San Onofre Trail #6

San Onofre, a surfers paradise is the closest nude beach to Los Angeles and Orange County, a fun, friendly way to enjoy a day naked at the beach. Play in the water naked, get into nude volleyball, or just chill out in a beautiful setting on a nude beach that looks just like it did hundreds of years ago. If the sun comes out, there will be naked people any time of year. Summer things heat up with hundreds of people enjoying the sun and surf in the nude on weekends.

It takes some work to get to San Onofre trail 6 nude beach, but makes a great day once you do. The real action is in the water. Surfers come here all year long for the great waves – but for a few months each summer they leave their wetsuits at home and the guy's and girl's surf naked. Some nude surfers are really good. Some are just beginning. They’re all having fun. You’ll also find lots of other people just coming to enjoy naked sun and fun. A tight knit volleyball group are around almost every Saturday and Sunday they play nude games from around noon until sunset. If you want to play, go talk with them. If you’re reasonably fit, fun and keep your eye on the ball – they’ll probably invite you into a game.
San Onofre is not a wild naked sex party, so if you're looking for a wild naked party don't come here, if your looking for sex on the beach, don't come here, ranger will be called and you will be arrested.

Camping at San Onofre

- although you can't officially camp nude at San Onofre, it is nice to camp and take a short walk down to the nude beach area. More on camping at San Onofre

A few years ago some big storms messed up the area right by the water and there are now millions of small rocks. You can get over them without much difficulty, but they make it impossible to enjoy a walk along the shore unless the tide is really low. There is plenty of sand higher up for setting up your beach chair and umbrella. Some people like to bring beach sandals or water shoes to walk across the rocks. You can leave them on the rocks when you go for your swim. Some people wear tennis shoes and socks and nothing else. Don’t do this. It’s just weird.

When you first get to the nude section you’ll find a few singles, couples and sometimes a guy who does naked yoga. He’s really good at it, but be careful when you look. Some of his stretches reveal a lot more than you might want to know about him

As you walk further south you’ll come to the area where the volleyball games take place. IT’s easy to spot since the players keep the court free of rocks, sticks and other debris. If you get there early and think you’ve found a really nice clean sandy spot, don’t sit there. When the volleyball gang shows up you’ll have to move. If you sit closer to the water – you’ll be in the middle of the volleyball group. They’re fun and friendly – but it does get crowded by afternoon – so if you don’t want to be part of their action, find a different area to sit.

Just beyond the volleyball group is where most of the couples congregate. You’ll also find some singles here that are pretty laid back and relaxed. This is the favorite location of the TTDN team. Further south the crowd gets a little mixed. There’s usually one big group of guys who spend much of their day in a cloud of smoke and at the very south end is where most of the gays hang out.

The state park ends at a fence (which is very easy to get around). On the other side of the fence is Camp Pendleton. It’s against the law to go there, but that doesn’t stop lots of people. A couple times a year the Marines come and arrest everyone on the Camp Pendleton side of the fence – so it’s really not worth going there.

Facilities

There are no bathrooms on the beach. There are high quality pit toilets near the parking area, which is about ½ mile from the beach. There are a few canyons leading away from the beach where most people go. If you see someone in a canyon, wait until they come out, then go in and do your business. There are trash cans and even a few for recycling. PLEASE use them.

Nothing ruins a nice beach day faster than sitting next to somebody else’s trash. At a nude beach you’re going to see plenty of butts – but we like it better when they’re on humans and not somebody’s used cigarette.What to Bring

There’s no shade so if it’s a hot day – you’ll need an umbrella. The sand is soft, but most people bring a small beach chair. Alcohol is prohibited, but an ice chest with some waters, iced tea or lemonade makes your day more enjoyable. And of course a few sandwiches, some chips, etc. Very few people bring radios – and those who do – find they’re not appreciated. It’s a friendly, relaxed, back to nature feeling. If you want music, bring your ipod, but don’t force everyone else to be part of your musical tastes.

What to Know

The lifeguards drive along the beach 4 – 5 times per day. They’re friendly and helpful if you need anything. Their job is to make sure everyone is safe in the water. The park ranger comes by on a less predictable schedule. Sometimes a few times in one day, sometimes not at all. They’re enforcing park regulations so if you’ve got alcohol, or are doing something that should be done behind closed doors, a ticket or arrest could be part of your day’s adventure.

Directions to San Onofre

San Onofre State Beach is located just north of Camp Pendleton and just south of the San Onofre Nuclear Plant.  From Interstate 5, exit at Basilone Road.  Approaching from the south, that's past call box 5-710.  Turn west. The road will curve left, continue south on the access road.  You will have to pay $10 at the toll booth for day use.  I don't know the fee for camping.

Follow the road to the south end of the beach, nearly three miles, and park near Trail 6.  Parking is often scarce in the summer.  You might want to use the bathroom before going further, since there are none at the beach.  

Follow the trail to the beach.  You will bear left and then turn right down a steep incline that often has a deep rut.  That is the only obstacle to using a wagon or cart. When you reach the beach, head south, a left turn. A little beyond the last lifeguard tower is a wash. The nude portion of the beach begins at the wash. You will recognize it from a distance, since there are suddenly lots of people and umbrellas ahead. Don't go past the chain link fence, or you will be on the Camp Pendleton