Categories: Local & Entertainment; Fitness & Health

Get Naked! Running around nude in San Francisco

By Karey Ann
updated about 1 month ago

Can you have the full San Francisco experience or say that you are a Bay Area native without having done at least one of these things? I've done five; guess which ones!

One Taste Urban Retreat Center

1074 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Hmmm, how to describe OneTaste . . . well, why don’t I have them do it: “OneTaste is an experiential inquiry into the nature of unconditional freedom. Our centers in San Francisco and New York host lectures, courses, intensives, and residential immersion experiences. Students of our work learn to utilize the real and immediate aspects of everyday life as grounds for awakening.”

They don’t have much more on their website for fear that some might, um, sensationalize. But they offer women only, men only, and co-ed naked yoga classes led by husband and wife team Meredith Medland and Ted McElwee.

Quite a trip – don’t come if you can’t handle the word “pus**y” in the same sentence as “Urdhva Mukha Svanasana”, as the class leaders do verbally urge you to be “confrontational” with your body! Yowza!!

Following in the steps of Naked Yoga Guy

Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 45 San Francisco, CA 94133

Aw, the Naked Yoga Guy is long gone, due to our city’s aggressively anti-nudity police officers (we should feel bad for them, stuck with all of that self-hatred of their bodies) repeatedly trying to fine him.
But his spirit lives on. Try running through your own sun salutations down at Fisherman’s Wharf – the forlorn naked yogis, distressed since Naked Yoga Guy’s departure, are sure to come out of the woodwork and join you.

Nude Haven #3

Harbin Hot Springs

How do you know if Harbin Hot Springs is the right kind of naked place for you? Well, do you love to be totally nude? Believe in the healing powers of water and crystals? Wear any sort of EMF Shield on a daily basis? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then this is definitely the nudist retreat for you!

Harbin is a clothing-optional retreat just outside of Calistoga Springs. It has a small inn but most people take advantage of the quaint campsites. There are lots of hiking trails, some complete with little meditation houses. It also has a communal kitchen for cooking, but check out the small restaurant for healthy, down-home cookin’.

A big draw to Harbin is Watsu . . . check out the link and the picture!

Do NOT go if: your relatives were hippies and live in the area. Nothing worse that running into the ‘rents during your weekend stay at the nudist colony.

Kabuki Springs & Spa

1750 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94115

Kabuki Springs and Spa is much more for the sometimes-nudist. It is a meditative spa underneath the Kabuki theatre in Japantown. Think flute music, gongs, sea salt, and your massage therapist coming to fetch you out of the hot pool.

Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays are women only; men have Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Tuesdays are co-ed, bathing suits mandatory.

Feel free to bang on the gong any time a group of people get too chatty or start making out. Now THAT’s therapeutic.

Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays are women only; men have Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Tuesdays are co-ed, bathing suits mandatory.

Feel free to bang on the gong any time a group of people get too chatty or start making out. Now THAT’s therapeutic.

Nude Event #1

Bay to Breakers

The quintessential, perennial Bay to Breakers!! San Francisco’s favorite day to get naked (and drunk, but let’s keep it to one thing at a time)!

Bay to Breakers is actually a race; it’s 12K, starts at the Embarcadero, winds through the city, and ends at Golden Gate Park.

But Bay to Breakers is predominantly a party. Floats, costumes, alcoholic beverages, and nudity abound for those who aren’t really into the running aspect. Run it, walk it, or set up some lawn chairs to watch it go by.

This event takes place every May.