Baker Beach

Contributor Review – Cameron Parker
Local Expert. Visited 2024

We decided to spend a sunny Saturday at Baker Beach, my girlfriend and I both eager to experience the famous nude beach vibe here with its unbeatable Golden Gate views. My girlfriend isn’t usually one to go fully nude, but this beach has such a relaxed, respectful energy that even she ended up feeling comfortable enough to join the crowd after a while. Something she hasn't done at any other American nude beach.

When we arrived in the morning, the beach was still filling up, and at the north end, a bunch of folks were already into their yoga routines and meditation sessions. It was a calming start to the day, with everyone spaced out and friendly. By midday, the beach had really started to fill up—San Francisco sunshine is a rare treat, and locals and tourists alike were making the most of it. The northernmost end, known for being the loudest part, was buzzing with energy, while families seemed to stick more towards the start of the beach, closer to the facilities. We opted for a spot right in the middle, and it felt like we landed in the perfect zone, where people were just casually relaxing, with plenty of room to spread out on the soft sand.

One unique thing about Baker Beach is its history; hard to believe, but this spot was the original location for Burning Man before it moved to Nevada’s desert. Even now, the beach has this open, welcoming vibe. And the views! I challenge any other nude beach to beat this spot's iconic view of the Golden Gate Bridge—it’s simply stunning and feels surreal, lying on the sand with such a famous backdrop. We spent hours just hanging out, taking in the sights and soaking up the atmosphere.

By afternoon, the beach was lively, yet still incredibly respectful. Families and groups were all mingling, but everyone seemed to keep to their own space. I couldn’t help but be slightly annoyed, though, by a few fully-clothed tourists who wandered into the nude section to snap photos of the bridge. Most locals are cool about the setup here, but some tourists just didn’t get the memo. It’s easy to ignore, but just something to keep in mind if you're looking for total seclusion.

Facilities-wise, there are restrooms nearby, though they’re a bit rough around the edges—let’s say you won’t be spending much time in there. On the plus side, there was a guy walking up and down selling ice creams from a little cart, which was a nice touch on such a hot day. Not sure if he's a regular, but it was a welcome treat.

Overall Baker Beach has an energy and view that’s hard to match. Whether you’re a longtime nude beach visitor or just getting comfortable, this beach offers an inclusive and breathtaking spot to enjoy San Francisco’s coast. It’s one for the bucket list, for sure. For us it is hands down the best urban nude beach in the world and deserves to be higher on the list!