With 1,350 miles of coastline, Florida is home to some of the most incredible beaches of any place in the world. The majority of which, however, do not permit nudity. But for our free-spirited Floridians, there’s a few stretches of sand where you can ditch the swimsuit and soak up the sun. At these nudist and clothing-optional beaches, that kind of freedom isn’t just allowed — it’s actually encouraged. Take Miami’s own Haulover Beach, considered one of the top nudist beaches in the globe, or Playalinda Beach, located near the Kennedy Space Center and its rocket launches.
So whether you’re an experienced naturist, beach lover or simply curious about the experience, let’s dive right in!
Do’s and don’ts of going to a nude beach
But first, it’s important to go over nude beach etiquette to make sure everyone respects each other’s personal space. Avoid doing anything that would make beachgoers feel uncomfortable, such as staring or taking photos without their consent. In addition, don’t act in a way that might be inappropriate or lewd, and make eye contact if you’re engaging in conversation with a fellow sunbather. One should also bring a beach towel along for hygiene purposes, especially when sitting on a bench or other public surface.
1. Haulover Nude Beach
Let’s talk about Miami’s only nude beach. Or, rather, Miami’s only clothing-optional beach as you’re not exactly forced to strip down to your birthday suit here. Whether you prefer to keep yourself covered up or not, this 0.4-mile stretch of sand on the northernmost end of Haulover Park boasts blue waters, concession stands and plenty of picnic areas. As one of the oldest and most popular nude beaches in the country, Haulover Beach draws a whopping 1.3 million visitors a year.
📍 10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154
2. Blind Creek Beach
A little over two hours from Miami, this peaceful paradise located between the towns of Fort Pierce and Jensen Beach is characterized by the privacy and tranquility it offers away from bustling crowds. Back in 2020, Blind Creek was officially recognized as clothing-optional by St. Lucie County despite being unofficially used as a nude beach before then. If you’re wondering when’s the best time to visit, the Treasure Coast Naturists host an annual skinny dip in July, which received a record 769 attendees!
📍 5460 S Ocean Dr, Fort Pierce, FL 34949
3. Playalinda Beach
Translating to “pretty beach,” this scenic spot located within the Cape Canaveral National Seashore is popular for viewing rocket launches from Kennedy Space Center. Although it should be noted that the beach is not officially nudist, however, you can take off your swimsuit north of Lot 13. You see, Playalinda sits between Brevard and Volusia counties, and public nudity is prohibited in Brevard. So you have to make sure you’re on the right side of the beach before you bare all!
📍 7611 Atlantic Ave S, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
4. Apollo Beach
We talked about one of two beaches on Cape Canaveral. The other one, found in New Smyrna Beach, is a popular naturist destination especially in the area south of parking lot #5 — just look out for the signs. Isolated and quiet, Apollo Beach makes for a great option if you’re planning a staycation or weekend break. Not only is it a remote spot for some nude sunbathing, but with a diverse range of plant life, you’re free to explore and reconnect with nature.
📍 7611 Atlantic Ave S, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169