Scenic Glance at Prominent Bay Area Nudist Beach

The iconic San Gregorio Ranch, known for its scenic coastline and nude beach, is about to embark on a new journey. This 195-acre property, located at Highway 1 and Highway 84, has been in the hands of the Bridge family for decades, but now it's being scooped up by the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).

"It's a beautiful, distinctive part of the San Mateo County coastline," said Gordon Clark, president of POST, who affectionately referred to the land trust as POST. "It's a rare opportunity."

POST aims to conserve the land for wildlife, such as badgers, red-winged blackbirds, and shorebirds that call the area home. They also want to ensure public access remains unchanged. Clark expressed the group's intention to collaborate with California's state parks department to possibly add the property to San Gregorio State Beach, an adjacent park that shares its southern border.

The future of the nudist sunbathers isn't altogether clear. Until the deal officially closes in May 2026, the current owners will continue charging a $7 parking fee and permitting the annual tradition of nude sunbathing. At low tide, it is possible to walk from San Gregorio State Beach to the clothing-optional spot, ensuring the two remain linked but distinct.

POST leaders are keen on preserving the land's unique history. "In the short term, we want to sustain that use," said Clark.

The long-term plans, however, are a bit hazy.

California state parks officials confirmed discussions have taken place with POST regarding the property. If the land is added to the state park system, San Gregorio State Beach, which already boasts trails, restrooms, and a self-pay machine, would be extended by 452 acres.

But what does this mean for the au naturel enthusiasts? Well, the exact outcome is yet to be determined.

The history of the clothing-optional beach goes back to 1966, when the "Committee for Free Beaches" was formed by Air Force veteran Darrell Tarver. Within a year, more than 500 nudists were visiting the beach each Sunday, attracting media attention and spurring reactions.

Since then, the beach has been a favorite destinations for nudists and an integral part of the LGBTQ+ community. The northern half of the beach, in particular, has been a popular hangout spot for gay men.

As theproperty transitions, POST plans to raise $4 million for wildlife studies, trail upgrades, and staffing support if the property gets transferred to the state.

Legally speaking, nudity is prohibited on California's state beaches. However, rangers usually don't issue citations or make arrests unless complaints are lodged and the offenders refuse to dress up. San Gregorio Ranch, with its secluded location and sparse crowd, may continue attracting enthusiasts.

Photo gallery (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

For now, Varinka Muldawer, a regular visitor who welcomed the property's preservation, is hoping for a compromise. "If there's a divide where you could still be nude, that could work. You feel more connected with nature. I come here to be myself in nature."

Footnotes:[1] (https://www.bayareanewsgroup.com/2025/04/18/peninsula-open-space-trust-to-buy-famous-clothing-optional-san-gregorio-ranch-san-mateso-nudist-beach/)[2] (https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Parks/San-Gregorio)[3] (https://www.postpropertysafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/San-Gregorio-Ranch-Close-of-Sale-Meeting-Notice-9-16-21.pdf)

San Gregorio Ranch, a 195-acre property famous for its nudist beach and scenic coastline, is being acquired by the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).
POST aims to conserve the land for wildlife and ensure public access remains unchanged, potentially collaborating with California's state parks department to add the property to San Gregorio State Beach.
For the future of the nudist sunbathers, the exact outcome is yet to be determined, with discussions ongoing between POST and state park officials.
As the property transitions, POST plans to raise funds for wildlife studies, trail upgrades, and staffing support if the property gets transferred to the state, while abiding by California's laws regarding nudity on state beaches.