How to Enjoy the Nude Beach — Gunnison, New Jersey

What is more natural than going naked at the beach?

Getting naked at the water has been a human ritual since the the first tiny human shook his tallywacker in the wind. It just feels right.

The waves, the breeze, the sun, the sand… all combined brushing on my skin, it’s like summer heaven. Since New Jersey’s Gunnison Beach on Sandy Hook Island, part of the Gateway National Recreational Area is the only sanctioned nude beach, we’ll start there.
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GETTING THERE

Depending on where you live in the area getting to Gunnison can be a pain in the ass, or a total breeze. Many from NYC or without cars use Seastreak Ferry, a fairly convenient though mildly pricey service that gets you to the island in under an hour. The two departure piers in NYC are at 35th Street and Wall Street — Pier 11. The first bus of every day gets you a reduced rate round trip ticket at $30 — a deal compared to $46 normal.

Once you get to the island you’ll notice on the Sea Streak website there is a fairly regular bus schedule that gets you from the Sandy Hook Pier to Gunnison Beach or any of the other attractions on the shore.

Getting to the beach and finding the right spot to claim takes a little skill or someone showing you the ropes. Or you can use this handy map with a ton of useful information. But be careful not to strip down too soon… wait until you see the now famous sign designating the clothing optional area then strip down! The first time feels almost wrong… then oh so right! Toss your cares and your shorts into the wind. Who needs clothes? But don’t forget the sunscreen.

WHAT IF I GET A BONER ON THE BEACH?

You could be like this guy… and amongst all guys I’d say you’d be fine. The mixed company at Gunnison however isn’t as forgiving.

​Don’t worry it’s not a sin, but be discreet and try not to draw attention. It’ll go away eventually. Go lay in the sun and drift off, the blood will find someplace else to go. You can always throw a towel over your dick, there’s no shame.​

WHAT TO BRING

Unlike many other Jersey shore beaches, Gunnison doesn’t have a boardwalk and tons of vendors and restaurants, which is nice but also means you gotta bring it all with you. The National Park Service also has a strict “you pack it in, you pack it out” rule. So be mindful. But here’s a short list:

• Water — lots — about 1/2 gallon for every 4 hours in the sun)
• Sunscreen
• Towels/wrap
• Snacks — that can be in the heat
• Cash — if you want to get stuff from the food trucks on the weekends
• Alcohol must be in plastic containers
• Cups/Plastic Bottles
• Trash Bags — you gotta take it all back with you
• Shade — fully enclosed popup tents are not permitted
• Large blankets — a flat sheet is great
• Sunglasses

NUDE BEACH ETIQUETTE

• Respect wildlife and environmentally fragile areas. Beaches are often in areas safeguarding endangered species of fowl, fish, and fauna. Therefore, avoid endangering the habitat with fire, pollution, or even potentially dangerous foodstuffs.
• Keep the beach clean, take more trash out than you brought in.
• For those visiting the nude section of a local beach, dress before leaving designated clothing-optional use areas.
• Avoid staring and inappropriate pointing.

• Be polite to everyone.
• Be social, be kind, Say Hello! Nudists are social people.
• Always get permission before taking scenic photographs.
• Keep radio volumes turned low. Most beach goers visit the beach to rest and relax.
• Whenever possible, walk along the shoreline. Not only is it more refreshing, but you avoid kicking sand up at the people you pass.

• Beach hours are sunrise to sunset
• You MUST be clothed outside the designated nude area, they will ticket.
• Be aware that this is a mixed gender and family nude beach.
• Drink water after every alcoholic drink. No one wants to drag their drunk naked friend to the ferry.
• HAVE FUN!

CAN I HAVE SEX ON THE BEACH?

Outdoor sex is HOT! If you haven’t had a chance to experience it yet, do not try it at Gunnison.

Please don’t be this guy…

​Over the past two decades more than a dozen nude and clothing optional beaches have been “closed” by puritanical city ordinances, county, and state regulations. But it’s also misconduct on the part of beach goers that forces cities to capitulate to the voices of families and the sexually unevolved. There are very few adults-only beaches in the world where sex is permitted or at the very least ignored but this is definitely not one of them.

​Rangers at Gunnison have ticketed, arrested, and carted away many more exhibitionists over the past couple years than seems reasonable, so beach goers are very protective of Gunnison and will call you out if you engage in sexual activity on the beach. Even on the gay side.

EVERYBODY COMES TO HAVE FUN

Gunnison attracts all kinds of people; from families, kids, couples, burners, queers, Trump voters, and everything in between. We’re all there to leave our inhibitions and clothing behind and get that sun on every inch of our body. So have fun, go meet people, get out there — even if you go alone — you’ll meet amazing people and make incredible connections. So dive in, enjoy the view, and make a friend or two.

Whether you’re here by yourself, with a group, or with your family Gunnison is a magical place. We’ll see you there.