SeeCalifornia.com

Pictured is a clothing optional beach on the Central California Coast. It’s not an official nude beach, so we’re following the book of etiquette by not disclosing its location.

You really shouldn’t lose any sleep over the topic of nude beaches in California. There are a mere handful remaining along the 1,000 miles of coastline. On the north California coast which is less regulated, it’s usually just too darned cold to NOT wear clothes.  But should you encounter one of these clothing optional beaches, hopefully you’ll be a little more savvy than this writer who didn’t know a thing about them when stumbling upon one with my mom. We broke nearly every rule in the nude beach etiquette book.

• No gawking! This rule was written by a nude beach-goer who is bugged by stares. It takes most of us a while to determine if the people are wearing clothes as we approach from a distance.
• No photos. What’s the first reaction when you see a nude beach? Take a picture!
• No complaining. These people say they’re minding their own business and you should too.
• No reporting. Don’t get on the phone and call the police. Chances are they know about it already and are busy solving a murder or something big.
• No misbehaving if you join in. Nude beaches are self-regulating. If there’s illicit activity it’s probably not a nude beach.