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Proper etiquette at nude and clothing-optional (CO) beaches is not much different from the same good manners that you should exhibit wherever you go. Be polite and respect the rights of others and others will do the same for you.
Gawking is Impolite
Gawking, or staring at nude sunbathers, is impolite. It is always rude to stare at others, but it is especially so when you use binoculars or a camera to look at nude people. If you came to a CO beach to see for yourself what the experience is like, please, join in. You will have a great time. If you came to "look at the nudies," do yourself a favor and buy a magazine and read it at home. If you gawk, expect to be asked to leave the area.
Obey all Parking Rules and Regulations
Park only in designated areas. In some areas parking is limited and fills up early. If this is true at your beach you can:
Respect the Environment
Keep out of the dunes or other areas that may be environmentally sensitive. Many CO beaches are near dunes and other environmentally sensitive areas. We can loose access to CO areas by impairing the environment.
Also, you will notice that CO beaches are often quieter than textile beaches, except for an occasional guitar player, the laughter of kids playing frizbee, or the excitement around the volleyball net. This is because nudists respect the NOISE environment and don't bring "boom box" radios to the beach (if you must have your music, please remember to use your head phones!)
Help Keep the Area Clean
Bring and use trash bags. Always try to carry out more trash than you carried in. Leave nothing but footprints, take only memories.
Get Dressed When Leaving Established CO Areas
Many of the clothing optional beaches, while not strictly legal, are accepted by the local population. To avoid offending people, do not go nude into parking lots or textile beaches.
Avoid Any Sexual Activity
Avoid any hint of sexuality in CO areas. Complaints about sex in public have caused problems at several CO beaches. Please, do not give anyone an excuse to close down another CO recreation site.
Respect Private Property
Respect the Privacy of Others - "No" Means No
Many people who come to the beach to enjoy nature do not want to be disturbed. It is OK to be friendly, but if someone doesn't seem to respond, please respect their right to privacy.
Respect Law Enforcement Officers
If a sheriff deputy or ranger approaches you and asks you to get dressed, always be polite and follow his/her request at once. (Read "Nudity and the Law" to know your rights in this situation.) In many cases, just getting dressed will result in a warning, not a ticket. If the officer does issue you a ticket be sure a complaint has been made against you by someone besides the officer and get that person's name. If only the officer is complaining, you may have grounds to fight the ticket later. Also some park rangers are ignorant of the specific laws and court rulings as they apply to benign public nudity, so carry a copy of the Cahill Policy and other California court precedents. Sharing that information with the officer may be helpful.
Avoid Taking Photos or Movies
Few nudists are exhibitionists and even fewer want their picture taken, with or without permission. If you insist on taking a picture, confine it to just the people in your party, and that means avoiding having anyone in the background without their verbal (if not written) consent. Also, totally avoid taking photos of nude under-age children at the beach as it just isn't worth the legal hassle you will be inviting. In fact, we recommend take your pictures at home, before you leave or at the end of the trip, instead. If your cell phone has photo capability, try to point it's lens away from beach-goers while talking.
Be Prepared
Most CO beaches are remote and do not offer the services and amenities found at textile beaches. Therefore you should bring everything you may need including:
Speak up for Standards
If you see someone who is violating the accepted standards, please explain to them clearly and politely just how they are violating the rules and just what the proper behavior is. Be firm, but polite, and you will find most voyeurs will leave at the first sign of being discovered.
Show respect for the private property of others as you go to and from the beach. Don't litter or park on private property.