It is the only public beach in New Jersey where nudity is legally permitted.
The beach is located on a peninsula that was historically used as a military proving ground, and unexploded ordnance occasionally surfaced during the 20th century.
It serves as a primary nesting ground for the federally threatened piping plover, leading to seasonal closures of some dune areas.
The beach offers a unique perspective of the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States.
The waters at Gunnison are influenced by the outflow of the Hudson River, which can affect water temperature and visibility compared to open-ocean beaches further south.
Gunnison Beach is New Jersey's only legal clothing-optional beach, located within the Sandy Hook unit of the Gateway National Recreation Area. Administered by the National Park Service, the beach spans approximately one mile of the northernmost Atlantic coastline of the Jersey Shore. It offers unobstructed views of the New York City skyline and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge across the harbor. The beach features a wide expanse of sand backed by dunes and coastal scrub vegetation. As part of a protected federal recreation area, the beach is surrounded by natural wilderness rather than residential or commercial development. Visitors have access to basic amenities including portable restrooms and seasonal lifeguards. The area is part of the Sandy Hook peninsula, a barrier spit that provides habitats for various migratory birds and marine life.
The shoreline looking north toward the New York City skyline during golden hour.
Bring a beach umbrella or pop-up shelter as there is zero natural shade on the sand.
Pack all trash out, as there are no trash cans on the beach to preserve the natural ecosystem.
Be aware that photography of other visitors is strictly prohibited and can lead to immediate ejection from the park.
Do not attempt to walk through restricted piping plover nesting zones marked by fencing and signage.
The beach is open seasonally from late spring through early autumn, with lifeguard protection provided during the primary summer months.
Clothing is optional, but nudity is strictly confined to the designated beach area; visitors must be fully clothed when walking on trails or near the parking lots.
