It has been a record-breaking summer when it comes to heat for many cities across the United States. And the extreme temperatures have everyone thinking the same thing—it’s time to head to the beach.
But rather than going to the same stretches of sand as everyone else, consider seeking out a hidden gem. Luckily, the team at BoatBooker know exactly where to go. And after doing some digging, one very special beach made its way toward the top of the rankings: Gunnison Beach in Sandy Hook, New Jersey.
Now, you may be thinking how can any beach in New Jersey (one of the most populated states in the country) still be considered a hidden gem? Well, this one comes with a very distinct asterisk: there’s a section on the beach that is clothing optional. Specifically, a portion of Area “G,” or South Gunnison.
“While this area is not designated as clothing optional, there is no prohibition against this activity,” according to the National Park Service. “The Park acknowledges the popularity and history of the use and advises unfamiliar visitors of this activity through signs.”
However, be careful if you decide to visit the beach in your birthday suit because, as the NPS warns, “Nudity, outside the traditional use area, may be considered Disorderly Conduct.”
The beach first gained popularity with nudists in the 1970s and 1980s who fell in love with its privacy, according to CentralNewJersey.com. And because the beach is managed by the National Park Service, it is exempt from the state’s public nudity laws. It is, however, the only legal nudist beach in the state, which means it can get a little crowded during the summer months.
Beyond New Jersey, two beaches in South Carolina came in at No. 1 and No. 2 on the list, respectively: Vereen Memorial Park near the border with North Carolina, and Driftwood Beach on Edisto Island.
“America’s coast offers unparalleled diversity beyond the tourist beach resorts,” Vukan Simic, the founder of BoatBooker, shared. “America’s off-the-beaten-path coastline offers the authentic American beach experience, the one that travelers are seeking—unspoiled waters, stunning scenery, and the freedom to truly get close to the natural wonders of our country.”
The findings, which the company released last month, analyzed Google Maps data to find the “best-kept coastal secret” destinations in the U.S. It searched key words, including “secluded beaches,” “hidden beaches,” and “quiet beaches” and focused in on locations with fewer than 100 reviews to help identify the nation’s “most pristine, uncrowded beach destinations that locals have been keeping to themselves.”
Check out the full list of winners below.
- Vereen Memorial Park: South Carolina
- Driftwood Beach: South Carolina
- Gunnison Beach: New Jersey
- Morris Island: South Carolina
- Torrey Pines City Beach: California
- Caswell Beach: North Carolina
- Dana Strands Beach: California (tie for 6th)
- Pirates Cove Beach: California (tie for 6th)
- Station 22 – Public Beach Access: South Carolina
- Edisto Beach State Park Campground: South Carolina
- Ocean Isle Beach: North Carolina (tie for 10th)
- Salt Creek Beach: California
- Gulf Shores Beach: Alabama
- Beach Access #4 – Beach Circle: Texas
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore: North Carolina
- Kirby Beach: California
- Funston Beach: California
- Carolina Beach: North Carolina
- Santa Ana River County Beach River Jetties: California (tie for 18th)
- Coquina Beach: North Carolina
- Little Corona Beach: California (tie for 20th)
- Crissy Field South Beach: California (tie for 20th)