Rincon Beach (Bates Beach)- NOT RECOMMENDED

Rincon Beach has nice views and clean sand, but is flat and open to view.

The Santa Barbara County sheriff is often out on warm days ticketing nude sunbathers and arresting people having sex. Read the Santa Barbara County nudity laws.NOT RECOMMENDED Brad reported in July, 2002, "Last year the local law enforcement not only resorted to plain clothes detectives, but actually began amphibious assaults attacking the beach with boats and jet skis. With such military tactics, they succeeded in closing down its nude usage. I walked down the beach yesterday. Three years ago one would have seen 200+ nude bathers.Yesterday, there were approximately 25 people on this same stretch, and with the exception of one guy who was hiding behind some driftwood, all were clothed. I talked to the one nude guy who said it is high risk as anyone walking up the beach could be a cop ready to issue citations."

Santa Barbara County (just north of the Ventura county line)Nice ocean views, and a seal sanctuary. Clean sand, 200-foot-high cliffsFew nude users will risk arrest these days.Rest rooms, showers, picnic area near the parking lotSurfing, tide pooling, volleyballHighway 101, 10 miles south of Santa Barbara. Exit at Bates Road in Carpinteria and follow the signs to the beach.Laws regarding nudity at the naturist beach vary by location and fines are stiff in some places. I have made every effort to provide accurate information, but the responsibility for knowing the law at Rincon Beach is yours.

Nude or naturist beach neophytes, please be respectful of others and read the Nude Beach and Topless Beach Etiquette guidelines before you go to a nude beach and check the nudity laws too.