Restrooms
AvailableYes - nearby in non-nude area
Food & Drinks
Not AvailableOccasionally - food trucks common on weekends in non-nude area
Parking
AvailableYes - fees can apply (see below)
Nudity Policy
NOT REQUIREDNudity is not mandatory
The Good
- Welcoming and Diverse Atmosphere: Gunnison Beach is celebrated for its open and accepting environment, where people of all colors, races, shapes, ages, and genders feel at home. Being the largest nude beach on the east coast you will see everyone here.
- Clean and Well-Maintained: The beach is generally kept very clean and is well looked after, which makes for a great day out.
- Sufficient Facilities: With restrooms, changing areas, and showers available, the beach offers adequate facilities for a comfortable visit. Food trucks normally visit on weekends and park near the entrance.
- Natural Scenery and Views: Offers beautiful sights, including possible dolphin sightings and views of the New York skyline at dusk.
- Spacious Beach Area: The wide expanse of the beach allows plenty of room to spread out and find a place to relax.
The Bad
- Parking and Accessibility: The parking can be crowded, especially on hot weekends, and there is a substantial 10-15min walk from the parking lot to the beach area. You'll also need to pay for $20 parking pass between Memorial Day and Labor Day or risk a large fine. Season passes are also available for $100.
- Limited Nude Area: Recent changes have limited the official clothing-optional area, although many visitors tend to use areas beyond the designated limits.
- After-Hours Reputation: The beach is known to become rowdier after 5 pm and has a party vibe. Leave before sunset if this isn't your thing.
- Ranger Patrols and Regulations: Park rangers regularly patrol the area, enforcing rules against alcohol and possibly disruptive setups like tents or windscreens.
- Seasonal Amenities: Most amenities are seasonal, which means they're not available outside the hot summer months.
The Naked Truth
Gunnison Beach is the real deal when it comes to nude beaches on the East Coast and is definitely the largest in size. The long walk from the parking lot, through a sandy path, is a small price for the freedom and openness that awaits. It's a melting pot of ages and backgrounds, bustling with activity on weekends but more serene on weekdays. While there might be quieter spots up the road, none capture Gunnison's unique blend of spirited freedom and stunning views of the New York skyline. Definitely worth a visit, but get there early on hot days to grab a good spot!
Insider Tip
Park rangers have begun patrolling for smokers and alcohol. Leave this in the car or make sure to keep it out of sight!
Who's Here
An almost equal mix of men and women. Lots of couples but singles welcome.
Beach Surface
Soft sand
Access Difficulty
Easy, however a 15min walk to the beach is required
Photos
Our Visit
Contributor Review – Charlee Peterson
Local Expert. Visited 2023
Hitting up Gunnison Beach, we've stepped into what's known as the largest nude beach on the East Coast, nestled in the Sandy Hook area of New Jersey. This place has character! It's not just about shedding clothes; it's about shedding inhibitions, embracing diversity, and just being. You pay $20 to enter, but once you're in, it feels like a different world, where everyone's accepted, no matter who you are.
Contributor Review – Charlee Peterson
Local Expert. Visited 2023
Hitting up Gunnison Beach, we've stepped into what's known as the largest nude beach on the East Coast, nestled in the Sandy Hook area of New Jersey. This place has character! It's not just about shedding clothes; it's about shedding inhibitions, embracing diversity, and just being. You pay $20 to enter, but once you're in, it feels like a different world, where everyone's accepted, no matter who you are.
Now, getting to the beach is a bit of a trek from the parking lot - we're talking about a 10-15 minute walk. But they've laid down mats, making the journey easier. The beach itself is incredibly vast, stretching wide from shore to dune. They've recently limited the official nudist area, but that doesn't stop beachgoers from spreading out and enjoying the expansive sandy shores. There is plenty of parking and it is included in your $20 entry fee. Just a heads-up, the beach gets super busy on gorgeous summer days, so finding a good spot can be a bit of a scramble but not impossible. Sometimes entering Sandy Hook thru Shrewsbury bridge is faster! Give it a try if traffic is bad!
Gunnison has this super laid-back, chill vibe during the day. You'll see all sorts of people - families, groups, solo visitors - just soaking up the sun and the freedom. But let me tell you, after 5 pm, the scene shifts a bit. It gets rowdier, more party-like. So, if you're not into that, maybe plan to head out earlier. The beach has this awesome view of the New York skyline, Brooklyn, and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, but it's still pretty remote. If you're lucky you'll spot dolphins but unfortunately we didn't see any on our visit.
If you're into exploring nude beaches in the US, Gunnison is definitely a must. But keep in mind, there's a no-alcohol rule (rangers might check your coolers), and they're strict about not setting up tents or windscreens that block views. See more of the official rules + regulations from the National Park Service HERE. Most amenities are seasonal, including restrooms, showers, and food trucks. And, oh, it's a carry-in, carry-out beach, so bring a trash bag. While we think Gunnison could really use something like an ambassador program, like Haulover Beach or Blind Creek Beach in Florida, it's still an amazing place to visit. Just be aware of what to expect, especially if you plan to stick around after hours!
Map
Getting There
Gunnison Beach, located within the Sandy Hook area of New Jersey, is a popular destination, especially on sunny weekends when the car park can get busy quite early. To access the beach, be prepared for a 10-15 minute walk from the parking lot. Be aware there is a mandatory $25 entry fee, which includes parking, to avoid any hefty fines. On days when traffic is heavy, consider entering Sandy Hook through the Shrewsbury Bridge for a potentially faster route.
Directions by Car:
- From New York City:
- Take the Garden State Parkway South.
- Exit onto Route 36 East towards Sandy Hook.
- Follow the signs for Gateway National Recreation Area - Sandy Hook Unit.
- Pay the $25 entry fee at the park entrance (includes parking).
- Follow the signs to Gunnison Beach. Remember, the parking lot is a 10-15 minute walk from the beach.
- Alternate Route on Busy Days:
- Consider entering through the Shrewsbury Bridge if traffic on Route 36 is heavy.
- This can be accessed by taking NJ-35 North and then following signs for Sandy Hook.
Directions by Public Transport:
- From New York City:
- Take a New Jersey Transit train to Red Bank, NJ.
- From Red Bank, take a taxi or a ride-sharing service to Gunnison Beach, Gateway National Recreation Area.
- Keep in mind that public transport options might not take you directly to the beach, and there may still be a walk involved from the nearest drop-off point.
Remember, on hot summer weekends, it's best to get an early start. Long weekends here are particularly busy and much more rowdier. Find your vibe and enjoy the largest nude beach this side of North America!
Recommended Accommodation
There are no nearby clothing optional accommodations or resorts.
Instagram Feed
Communities
Connect with fellow naturists and get the latest updates from these communities.
No Communities Yet
Know of a naturist community in this area?
Nearby Beaches
Loading nearby beaches...