Los Angeles County Nude Beach Guide

Several years ago, public nudity was made illegal in Los Angeles County, and there is no such thing as a legal Los Angeles County nude beach. Anyone found nude here can be cited. Punishment includes a stiff fine and court appearance. Read the Los Angeles County nudity laws.

We have heard that sheltered coves around Malibu are being used by nude sunbathers with no law enforcement harassment. However, laws have not changed in Los Angeles County and for many years we didn't recommend trying it. In the past few years, some readers have hinted that they're finding some discreet places (22% of those who responded to our poll below say they have), but apparently no one's talking. If you know of one, you can share it with like-minded visitors (anonymously).

El Matador, Smuggler's Cove and Pirate's Cove are sometimes listed in Los Angeles County nude beach lists, but these beaches are no longer frequented by nude sunbathers.

If you are interested in nudist recreation in the Los Angeles area, try these options:

• Go to San Diego County.
• Visit one of the nudist resorts in Southern California
• Going north is not a viable option, as there are no nude beaches in Ventura County and nude sunbathers in Santa Barbara County are often arrested and fined.

POLL: Los Angeles & Orange County residents, where do you go for nude recreation?

☐ I go to San Diego County
☐ I go to Santa Barbara County
☐ I go to a nudist resort
☐ I go to local beaches anyway, where police don't come

See what others do

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