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San Onofre Beach

By Betsy Malloy, About.com

San Onofre Beach

San Onofre Beach

© Betsy Malloy 2001
San Onofre Beach is a popular nude beach is located just north of Camp Pendleton. It is the closest nude beach to Los Angeles and Orange County.

After a storm of controversy in summer, 2008, an Orange County judge ruled in August that nudity is legal at Trail 6 in San Onofre. The future depends on what action the State Parks department decides to take next. Visit the Friends of San Onofre website to get the latest information.

Cautions:
Beware of helicopters overhead if you're sensitive about being seen.
Location:
San Diego County
Description:
  • Very friendly
  • Police are vigilant about sex here
  • Stay out of the military base, the citations are a hassle
    Who's at San Onofre Beach:
    • In summer, several thousand people total, several hundred nudists on a warm day.
    • Much fewer people the rest of the year.
    • About 80% bare it all in the clothing optional area
    • Men outnumber women
    • Many are regulars who either know one another and stay in a group or stay to themselves
    San Onofre Beach Facilities:
    Toilets, outdoor sinks and showers at each trailhead at the top of the bluffs. Drink machines, campsites with fire rings. The nearest store is about 5 miles away in San Clemente.
    San Onofre Beach Activities:
    Nude swimming, sunbathing, volleyball, beachcombing, yoga, walking, jogging, Frisbee, paddleball
    Getting to San Onofre Beach:
    San Onofre Beach Map and Driving Directions
    San Onofre Beach Rating:
    See what others think.

    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 San Onofre 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.

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