San Gregorio holds a unique spot in California history as the first beach in the U.S. to be officially recognized as clothing-optional. It’s located about 11 miles south of Half Moon Bay, tucked behind massive bluffs that make it feel completely cut off from the rest of the world.

The Current Situation (May 2026)

The beach is currently in a major transition phase. For decades, it was accessed through a private gate with a cash-only fee, but the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) is now in the process of transferring the land to the California State Parks system.

Access: Expect some construction and temporary closures this summer as they upgrade the old access road and parking lot.
Fees: For now, the parking fee has been standardized to match the State Beach at $8 per vehicle.
The Entrance: Use the old private driveway at 19429 Cabrillo Hwy rather than the main State Beach lot. The main lot is strictly “clothing required,” and it’s a long, awkward walk to the “cloptional” zone.

The Social Map

The beach has a long-standing “gentleman’s agreement” regarding how the space is used. As you head down the trail and hit the sand:

The Center/South: This area is generally where couples and families who prefer a clothing-optional environment set up.
The North End: If you keep walking north toward the bluffs, the vibe becomes more social and is traditionally a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community, specifically gay men.
The Nests: One of the most distinctive things about San Gregorio is the driftwood. Visitors have built elaborate, semi-permanent “nests” against the cliffs. They’re perfect for blocking the wind, which can be brutal here even on a sunny day.

The Ground Rules

Photography: This is the biggest “no” at San Gregorio. Because of its history as a sanctuary, the community is very protective of privacy. Keep your phone in your bag.
Boundary Awareness: Don’t wander too far south toward the State Beach while undressed. State rangers do patrol that boundary, and they will issue citations if you cross into the “clothing required” zone.
Ocean Safety: The water here is incredibly dangerous. Strong rip currents and freezing temperatures mean most people stick to sunbathing and exploring the tide pools rather than swimming.
Pack it Out: There are no trash cans on the sand. Whatever you bring down that steep trail needs to go back up with you.

The Bottom Line: San Gregorio is a legacy spot. It’s rugged, historic, and currently undergoing a facelift, but it remains the gold standard for a liberated coastal experience in Northern California. Just check the tide charts before you go—high tide can eat up almost all the usable sand.