California State Parks has revealed plans to broaden public access at San Gregorio State Beach in San Mateo County following the Peninsula Open Space Trust’s (POST) $10 million purchase of the adjacent 238-acre San Gregorio Ranch.
Long regarded as one of California’s oldest clothing-optional beaches, the area will now fall under state park regulations, meaning visitors will be required to wear clothing.
Situated where Highway 1 meets Highway 84, the newly acquired land will officially open to the public on Wednesday, July 29. It will operate as an extension of the existing state beach, with daily hours from 8 a.m. to sunset.
What to expect starting July 29
Previously a privately owned stretch of coastline just south of Half Moon Bay, San Gregorio Ranch has attracted nudists since the 1960s. That longstanding tradition will come to an end with the transition to state management.
The shift stems from a conservation effort. POST purchased the 238-acre property with plans to transfer ownership to California State Parks later this year. Once completed, the addition will expand San Gregorio State Beach by more than 50%.
Beginning July 29, visitors can reach the newly opened coastline via a designated trail. However, officials emphasize that the area will be managed like any other state beach, enforcing standard rules, including the prohibition of nudity.
California Coastal Trail potential
The acquisition also creates new possibilities for improving the California Coastal Trail. Given the history of pedestrian and cyclist accidents along nearby Highway 1, planners are now considering rerouting part of the trail through the ranch property, helping eliminate a hazardous gap.
This proposed improvement is located about 20 minutes south of another recent trail-related expansion, where POST donated 133 acres to enhance Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park.
🌐 Learn more: California State Parks – San Gregorio State Beach
