Gunnison Beach
Gunnison Beach
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
143 reviews
Excellent
88
Very good
37
Average
13
Poor
2
Terrible
3
switchi21
Vermont456 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
I enjoy the beach scenery. My husband and I was the only one swimming there at that time and people watch
Written September 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LexGSR
LexGSR200 contributions
Sep 2022
I was there a couple times recently. The last, there was almost no one there... 2 couples, one family, and a few solo men. Very calming. I am mostly posting because one of the couple consented to a very nice picture that I wanted to post. (The footprints in the foreground are mine as I went to ask permission before snapping the shot.) Idyllic.
Written September 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
slpsomm
Dover, OH448 contributions
Aug 2022
VERY crowded. Wall to wall people. Everyone almost touching each other. Some pretty loud people and many people drinking and hiding it from the rangers.
Written September 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Aaron20152016
Deer Park, NY55 contributions
Jul 2022
This was our 6th visit here. We usually make an annual trek as it's the only clothing optional beach in the area. We did not enjoy our last trip though. The beach has become more of a party beach where big social groups meet up. The LGBTQ section was overly crowded. Be prepared to breathe in the scent of marijuana as it pervades the air. Go in the water if you want to escape it. Also no matter where you sit, you are going to hear loud music. Try to sit near music you can tolerate. All in all not. as relaxing and pleasant as a trip to a clothing optional beach should be. Also they increased the parking fee to 20 dollars.
Written August 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Simone A
New York City, NY84 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Decent beach. Access to bathroom and some food trucks. Rentals are available after you park.
It is clothing optional - people will be fully nude.
Arrive early. The parking lot gets full. There is a long walk from the parking lot to the beach area, but once you hit the sand there is a blue sand sidewalk (I forget what it’s called). You can drop your stuff off from the Main Street before you park so that you don’t have to drag it so far.
It is clothing optional - people will be fully nude.
Arrive early. The parking lot gets full. There is a long walk from the parking lot to the beach area, but once you hit the sand there is a blue sand sidewalk (I forget what it’s called). You can drop your stuff off from the Main Street before you park so that you don’t have to drag it so far.
Written June 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LexGSR
LexGSR200 contributions
Sep 2021
I've reviewed Gunnison before, but I was able to get there twice recently, so I will not repeat what everyone says and instead off some brief updates:
PRO
It's a nude beach.
The crowd is very chill - all shapes, sizes, colors. The second of my more recent visits, the whole vibe was excellent. Clearly a lot of regulars and/or regular naturists. Friendly and noncreepy. Really, this is the naturist experience you want. The crowd definitely tilted older, with average age probably 50+, but that suits me.
The water was wonderful. If you've never skinny dipped in the ocean, you MUST try it. The water was calm and a good temperature. I spent most of one visit taking a "walk" in the water instead of on the beach.
It was after Labor Day, so it was free!
CON
First visit - VERY windy. check the weather before going. If winds >10 kt, make sure you have one of those wind barriers.
Second visit - biting flies. They seem to have been more drawn to me for some reason... perhaps that I like to sit by the waterline. I got dozens of bites. I had to spend my time in the water (see above) as the organic repellant I had was strikingly ineffective. I saw a couple people with mosquito nets, so I know I was not alone.
Putting your clothes on at the end of the day. That's always a con!
PRO
It's a nude beach.
The crowd is very chill - all shapes, sizes, colors. The second of my more recent visits, the whole vibe was excellent. Clearly a lot of regulars and/or regular naturists. Friendly and noncreepy. Really, this is the naturist experience you want. The crowd definitely tilted older, with average age probably 50+, but that suits me.
The water was wonderful. If you've never skinny dipped in the ocean, you MUST try it. The water was calm and a good temperature. I spent most of one visit taking a "walk" in the water instead of on the beach.
It was after Labor Day, so it was free!
CON
First visit - VERY windy. check the weather before going. If winds >10 kt, make sure you have one of those wind barriers.
Second visit - biting flies. They seem to have been more drawn to me for some reason... perhaps that I like to sit by the waterline. I got dozens of bites. I had to spend my time in the water (see above) as the organic repellant I had was strikingly ineffective. I saw a couple people with mosquito nets, so I know I was not alone.
Putting your clothes on at the end of the day. That's always a con!
Written September 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Walker$talker67
Bushkill, PA9 contributions
Jul 2021
My husband and I had wanted to try a nude beach for awhile and discovering one so close to home like Gunnison seemed ideal.
We planned this particular beach vacation as a belated 30th wedding anniversary celebration. The Husband was more excited than expected to visit our first nude beach. After reading reviews, we decided to visit anyway.
Firstly, yes, it IS a bit of a long walk, but if you plan on loading yourself down with a lot of stuff, it'll seem longer. The key is to pack lightly and not bring a lot of heavy stuff to carry then the walk isn't so bad unless it is a busy holiday weekend.
Secondly, they DID make the "walkway" longer and it IS a help but it is narrow so you may have to walk single file on either side of it so as to not stomp through the sand.
Thirdly, I only saw one of the Rangers and a vehicle patrolling. We saw more of the lifeguards than of the rangers.
Fourth, the beach was really very clean for the most part but there were a few spots were people did not take their garbage with them and it made for a bit of a mess on a windy day.
Now, as for the nudity ...
At no time did we see any lewd behavior nor anything risque. The beach was surreal and by this I mean you saw a lot of different people from all walks of life, of all ages, and of all races just being nude. But the best part about this whole experience is that everyone was relaxed and very laidback. It was a peaceful experience. No one was super-model-esque because clearly if they WERE, why not go to a PRIVATE beach? But the people who WERE there were singles, couples and even a few families. Everyone was so cool. There was no pretentiousness and everyone accepted everyone as they were. Of course everyone were curious and you may get the occasional glance or stare, but the beach goers were respectful, no one bothered you except to say the occasional 'hello' or nod as you passed by. Some made small talk by asking where you were from and 'how do you like it?' or to answer a question about the area. We met some really nice people.
For a first time experience, it was more than I could have hoped for. We enjoyed ourselves being on the beach and swimming in the buff. I don't think we could go back to a beach and wear a swimsuit ever again. We'll definitely go back again and are already planning visiting again next summer. The Husband wants to make this an annual thing and I heartily agree!
We planned this particular beach vacation as a belated 30th wedding anniversary celebration. The Husband was more excited than expected to visit our first nude beach. After reading reviews, we decided to visit anyway.
Firstly, yes, it IS a bit of a long walk, but if you plan on loading yourself down with a lot of stuff, it'll seem longer. The key is to pack lightly and not bring a lot of heavy stuff to carry then the walk isn't so bad unless it is a busy holiday weekend.
Secondly, they DID make the "walkway" longer and it IS a help but it is narrow so you may have to walk single file on either side of it so as to not stomp through the sand.
Thirdly, I only saw one of the Rangers and a vehicle patrolling. We saw more of the lifeguards than of the rangers.
Fourth, the beach was really very clean for the most part but there were a few spots were people did not take their garbage with them and it made for a bit of a mess on a windy day.
Now, as for the nudity ...
At no time did we see any lewd behavior nor anything risque. The beach was surreal and by this I mean you saw a lot of different people from all walks of life, of all ages, and of all races just being nude. But the best part about this whole experience is that everyone was relaxed and very laidback. It was a peaceful experience. No one was super-model-esque because clearly if they WERE, why not go to a PRIVATE beach? But the people who WERE there were singles, couples and even a few families. Everyone was so cool. There was no pretentiousness and everyone accepted everyone as they were. Of course everyone were curious and you may get the occasional glance or stare, but the beach goers were respectful, no one bothered you except to say the occasional 'hello' or nod as you passed by. Some made small talk by asking where you were from and 'how do you like it?' or to answer a question about the area. We met some really nice people.
For a first time experience, it was more than I could have hoped for. We enjoyed ourselves being on the beach and swimming in the buff. I don't think we could go back to a beach and wear a swimsuit ever again. We'll definitely go back again and are already planning visiting again next summer. The Husband wants to make this an annual thing and I heartily agree!
Written August 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John
Bedford, New Hampshire110 contributions
Jul 2021
My wife and I were ending our week in New Jersey and decided to take a ride to Sandy Hook. The beach was vey crowded the day we were there (not much room between us other beach goers). Not sure if that was the normal crowd, or a result of a long holiday weekend. The parking lot was very far from the beach and then there is a long walk form the facilities to the actually beach. If you are looking for a quiet nude beach experience this is not the spot. Lots of loud music, people constantly walking back and forth to the water with close proximity to you.
BTW - parking was $20 for the day. They should have a lot much closer to the beach.
On a good note - you can see the NYC skyline on a clear day.
BTW - parking was $20 for the day. They should have a lot much closer to the beach.
On a good note - you can see the NYC skyline on a clear day.
Written August 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
FarAway827970
1 contribution
Jul 2021
We visited Gunniston Beach for the first time on July 4, 2021. My wife and I have visited nude beaches in Florida, Greece and Saint Martin. We made the trip to Gunniston from Virginia specifically for the nude beach.
I appreciated reading all of the previous reviews - especially those about the distance to/from the parking lot to the beach and people playing loud music on the beach.
Useful Information:
The beach is much smaller (width) than what I would have expected creating a much denser population. Loud music playing and smoking were issues.
The drive from park admission to the beach is a long way.
.
The ratio of men to women was 10:1; White-to-black/brown was 35% / 65%.
$20 entrance fee was steep but allows for in/out of the park all day.
To mitigate the distance from the parking lot, we left one person on the road outside of the Men's Restroom with all of the heavy items - this cut the distance/hardship to the lot in half.
We brought our own food, beverage and plenty of sunscreen.
Park Rangers patrol (on foot and truck) looking for alcohol. If you are discreet and bring a small quantity, you should be OK. We poured our beverages in to metal Yeti containers. We saw a bust where the Rangers confiscated two 1.75L bottles of hard alcohol. Don't be flashy or too loud - don't attract attention.
The blue mesh walkway does help getting to the beach but, it ends at the far North end of the beach - you still need to trek through the sand to get to the middle of the beach.
It was nice having a volleyball court.
Along the surfline on a clear day, you can see the Brooklyn skyline.
Overall, a 3 out of 5 for the reasons above.
I appreciated reading all of the previous reviews - especially those about the distance to/from the parking lot to the beach and people playing loud music on the beach.
Useful Information:
The beach is much smaller (width) than what I would have expected creating a much denser population. Loud music playing and smoking were issues.
The drive from park admission to the beach is a long way.
.
The ratio of men to women was 10:1; White-to-black/brown was 35% / 65%.
$20 entrance fee was steep but allows for in/out of the park all day.
To mitigate the distance from the parking lot, we left one person on the road outside of the Men's Restroom with all of the heavy items - this cut the distance/hardship to the lot in half.
We brought our own food, beverage and plenty of sunscreen.
Park Rangers patrol (on foot and truck) looking for alcohol. If you are discreet and bring a small quantity, you should be OK. We poured our beverages in to metal Yeti containers. We saw a bust where the Rangers confiscated two 1.75L bottles of hard alcohol. Don't be flashy or too loud - don't attract attention.
The blue mesh walkway does help getting to the beach but, it ends at the far North end of the beach - you still need to trek through the sand to get to the middle of the beach.
It was nice having a volleyball court.
Along the surfline on a clear day, you can see the Brooklyn skyline.
Overall, a 3 out of 5 for the reasons above.
Written July 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jessica O
Boston, MA475 contributions
Jun 2021
While staying in Red Bank during a hot and humid spell in early June, my husband and I spent two days at Gunnison Beach. The air was ten degrees cooler there, with a steady breeze. The beach was remarkably uncrowded – perhaps only 200-300 people each day.
We walked between the parking lot and the beach wearing only our c-string swimsuits. As soon as we reached the sign for the clothing optional section, the swimsuits came off. I perked up, as my husband's masculinity became fully evident. The stiff breeze surely enhanced the effect.
We might have been the only people under thirty-five years old, and there were more men than women. Two lifeguards were on duty, and park rangers walked up and down the beach once each day. The clothing optional beach front is not wide, as it is bounded at both ends by long stretches of beach cordoned off for protected species of shore birds. It was necessary to bring sufficient food and water, as the food trucks in the pavilion were not in operation.
Some people set up windscreens on the far ends of the beach, blocking visibility from all directions. I imagined what activity might have taken place out of sight. Unfortunately, we didn’t have a windscreen of our own.
When leaving the beach on the second day, there were only three people in the pavilion area, so we rinsed off nude under the outdoor showers. For a lark, we took pictures of each other standing nude near the sign that reads CLOTHING OPTIONAL ONLY IN DESIGNATED AREA ON THE BEACH. One of the people nearby, an older gentleman in a thong swimsuit, graciously offered to take a picture of us with our bodies glistening and smiles beaming together by the sign.
For the walk back to the car, my husband put his swimsuit on – it was a tight fit – but I didn’t bother. Being nude – or topless, as I was all the other times when going between the car and the designated nude beach – would not usually be advisable, but conditions were conducive to pushing the limits. My husband expressed his deep appreciation for my uninhibited nonchalance after we got back to the car.
We walked between the parking lot and the beach wearing only our c-string swimsuits. As soon as we reached the sign for the clothing optional section, the swimsuits came off. I perked up, as my husband's masculinity became fully evident. The stiff breeze surely enhanced the effect.
We might have been the only people under thirty-five years old, and there were more men than women. Two lifeguards were on duty, and park rangers walked up and down the beach once each day. The clothing optional beach front is not wide, as it is bounded at both ends by long stretches of beach cordoned off for protected species of shore birds. It was necessary to bring sufficient food and water, as the food trucks in the pavilion were not in operation.
Some people set up windscreens on the far ends of the beach, blocking visibility from all directions. I imagined what activity might have taken place out of sight. Unfortunately, we didn’t have a windscreen of our own.
When leaving the beach on the second day, there were only three people in the pavilion area, so we rinsed off nude under the outdoor showers. For a lark, we took pictures of each other standing nude near the sign that reads CLOTHING OPTIONAL ONLY IN DESIGNATED AREA ON THE BEACH. One of the people nearby, an older gentleman in a thong swimsuit, graciously offered to take a picture of us with our bodies glistening and smiles beaming together by the sign.
For the walk back to the car, my husband put his swimsuit on – it was a tight fit – but I didn’t bother. Being nude – or topless, as I was all the other times when going between the car and the designated nude beach – would not usually be advisable, but conditions were conducive to pushing the limits. My husband expressed his deep appreciation for my uninhibited nonchalance after we got back to the car.
Written June 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Johnsie
Baltimore, MD
Q1. Would you suggest a wagon to transport everything or load up your arms and walk the stretch?
Q2.Has anyone been this weekend yet wondering how the foot traffic is considering COVID?
Louetta
Rockport, MA281 contributions
Back pack if you can. For chairs something with a wheel is best.
eftjc
New York10 contributions
Is there a ferry from Manhatten
whiteduva10
Gilbertsville, PA48 contributions
There is a ferry that runs during the summer & a bus to bring you to the beach
eftjc
New York10 contributions
Is there a ferry from Manhatten
whiteduva10
Gilbertsville, PA48 contributions
Yes
ryzw
Bali, Indonesia1 contribution
Went yesterday, had a great time, but had to move spots because of creeps sitting 3ft away and staring.. We moved spots closer to other couples and it was ok.. However, what is the proper way to deal with the few random creeps that seem to work their way into the mix? If they are really being creepy and staring or putting themselves 'on display' right in front of you..
Aaron20152016
Deer Park, NY55 contributions
A few ways you can handle it. The best way is to move. Another way is to just tolerate it. They won't look for long and there is really nothing you can do about leering. Also certain areas of that beach are more couple oriented than other areas. You just have to learn as you go.
Is there food allowed on the beach?
Louetta
Rockport, MA281 contributions
Yes. In fact it's best to bring what you want. Especially fluids.
Chelsea B
Erie, PA
We will be traveling to Gunnison Beach next week and we were wondering, where do you pay for the parking for Lot G?
Also about how long of a walk is it from the parking lot to the beach? 5, 10, 15 minutes?
when is the earliest I can go and park so me and my wife can see the sunrise? is parking done by a machine or a attendant? is the water the ocean is it clean. what else should I know.
Is there a rule about tents?
Louetta
Rockport, MA281 contributions
Yes, no tents or even wind barriers which would hide you from view.
Gunnison Beach (Sandy Hook) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Gunnison Beach
- Hotels near Gunnison Beach:
- (0.79 mi) Beach and Bay Getaway in Sandy Hook NJ!
- (0.87 mi) CAPTAIN’S QUARTERS with sunsets views on the bay.
- (4.06 mi) Blue Bay Inn
- (8.54 mi) Oyster Point Hotel
- (4.09 mi) SummerHouse
- Restaurants near Gunnison Beach:
- (8.98 mi) JBJ Soul Kitchen
- (0.71 mi) Ohana Isle
- (9.32 mi) L&B Spumoni Gardens
- (7.77 mi) Taliercios
- (4.06 mi) Christines Italian
- Attractions near Gunnison Beach:
- (0.87 mi) Gateway National Recreation Area
- (0.70 mi) sandy Hook Light house
- (0.88 mi) Sandy Hook Kayaks
- (0.69 mi) Battery John Gunnison
- (9.67 mi) Made in Brooklyn Tours