Pomponio State Beach
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Are you ready to go on a nude beach adventure? Then you may find a visit to Pomponio State Beach intriguing. Over the years, clothed (and on occasion naked) visitors have cherished its wind-sheltered cove and incredibly clean sand. But trying to reach the best spot for a tanning tune-up can be a challenge. The main path to the water is long and, in parts, has almost vanished, due to erosion. Plus the waves are so strong that swimming isn't advisable. Some swimmers have even been knocked down and carried out to sea. Bring a windbreaker in case the weather changes.
Legal status:
State beach property.
How to find it:
Pomponio is some two miles north of Pescadero State Beach on Highway 1, roughly 12 miles south of Half Moon Bay. To find the nude area at the south end of the 1.5-mile long beach, walk south in low tide along the water from the Pomponio entrance. Or from the old Pomponio parking turn-out (marked with pole-like barriers) on Highway 1, follow a trail that starts there until it enters a ravine with a creek. Visitors used to cross the canyon on a board, but it's gone. At last report, some regulars were hopping on a pallet to cross part of the chasm, and then crawling the rest of the way.
The beach:
There's a mile and a half of partially sheltered sand that varies from being flat to gently sloping. To avoid falling rocks, stay away from the edge of the high sandstone bluffs above the beach. For photos, visit here.
The crowd:
In its heyday, up to 25 nudists were frequenting the beach daily.
Problems:
Long walk, riptides, cliff erosion, cold air, wind, gawkers, and reports of car burglaries in the past. Swimming while au natural is not permitted.
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