October 22, 2020 by Chris

Nude Beaches

What Are You Thinking!

Nude Beaches in the U.S.

This anti-nude attitude wasn’t always the case. Did you know in 1860, Queen Victoria of England outlawed nude swimming.

Before this the only thing people were wearing in the water was was nothing.

Soon after the law was passed, swimsuits were invented and people became more “clothes-minded.” The rest is history.

But there is something freeing about taking it all off and letting the sun beat down on your back(side).

For those who want to strip so there’s nothing between yourself and the sand, here’s everything you need to know about the top nude beaches in America.

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This two-mile-long sandy strip is the oldest nude beach in the United States, dating back to 1967.

Besides the soft sand, it also features a lagoon, tide pools, and a lava tube. It is particularly popular with the Bay Area gay community, who tend to flock to the northern side while other visitors tend to head south.

Try to stay late enough to watch the sunset. It’s glorious from these shores.

Gunnison Beach, Sandy Hook, New Jersey

A former U.S. Army outpost, Sandy Hook is now part of the Gateway National Recreation Area and home to the only legal nude beach in New Jersey. Considered the best nude beach on the East Coast, it’s clean, supersafe, and community-supported. Just one caveat:

HOTELS AT GUNNISON BEACH FROM $65 PER NIGHT

Collins Beach, Sauvie Island, Oregon

Located along Oregon‘s Columbia River, Sauvie Island is one of the only noncoastal nude beaches in the U.S. The calm river reflects the “relaxed and unwind” vibe here.

HOTELS AT COLLINS BEACH, SAUVIE ISLAND, OREGON

While the beach next door is family-friendly, the two respectfully coexist. About 75 percent of visitors to Collins feel free to show off what their mamas gave them. And with Portland not that far away, Sauvie is one place to see hipsters without their flannels.

Located on the far eastern tip of Hawaii’s Big Island, along Highway 137, is one the best clothing-optional beaches in the state. It’s quite a hike to get down to the black-sand beach from the main trail, which helps keep tourists and gawkers at bay and provides the privacy one might want. Bonus: It’s like a party on Sundays—music, dancing, and a fun time had by all.

Baker Beach, San Francisco

The best thing about this beach, set below the Presidio and shielded by rocky crags, is that you don’t have to worry about creepy gawkers because everyone’s too busy checking out the awe-inspiring views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

HOTELS AT BAKER BEACH, SAN FRANCISCO

Be aware before heading here: This is mostly a layabout beach—the Pacific surf is too dangerous and cold for swimming.

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Black’s Beach, San Diego

Nestled below the 300-foot, mansion-topped bluffs of Torrey Pines is this secluded gem. While nude beaches are illegal in San Diego, authorities tend to turn a blind eye to Black’s because it’s so difficult to access.

HOTELS NEAR BLACK’S BEACH, SAN DIAGO

Enthusiastic sunbathers have to hike down a rugged, steep path to reach the sand or take a 20-minute walk along the beach from La Jolla Shore (an almost impossible fete during high tide). But it’s worth the trek. There’s nothing quite like seeing the naked surfers.

Little Beach, Maui, Hawaii

While this is not officially a clothing-optional beach, that hasn’t stopped sunbathers from going native here on the reg.

HOTELS AT LITTLE BEACH, MAUI, HAWAII

Getting there requires a short trek from Makena State Park’s Big Beach to quiet, secluded Little Beach.

This spot is a favorite among famous naturalists, including nude recreation expert and artist Dr. Leisure, who has been painting this landscape for more than a decade.

Sunday nights are the time to go. Right before sunset, bathers form a drum circle and break into song and dance.

Haulover Beach, Miami

Just north of Miami is one of the few government-run nudist beaches in America. Located a stone’s throw from the tony town of Bal Harbour, this secluded beach is just as luxurious.

HOTELS NEAR HAULOVER BEACH, FLORIDA

White sand, sky-blue water, and no looky-loos make it “one of the greatest success stories in North American nudism.”

According to the American Association of Nude Recreation. With certified lifeguards and organized group activities such as swimming and volleyball, it’s no wonder the place attracts more than 1.4 million visitors a year.

Moshup Beach, Massachusetts

Off the coast of Massachusetts lies the island of Martha’s Vineyard—a vacation spot to presidents and old-moneyed aristocrats. While MV tends to be a conservative, preppy type of town, there is one place that is a bit more, well, liberal. Moshup Beach, located on the island’s southwestern tip, has been a naturalist hot spot since the 1960s.

HOTELS AT MOSHUP BEACH, MASSACHUSETTS

It’s a 10-minute walk from the parking lot on a clear trail. There is a $15 fee in summer.

Hippie Hollow, Austin, Texas

The lake scene is where it’s at in Austin. So it makes perfect sense that there would be at least one lakefront beach dedicated to birthday-suit bathers. Lake Travis, a 109-acre recreation park located 30 minutes from downtown, is that spot. For those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life—and their clothes—this is the best beach to do just that.

HOTELS NEAR HIPPI HOLLOW, AUSTIN

Hitting the beach in various stages of undress is no big deal in many places around the world.

As Americans, most of us don’t have a ton of experience with nude beaches. Yes they do exist in the U.S, and there is definitely and unwritten playbook. Here are a few “don’ts” you should know before you go.

Failing to read the posted rules – Forgetting a towel –

Sand + bare butt = bad.

Forgetting to sunscreen everywhere –

Especially on parts that don’t usually see the sun.

Using a selfie stick – Taking pictures – Staring

A towel

It’s common nudist etiquette to always put a piece of fabric between your nude self and whatever you decide to sit on. Then again, the beach is just sand and few others will care if you decide not to sit on a towel. Chances are though that sooner or later that sand will be going to places where you’d wish it didn’t. That’s what your towel is for. You can both use it to sit on or to discretely wipe some sand away. You could even use it to dry yourself, but we strongly recommend the joy of wind-drying instead.

Sunscreen

Maybe you’re one of those people who never get sunburned or your skin is already turning red by just thinking of the sun. It doesn’t really matter. Direct sunlight in the heat of the afternoon isn’t healthy for any type of skin. The best way to avoid skin cancer is to stay away from the sunlight, but then how will you get that equal tan? A decent sunscreen is the answer.
Make sure to give extra attention to your body parts which don’t often see the sun. You’ll thank us in the evening when you can still comfortably sit down.

Lip balm

The combination of sun and an agreeable salty wind might be the best feeling in the world (we strongly agree with that) but can also be a serious attack on your lips. Avoid feeling the disgusting urge to also put sunscreen on your mouth and bring lip balm instead.

Hand sanitizer

Remember when we said that it’s actually okay to place your naked butt directly on the sand? Well, that’s the same sand you’ll be touching later on. Together with the salt of the ocean, the mayonnaise on your sandwich, some spilled beer, a stray dog, and whatever else you’ll decide to touch during your day on the beach. We don’t really want to know. Just make sure to clean your hands before you shake ours.

A coverup

We must be kidding, right? You’ve come all the way to the nude beach and now we’re telling you to cover up? Not exactly. On the nude beach, you can be naked as much as you want, but you also have to get there. Nude beaches have the tendency to be a bit secluded and are most of the time not right next to a highway or a parking lot. Some walking through textile zones is often required.
Many nudists don’t like the hustle of getting undressed at the nude beach. For men it’s simple, just wear shorts and nothing else. For women, a Coverup is a perfect solution. You can be nude underneath and it only takes a second to take off.

Water shoes

Some are lucky enough to visit one of those wonderful white sand nude beaches, but in many cases, for example on nude beaches in Greece or Croatia, there will often be pebbles or rocks. Once in the water, walking on rocks can be extremely difficult and often painful. Avoid looking like you’re dancing some kind of water-Macarena and use water shoes instead. Even if you end up on a postcard beach, there still might be sea urchins or jellyfish from which you’d also like to protect your feet.

Beach hat

Although it appears to be a myth that the head is the body’s radiator, it’s still never a bad idea to cover it when you’re sitting directly in the sun. Chances of a sunstroke will be significantly lower and if you’re a bit fashion-minded, this is the only piece of clothing you’re allowed to wear.

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