Gray Whale Cove State Beach
Nude beach in California, United States
Gray Whale Cove State Beach is a well-known naturist beach in California, United States. It lies within Gray Whale Cove State Beach, managed by California Department of Parks and Recreation. The sea is warmest in September at about 15°C (58°F) and coolest in April (12°C (53°F)). Average air temperatures peak in September at 16°C (61°F). There are 8 other naturist places within 50 km (31 mi), the closest being Devils Slide Beach (0.3 km (0.2 mi)).
Weather and water temperature at Gray Whale Cove State Beach
Tap a month. Averages: air 2001–2025 (NASA POWER), sea 1991–2020 (NOAA OISST).
| Month | Air | Sea | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11°C | 12°C | 88 mm |
| February | 11°C | 12°C | 87 mm |
| March | 12°C | 12°C | 74 mm |
| April | 12°C | 12°C | 38 mm |
| May | 13°C | 12°C | 17 mm |
| June | 14°C | 12°C | 6 mm |
| July | 15°C | 14°C | 2 mm |
| August | 16°C | 14°C | 2 mm |
| September | 16°C | 15°C | 4 mm |
| October | 15°C | 14°C | 26 mm |
| November | 13°C | 13°C | 55 mm |
| December | 11°C | 12°C | 115 mm |
Not sure what the numbers mean? Here is how warm is warm enough to swim.
Visiting
- Part of Gray Whale Cove State Beach, managed by California Department of Parks and Recreation · public access: open.
- Website: parks.ca.gov
- Coordinates: 37.56452, -122.51400 · OpenStreetMap
- Local law: is public nudity legal in California?
- Before you go, read our nude beach etiquette guide.
- First time? Read our guide to your first time at a nude beach.
Naturist places near Gray Whale Cove State Beach
- 1Devils Slide Beach nude beach · CaliforniaToleratedSea 14°C in August
- 2Archimedes Banya naturist sauna or spa · California · best March to NovemberClothing optional
- 3Mile Rock Beach nude beach · CaliforniaToleratedSea 14°C in August
- 4Baker Beach nude beach · CaliforniaToleratedSea 14°C in August
- 5Marshall's Beach nude beach · CaliforniaClothing optionalSea 14°C in August
- 6San Gregorio nude beach nude beach · CaliforniaToleratedSea 15°C in August
- 7South Rodeo Beach nude beach · CaliforniaToleratedSea 14°C in August
- 8Muir Beach nude beach · CaliforniaClothing optionalSea 14°C in August
Status labels: Official · Naturist only · Clothing optional · Tolerated · Customary · Listed · Prohibited · Closed. Statuses come from open data and are not yet verified in person.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gray Whale Cove State Beach clothing optional?
Gray Whale Cove State Beach is listed as "known naturist place" according to Wikipedia/Wikidata naturism listings. Rules can change, and clothing-optional zones are often only part of a beach, so look for signs on arrival and follow local rules. NudistMap has not yet verified this status in person. You can check what applies in United States before you go.
How warm is the water at Gray Whale Cove State Beach?
Long-term sea surface temperatures (NOAA OISST, 1991–2020) range from 12°C (53°F) to 15°C (58°F) in September. Water at the shore can be a few degrees different.
What other naturist places are near Gray Whale Cove State Beach?
The closest are Devils Slide Beach (0.3 km (0.2 mi)), Archimedes Banya (22 km (14 mi)) and Mile Rock Beach (25 km (15 mi)).
Sources
Status from Wikipedia/Wikidata naturism listings. Not yet verified against an official source; local rules may have changed. Data updated 2026-10-31. All data sources and licenses. © OpenStreetMap contributors.