Nudist Beaches

History of Nude Beaches

Nudist beaches are also referred to as free beaches, clothing optional beaches, and naturist beaches. Public or social nudity is nothing new to the world – it was common in ancient Egyptian times. Greek athletes participated in the Olympic Games unclothes. By the 1840’s beaches in the UK were used for nude sunbathing, and the practice became even more popular in the 1950’s along the French coastline.

Today, there are many different views on clothing optional beaches. Although some people oppose them, the Naturist Action Committee and other clothing-free support organizations work to ensure that those who want to maintain and enjoy nude beaches can do so without repercussion.

Naturist Philosophy

Contrary to what some believe, those who utilize nudist beaches, nudist resorts, or other areas do not do so because of erotic or sexual interests. Although the range of personal belief systems and reasons for naturism vary, they include:

• A belief that the human body is beautiful and nothing to be ashamed of.
• Although clothing is sanctioned from society, in warm climates there is no physical need for its use.
• The desire for physical freedom and human expression.
• Nakedness provides harmony with nature and the world.

Finding Nudist Beaches

There are thousands of beaches worldwide where nudism is acceptable. You don’t have to be involved in a naturist community to use one of these beaches, although certain etiquette and appropriate behavior are expected. Many people are interested in experiencing the unique relaxation and freedom that comes with a nude beach, even if they don’t plan to be involved in naturism on a regular basis.

Some European countries, including Denmark and Norway, allow nudity on all public beaches. In most other countries, certain beaches are designated as nudist or free beaches.

Resources for locating nudist beaches to travel to include:

• Go Nomad.com: Nick Mayhew-Smith, a travel expert familiar with nude beaches, has compiled a listing of some of the top nudist beaches in the world from Florida to Greece.

• Nude Beach Guide: This unique site allows you to find nude beach locations utilizing clickable maps. Scrolling over the red dots highlights the name of the specific beach.

• Social Nudity Directory in North America from Wikipedia lists designated beaches and other social venues where nudism is accepted.

• Net Nude.com: This site has a variety of resources on nudism, including directories of resorts, clubs, and other bare venues.

• San Francisco Bay Nude Beaches: California has more free beaches than anywhere else in the US, and this gives you a guide to many of the best near San Diego.

• World Guide to Nude Beaches: Written by Lee Baxandall and available at Amazon.com, this guide provides comprehensive listing of beaches that don’t require suits.

• Bare Beaches: Lifestyle Press, in association with The Naturist Society, presents in book form a US and a UK guide to the top one thousand free beaches.

More Resources

Other ways to find nudist beaches in your local area or the area you will be vacationing in is to contact local naturist organizations – to locate organizations, visit The Naturist Society directory page. You can also visit forums on naturist or nudist advocate websites and ask for recommendations.

Popular places that have clothing optional beaches include:

• Greece
• Cabo San Lucas and other areas of Mexico
• In the US -- Hawaii and California
• France

Nudist Beach Behavior

Some travelers may be interested in visiting a free beach, but feel apprehensive because they aren’t sure how to behave. With a little preparation, travelers can visit nudist beaches without anxiety. Consider the following trips when preparing for a visit to a naturist beach:

1. Pay careful attention to the signage – in most cases it is clearly marked where nude and clothed areas begin and end. Also be aware if it is a topless only beach or a full nude beach.
2. Keep your suit or towel if you fear feeling uncomfortable when others pass by.
3. Set up your towel and other belongings at a more secluded area until you are more comfortable.
4. Visit the beach at less popular hours until you become comfortable.
5. Never stare at other utilizing the nude beach – this is rude and will be disconcerting to both parties.
6. Avoid sexual insinuation to others and overt sexual behaviors.
7. Do not photograph other nude beach visitors without their permission.
8. Follow all parking and other regulations.
9. Be respectful of the area and pick up any trash or other belongings when leaving.
10. Bring necessary items – including water, snacks, sunscreen, a small bag to collect trash, and bathing suit to put on when entering the clothes are – with you.

Visiting a nudist beach can be a unique and relaxing experience for many travelers. Many come away with a new appreciation for the human form and the natural world, as well as being refreshed from their vacation. With a little planning, respect for others, and self-acceptance, travelers can enjoy the benefits of nude beaches without worry.