Nude Beaches USA
So you want to get nekkid in the great outdoors, huh? Good for you. We understand the appeal of the all-around tan and nude beaches in the United States. Just remember your tanning lotion.
The good news is that, though this country is notoriously more conservative on the clothing optional front than Europe and some points elsewhere, you can still find a good selection of nude beaches in the USA. Wherever you live or want to travel, we think we can help you reduce your swimsuit budget to zero. It’s easier packing that way.
Here are a few of our choicest American beach locations for that sort of thing. Just remember that some of these destinations are truly clothing optional. Others? Well, the authorities usually look the other way. But cover up when men (or women) in uniforms come around, just to be on the safe side.
Hippi Hollow Park in Austin, TX — We can’t decide if that name sounds inviting and laid back or like a haunted beach in a Scooby Doo cartoon rerun. But there’s nothing cartoonish about this beach, one of the hippest places in the hippest city in the Lone Star State for this sort of thing. Hippi Hollow Beach (we still can’t say it without giggling) is a rocky shoreline skirting Lake Travis and is billed as the only clothing optional beach in the great state of Texas and first on our list of nude beaches USA.
Rooster Rock State Park, OR — This one’s got quite a name, too. Guess you guys will strut like a, well, you know, farm bird here. The official State Park website helpfully states that areas of the beach are available to those who crave a “natural experience.” We think we know what they mean. The beach surrounds the Columbia River Gorge
Baker Beach, San Francisco, CA — Come on, what are the odds that there’d be a nude beach or two in San Francisco, on the Left Coast. Okay, fairly high. Baker Beach lies on the shores of the majestic Pacific Ocean and in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge and is part of the Presidio. It’s quite a picturesque location, and that doesn’t even count the other sunbathers. Baker Beach had one fatal shark attack, but that was about half a century ago.
Little Beach, Maui, HI — Just in case you need an excuse to visit Hawaii (yeah, right), Little Beach just might be the enticement you need. It’s secluded and beautiful, with white sand and turquoise waters. But what did you expect? Don’t be confused if you hear it referred to by the locals by one of its other names, Onouli Beach or Little Makena Beach. By the way, Little Beach is promoted as the island’s “most famous” nude beach. Meaning that there are others. Do a little more research and you might find yourself purchasing a one-way airline ticket.
Haulover Beach, Bal Harbour, FL — This is a small park in a classy metro Miami neighborhood that’s been officially designated as clothing optional since the 1990s. You’ll get yourself four-tenths of a mile of the 1.5 mile Bay Harbor Island shoreline in which to let it all hang out. Just don’t go where you see families or others wearing a lot more than you’ll have on. Probably the most famous choice of nude beaches USA, Haulover is a fan-favorite.
UFO Beach, South Padre Island, TX — We’d have to include this skin-friendly destination if, for no other reason, it’s called UFO Beach. It’s also one of those “It’s not officially clothing optional, but just look around at all the full-body sunburns in play” beaches. Meaning, you’re on your own. And you’d better cover up when you see the beach patrol. We’re sure they love their jobs though. UFO Beach got its name for the shape and appearance of the landmark buoy that marks the destination. A word of warning (or enticement, depending on your point of view): this spot gets invaded by partying college kids during spring break. Plan your trip accordingly. Here’s another interesting fact you might not want to think too much about: according to one source, the nearest public bathroom facilities are 13 miles away. Oooookay.
San Gregorio, San Mateo County, CA — Another nude beach near San Francisco? No way! But it’s true, and there’s a bit of history here as well. San Gregorio is the oldest nude beach in America. We know that’s why you’ll want to visit…because you’re such a history buff. Right? The fabulous sunsets you’ll catch off of the Pacific Ocean is an added bonus. There’s a sort of unofficial designation here; it’s all gay along the north part of this small beach and straight on the south end. You could also get a pricey citation here is you stray too far from areas of acceptable nudity since there are also families around — so don’t forget to cover up if you go exploring.
Gunnison Beach, Middletown, NJ — Yes, you’ve got all-natural tanning going on along the East Coast too. Gunnison Beach sits on the Atlantic Ocean shore. Yes, you’ll be visiting the Jersey Shore. You’ll find at least one large sign here stating: “BEYOND THIS POINT YOU MAY ENCOUNTER NUDE SUNBATHERS.” We guess that makes the practice about as official as it’s ever going to get as far as nude beaches USA are concerned. Point of fact, it’s the state’s only legal clothing optional beach.
So there you have it. There are other nude beaches in the United States, but these eight are a good start.
Just remember, as we pointed out along the way, nudity is only begrudgingly allowed on some of these beaches — and it can sometimes be hard to figure out where “acceptable” runs into “unacceptable.” So do a little online research of your own before you travel. Then, once you’ve found a beach, be sure to read any signs or warnings you see and only strip down in areas where you see other folks doing the same.
Now go out there and have some natural fun on nude beaches in USA. Just don’t forget that suntan lotion!