from the lake's other clothing-optional beaches. Bring a towel, a book, and sunscreen to enjoy the serenity of this secluded section of shore.

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