This topic thread is for all information, logistics and reviews regarding clothing-optional beaches in the general San Francisco area, including Baker Beach, San Gregoria, Muir Beach and Bonny Doon.History/Background:In general, the State of California has now specific laws that prohibit public nudity relegating any enforcement of anti-nudity laws to local jurisdictions or government agencies with oversight of the public areas in question.
Legality of Public Nudity in San Francisco:Prior to 2013, it was not uncommon to see complete public nudity in San Francisco, particularly in the Castro District or along Market Street (SF's main downtown boulevard). However, in 2013, a City/County ordinance became effective by the elected officials (6-5 vote) that effectively banned the display of ones genitals or anal areas in public when involved in everyday activities. However, the ordinance specifically allows that certain scheduled events wherein permits are obtained may allow for full, complete nudity.
What this means is confusing, not only to nudists, but some of the police, who we all know will many times use their own interpretation of the law when enforcing it. Here's a legal review:
Golden Gate University Law Review - San Francisco Nudity BanBeach Nudity:Regardless of any overarching ordinances that indicate that full nudity is prohibited on public beaches in the San Francisco region, it nonetheless has occurred unabated for decades on certain beaches. To my knowledge, there has never been any arrests or citations in connection with full nudity on these beaches.
Baker Beach/Golden Gate Bridge Beach:Because baker GG Bridge Beach are virtually contiguous, they are presented in this same category.
Baker Beach is a public beach on the peninsula of San Francisco, California, U.S.. The beach lies on the shore of the Pacific Ocean to the northwest of the city. It is roughly a half mile (800 m) long, beginning just south of Golden Gate Point (where the Golden Gate Bridge connects with the peninsula), extending southward toward the Seacliff peninsula, the Palace of the Legion of Honor and the Sutro Baths. The northern section of Baker Beach is frequented by clothing-optional sunbathers.
Crowd: According to the SF Bay Guardian, on the hottest afternoons on weekends, one can expect to see over 100 people at any given time laying out on the beach. While women beach-goers seem to have been on the increase in recent years, there's still a heavy male to female ratio at Baker, where you'll find a wide range of humanity. There's also a large LGTB element attracting mostly gay males, which will skew the male-to-female ratio even further.
Baker Beach Negatives: The beach is hit with cold blasts of wind coming in from the icy freezing waters for which the Bay is renowned. This creates a fog layer that "socks-in" the coast making it miserable even during summer months; however, during the warmer months, the fog often "burns off" by noon. In addition, during tourist season the small parking lots fill quickly so you'll need to get there early to find a spot. In addition, there was an increased visit by rangers in 2008 and 2009 after several reports of sexual activity in the beach bathroom and near middle Baker, where the nude area begins.
Baker Beach Positives: When the sun is out and the beach is not blistering cold, it becomes
very public. Tourists from all over the world walk northward to get a close-up glimpse of the beginning of the Golden Gate. This, combined with the normal, local textile crowd provides more than ample opportunity for CFNM enthusiasts to get a great real-life experience that is normal and appropriate for the C/O stretch of beach, making the experience guilt-free for the average exhibitionist or female voyeur. It is also the largest nude beach in the Americas that is situated in an urban environment.
Golden Gate Bridge Beach (a.k.a. Marshall's Beach) is immediately north of Baker Beach and lies between Baker and the Golden Gate Bridge. It is distinguished from Baker Beach in that access and parking are different.
GG Bridge Beach Negatives: According to the SF Bay Guardian,
"On the hottest days, Golden Gate Bridge Beach becomes so packed with people that one visitor describes it as a 'gay mob scene'." But the rocky shore, which connects three picturesque coves, is starting to see more straight men and women. Due to the difficulty in accessing this beach from the south (jutting rock precipices prevent easy access from Baker), there isn't the vast number of crowds walking along the beach checking out the nudists - which is both good and bad. Also, it's difficulty in getting access also makes it a prime spot for gay sexual activity....again, maybe a pro if it's your orientation. In addition, the small beach frontage combined with the large weekend crowds make for an uncomfortably crowded beach area.
GG Bridge Beach Positives: Prime, non-cruising activities include sunbathing, enjoying breathtaking views of the Bridge, and even taking some dips in the water. "You can sometimes go out over 100 feet during low tide," says a woman. Also, if you are fortunate to find yourself amidst hetero clothed females, my experience is that it is a very erection-friendly beach, and a lone naked guy can parade about flopping/bouncing a stiffy in front of others without ridicule or concern, although be prepared to be approached by gay men expecting your display is a mating call (SF Guardian indicates nude men often feel like "a piece of meat on display").
Baker/GG Bridge (Marshall's) Beach Images:An animated gif - a very CFNM moment at Baker Beach
Another Baker Beach Review