Nudist Resorts in California: Clothing-Optional Destinations

California hosts several established clothing-optional resorts and communities. Note: Most are private, membership- or reservation-required. Public nudity laws vary by county; these venues operate legally on private land.

Established Resorts

• Esalen Institute (Big Sur) — Legendary humanistic retreat. Hot springs, workshops, cliffside baths. Clothing-optional in baths/grounds. Not exclusively nudist; book programs months ahead.
• Harbin Hot Springs (Middletown, Lake County) — 100-acre valley, natural hot pools, yoga, meditation, Watsu. Clothing-optional throughout. Rebuilt after 2015 Valley Fire. Day/overnight passes.
• Laguna Beach (Orange County) — Not a resort. Thousand Steps Beach has a traditionally clothing-optional section (north end), but enforcement varies. Not official.
• Paradise Resort (Palm Desert, near Palm Springs) — Private RV/resort club. Pools, spa, activities. Membership required. 55+ friendly.
• The Oaks (Palm Springs area) — Small private club. Pool, spa, socials. Membership.
• Sequoia Forest Resort (near Sequoia National Park) — Family-oriented nudist park. Camping, cabins, pool, creek. Seasonal (Apr–Oct).

Other Notable

• DeAnza Springs Resort (Jacumba, near San Diego) — Large, pools, lake, events.
• Glen Eden Sun Club (Corona, Inland Empire) — AANR-affiliated, family, pool, trails.
• Olive Dell Ranch (Colton, near San Bernardino) — Rustic, creek, pool, RV.

Etiquette & Legal

• Always carry a towel (sit on it).
• No photography without explicit consent.
• Sexual behavior prohibited — these are non-sexual social nudity spaces.
• Check AANR (American Association for Nude Recreation) or TNS (The Naturist Society) for accredited clubs.

California's climate and culture make it a U.S. nudism hub — but research each venue's policies before visiting.