Gunnison Beach

I was researching beaches in Jersey and stumbled across this beach and said why not? The reviews alone sold me....so I went to check it out. I was curious. The reviews were spot on. There is quite a trek from the parking lot to the beach, and that's only if you're lucky enough to make it there in time for the lot closest to the beach. If you aren't (like I was) then you are in for a friggin hike ...let's say roughly about a 10 min. hike back to from the nearest lot which is for North Beach. And if you're lugging ish...like most of us do for the beach...it can be a bit cumbersome. Nevertheless when you finally do arrive (after another small trek thru the sand (wear sneakers otherwise your feet will divorce you on that hot rough sand) you are greeted by the nicest folks around. People come over and introduce themselves. They are so free and warm and share shade from their umbrellas, ice, conversation and just a good time. One thing is for certain you are greeted with smiles! I went solo...well I took my miniature 5 lbs fox terrier bc I read somewhere on the reviews dogs were allowed. Arrived to see signs that said no pets. So I snuck her in...I had waste bags for her, wipes, food and cold water. Once folks realized I had a dog they immediately welcomed Bella (my dog) too. She was a hit and no one mad me feel bad about not knowing dogs were not allowed. Bella was extremely well behaved and liked by everyone. Especially the hard core dog lovers they really made me feel great that I bought her. Gunnison beach is great! Shout out to Joe who shared his shade and great convo and history about the place. I loved that folks came from all over. I met ppl there from DC VA and Philly. It was great to see couples there as well as a few families. There is also a guy who makes daiquiris for free of charge and is so jolly and nice. I will donate a huge bottle of rum next time I am there just because...oh alcohol bevs are cool but no glass containers which is cool.

See you guys again real soon!

Calling all Naturists in the Tri-state area!! Every visit has been pleasant to this tucked away locale. Go, go, go!

There is parking for those that drive (Lot G), and a ferry from South Street Seaport with a shuttle from the pier, $50 round trip. Near the ferry there is an air-conditioned bar with snacks.

There are gender-specific changing rooms and showers right at the entrance. Very limited refreshments are available on one food truck. It is fully clothing-optional to the right of the walkway, and there is a clothed area to the left.

Bring a container to take all of your trash with you.

Since this is a clothing-optional beach, I did not take any pictures. But I will tell you that I had a wonderful time. Firstly, I went to avoid screaming kids - it was so quiet and peaceful. I ate, I read, I got tanned. Secondly, I was one of a few people wearing light clothes (easing myself to join the crowd over time).

The beach was very clean and quiet, as mentioned. I am still giving it five stars, even though men (mostly) and some women (a few) blatantly stared at people's parts as they walked by. The men were more obvious, as they walked around pretending they were looking for someone. If you see that, follow them with your eyes and you'll notice they came alone. So - exercise a little vigilance.

One of the best beaches I ever visited!

Me and my girlfriend truly love this beach we felt so free. We had a great time. The most liberating part of the experience was probably the feeling of being completely free and uninhibited, just embracing the natural surroundings without any judgment. It was so refreshing to let go of any worries and just enjoy the moment absolutely recommend !

This is a nude beach where you will find all kinds of people of all body types. Picture everyone at your supermarket naked. Get there early as parking lot fills quickly. A 1/4 mile walk from parking lot to beach edge. Bring chair, umbrella and liquids (no alcohol). Yesterday, 6/23/24 was the hottest day of the year so far, 101 degrees in asphalt parking lot. Beach is always packed and everyone was in the water. There is no pressure to disrobe - but then why come to this beach as the others at Sandy Hook are beautiful too. The surprise in coming to this beach for the first time (after 15 minutes or so) is the surprise that it feels so ordinary. What is shocking about a nude beach is that it isn't really shocking after all.

Hey hey Adventurers!
So to preface this: this is not everyone's cup of tea. This is also not a space for you to gawk at. There is a sign that states nude beach goers so if you miss it and get huffy--don't. The nude beach is like fightclub, you don't talk about it. You don't stare, be creepy, do things you wouldn't do in public, and you're respectful. That's it. Now, with that being said this place is awesome.

It's $20 at the gate--go SUPER early because sometimes the traffic at the bridge is horrid. If you decide to go more times get the pass ($100). You have access to the most of sandy hook with those passes. This does not include attractions or things like kayaking, research that first.

Things to know: it's a hike from the car to the beach itself if you're flying solo. Get a backpack chair & cooler like I did, or those beach carts if you decide to bring a whole spread. You have the large parking lot with a small hike through the Everglades looking path, you'll cross a street and that's where all the bathrooms, outdoor showers (none inside), food trucks, and a person who sets up a stand. They usually have water, chairs, flip flops, and various other items. Again don't scoff at pricing bc you didn't come prepared. Note: these are rentals for certain items. You can use the bike paths for walking, skateboarding, and various other foot transpo, just be careful at the stop signs bc people don't stop.

Weekdays there aren't rangers patrolling the beach and the stands/food trucks are not open. Weekends they are open and rangers are out patrolling like wildfire. They are not tolerant of alcohol on the beach so be EXTREMELY discreet. I am unsure if they fine you but they'll make you pour all of it out. Most people do adult therm cups so use your best judgement. Bathrooms are generally clean and well kept. I think the food trucks are cash only so it's good to have some on hand but yk it'll be beach prices so don't be surprised by them.

When walking to beach wear shoes/sandals, something to cover your feet. I made the mistake of walking back to restroom without protection and my feet are STILL healing.

Once on the beach you find a spot wherever you deem fit. It's YOUR choice to disrobe or wear as little or as much as you want. But zero judgement of anyone either way. You'll see tons of people with just towels, privacy screens, little huts, beach umbrellas, and more. Again it's all up to how you feel comfortable. Lifeguards are there and they leave at 6. There's a volley ball area and tons of room if you want to play frisbee, kick a ball, or other beach fun. Just be respectful and mindful of everyone's space.

Have fun!

PS this review is NOT encourage bringing alcohol to a PROHIBITED area. It is YOUR decision.

If you see someone doing something inappropriate sexually tell the patrol. Or ask at the gate for advice when getting there.

Well I went here in my '30s and I hope everybody knows by now it's a nude beach very nice then Don't know what it's like now. So I have to say that was about 40 years ago

My partner and I finally made our first visit this year to the beach. Tucked at the north end of Sandy Hook as part of the federal Gateway National Recreation Area, Gunnison beach looks like any Jersey beach - blankets, chairs, umbrellas, coolers except allows clothing optional /nude though you can still go to it and keep your clothes on. The beach, and a nearby battery mounted with 6-inch "disappearing guns'' completed in 1904 located right next to concession area named after Capt. John Gunnison. At this location, there's a bathhouse with restrooms and changing rooms, outdoor rinse-off showers, soda vending machines, and a concession area. There's a stand where you can rent chairs and umbrellas for a reasonable fee. The water is more than a half mile from the parking lot. Yes, it IS a bit of a long walk. To help beachgoers pick up the pace instead of walking on the loose beach sand, you can walk on an ADA compliant mat for much of the way. Park Rangers patrol (on foot and truck) looking for alcohol as it's prohibited. The beach draws an incredibly eclectic crowd and quite friendly. You will run into people from all walks of life and all ages. There are usually many groups that go there and will set up areas with wind screens that they will setup camp in for the day. Admission is $20.00 per car from Memorial Day to Labor Day. On a clear day, you can see the New York City skyline. The beach itself is great and will definitely be back.

TLDR: 5 Stars if you love people!

NOTE: Gunnison is a nude beach, and there ARE mostly naked people there. If this isn't the type of environment you're comfortable in, or you're not looking to test your boundaries of comfort... this review isn't for you.
Also, for folks used to Blacks Beach, the water isn't as clean and warm. For Haulover lovers- the weather isn't as reliable nor the beach as massive. And, for everyone, the walk on the matts to find your spot is a hike... but it's all worth it!

Gunnison is a beautiful sandy beach, with a great view of the NY Skyline in the distance. It was easy to get to and had enough parking that even on a Saturday in mid-June, around 1:00 - we experienced plenty of parking @ lot G.

But for us, the true beauty of this place was the people! Our experience felt less like a trip to the beach and more like a backyard family reunion. Now, we aren't talking Kardashian family, think more "the Osbourn's". (Google it for those too young to know reality TV prior to Kim) They aren't all perfectly shaped young models, but a wonderful group of humans with a common interest in an environment free enough for people to really be themselves. Yes, there was creepy uncle Earl seemingly leering inappropriately. There was saggy Grandma Sally & Grandpa Theo who got there when the beach opened, setting up the prime spots near the water and the nieces & nephews came a bit later setting up towards the back of the beach... thinking the rest of us didn't realize what was in those bottles they were drinking. But as a whole - THAT WAS THE CHARM. Everyone was welcome and even with creepy Earl, it felt safe and protective.
We chatted with the folks who'd been coming for 20+ years and welcomed us on our first trip. We watched as people helped others set up umbrellas & tents, or carry coolers for others that didn't roll smoothly through the sand. People played makeshift versions of twister, horseshoes & uno while enjoying their time at the beach.

Bottom line, 5 stars for the people alone. Everything else is icing. Gunnison WAS the melting pot that the country strives for. Every color, every sexual orientation, every gender, every age... nobody cared. There was a common appreciation for the opportunity to enjoy the beach, enjoy the sun, enjoy the freedom together - free from the judgment or negativity that exists in too many other places.
Want to be happier in general? Our advice: Get off social media, take a trip to Gunnison and get naked! You'll thank us if you do.

I will start by saying that I am not fond of the NJ shore beaches. I am also very shy and reserved and the idea of clothing optional was not appealing. However, my experience here was completely unexpected. What I liked most is that it's clean and quiet and there is absolutely no fat shaming. People all ages and body shapes are respectful and enjoy the tranquility that this beach offers. If I didn't live two hours away I would absolutely be a regular visitor.

Is there dogging going on at the beach like in Europe with wives and girlfriends and hedonistic women