Seattle’s beloved nude beach at Denny Blaine Park will remain open through at least next spring, following a King County Superior Court decision that sided with the city in an ongoing dispute with a group of nearby residents.
Judge Samuel Chung ruled that the city has taken sufficient steps this summer to address complaints about behavior at the park — while still honoring its long-standing role as a welcoming, clothing-optional space.
The decision comes after months of tension between the city and an anonymous group of neighbors calling themselves Denny Blaine Park for All, who sued in April to shut down the unofficial nude beach. The group accused Seattle Parks and Recreation of allowing “lewd and illegal” conduct to continue unchecked.
In response, the city implemented a series of measures over the summer, including fencing off a designated clothing-optional area, adding clearer signage about park rules, and increasing ranger presence. A follow-up report in October said the changes had largely worked — most nude sunbathers stayed within the designated area, and those outside it complied when asked.
Judge Chung agreed the city’s plan had “abated issues enough” to keep the park open while the case continues.
For the LGBTQ+ community, the ruling represents more than a legal victory — it’s a reprieve for a cherished gathering space. Denny Blaine has long served as a hub for queer and trans Seattleites, offering not just sun and water but also a rare sense of safety and belonging.
In its court filings, the city defended the park’s importance as “a sacred place in the lives of queer and trans Seattleites,” warning that closing it could harm the community and heighten tensions.
While some neighbors continue to claim the park invites inappropriate behavior, city officials and community advocates counter that increased presence, education, and respectful boundaries can preserve Denny Blaine’s naturist spirit while maintaining public standards.
For now, Seattle’s only clothing-optional beach remains open — a small but meaningful victory for body freedom, inclusion, and the LGBTQ+ naturist community.
Nekkid James
Denny Blaine is hardly a beach and more of a neighborhood park with most of it exposed to the street with extremely limited parking. Glad the city and neighbors did something, as it is very desperate, smokey and trashy. The fenced off area may make it worse. It would be better it make it private for the residents and open a larger beach somewhere else. It makes one wonder, “Do people not have cars in Seattle? Against traveling?” There is so much more beautiful places and wilderness in Washington and close to Seattle to have to have Denny Blaine.