San Onofre State Beach – Nude Area

The clothing-optional area of San Onofre State Beach is located south of the state park beaches. This beach, aka Gladiator Beach, is at the edge of the state park boundary, and the only way to get there is by hiking from the state park. San Onofre is one of the better-known clothing optional beaches in California.

From the linear parking lot on the bluff, there are six numbered hiking trails (numbered 1 to 6 north to south) that lead down to the beach. The nude beach is south from the bottom of Trail 6. See Bluffs Beach for more information.

To get there, take Exit 71 off I-5 and head south on Old Pacific Highway (between Interstate and ocean) and continue to the end of the road. Pay the fee to enter the park and drive to the end of the road. This road ends at a long parking lot with bluff top RV campground areas mixed in. About 1000 feet short of the road’s end, look for the gate and trailhead marker for Trail 6.

Hike this trail down to the beach, then walk south on the beach away from the lifeguard tower for about one-third mile to reach the designated clothing optional zone. Eventually you’ll find a fence that divides the state park from federal land in Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base. It is claimed that the beach on the other side of the fence is where gay nudists recreate. Just know that rangers for the state park and the military base could visit at any time and they have issued citations in the past.

The state park hours are generally sunrise to sunset.

Address

Old Pacific Highway
San Clemente, CA 92672

Park Name

San Onofre State Beach

Other Names

Gladiator Beach

Pet Details

No dogs allowed on the beach

Fees

Fees for parking and camping

Activities

Sunbathing, Beach Walking

Amenities

Trails, Campground, Restrooms at Trailhead

Links

Water Quality
Water Temps
Tide Chart