Nude Beaches

Compared to Europe, there are few nude beaches in North America. Our nude beaches and public lands sometimes face pressure from government officials and developers who would rather designate such lands for development or non-nude use. AANR’s government affairs team helps lobby against such changes.

Against this backdrop, it’s no wonder that nudists treasure their nude beaches. Though no beach is ever completely safe from non-nudist interests, our shorelines have longstanding nudist use, attracting many thousands of annual visitors. In Florida, we are pleased that the Visit Florida travel, tourism and vacation website offers information about clothing optional beaches.

Recently, Nick and Lins of Naked Wanderings visited our beaches and created a nice video about them. Watch it on their YouTube channel!

Canaveral National Seashore

The Canaveral National Seashore lays claim to two nude beaches in Florida. That could be because this pristine federal park is not only relatively remote, but also breathtakingly beautiful. This is Florida the way it was when the first explorers sighted them in Columbus’s day: dunes covered with a mantle of sea oats and seagrape, beach sunflowers and berries. It remains the longest undeveloped stretch of oceanfront on Florida’s east coast.

On top of that, it has the advantage of accepting nudity in the designated areas – at least at the federal level.

Playalinda Beach is an isolated seaside haven along the Cape Canaveral National Seashore. Just a few meters from the coast is a vast swath of greenery that connects to a popular hiking trail, making for a unique experience for visitors.

However, inexperienced sunbathers must note that, because Playalinda is relatively isolated, there are no amenities outside of a few bathrooms. So, bring everything you’ll need for a comfortable visit.

Playalinda Beach is not an “official” nude beach, but it’s located on federal land. That means you’re free to sunbathe naked as long as you’re not bothering other guests.

Playalinda Beach – I-95 exit 220 – then proceed east on Garden Street and follow the signs. This is the southern access of Canaveral National Seashore, in Titusville. Playalinda Beach is reached via Fla 402 (also known as Beach Road).

Apollo Beach In New Smyrna; Nude sunbathing around strangers can be pretty intimidating the first few times, and that’s why so many new nudists head to remote havens like Apollo Beach. Like Playlinda, this beach is flanked by gorgeous vegetation and is home to several trails and attractions deeper inland. However, take note that insects tend to gather by the treeline during summer.

That said, Apollo Beach is still a great place for nude sunbathers. There’s lots of space to set up with friends and family along the shore during low tide. The guests are very respectful and generally keep to themselves, too.

Apollo Beach – I-95 exit 249 – then proceed east and follow the signs. This is the northern access of Canaveral National Seashore, located on Fla A1A at the southern-most end in New Smyrna Beach.

Blind Creek Beach

Treasure Coast Naturists is a non-profit group that has established a locally-recognized, family naturist (clothing-optional) section at Blind Creek Beach. This naturist oasis is located on Hutchinson Island eight miles south of Fort Pierce, on Florida’s Treasure Coast. Treasure Coast Naturists logoAlthough casual nude use has a long history at this remote, primitive and pristine beach, in 2014 local naturists secured peaceful co-existence and acceptance from both the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Department and the St. Lucie County Commission. The result is a thriving nude beach.

Treasure Coast Naturists has a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TreasureCoastNaturists. If you haven’t already done so, please “Like” it from your personal Facebook page as well as the Facebook page of your naturist group.

St. Lucie County, which has jurisdiction, is not opposed to this in concept. Indeed, the County’s Blueway Advisory Committee (BAC, which focuses on strategic planning and management of regional water resources) recommended a few years ago establishing a clothing-optional beach, albeit at a different location, but it was not acted on. The group met preliminarily in early June with the Chief Deputy Sheriff, the Assistant County Attorney, and the County Commissioner that chaired the BAC to discuss proposals. Additional meetings are slated soon with the rest of the County Commissioners..

The beach is primitive in that it lacks services such as tap water and showers. TCN installed portable bathrooms in early 2016 and continues to pay the bills. Donations from beach visitors and memberships help pay for this valuable amenity. Bring all you need for your visit including: food, water, umbrellas, and sun screen. Pack all your belongings back out again, including your trash. Leave only footprints. TCN’s comprehensive website covers a variety of topics including: detailed maps, nearby supportive hotels, recommended restaurants, parking, beach etiquette, government contacts, naturist history, and TCN’s membership form. A review of the TCN web site will soon make you an expert about Blind Creek Beach.

For any questions you can write TCN via their interactive Contacts webpage: http://www.treasurecoastnaturists.org/contact.html

HAULOVER BEACH

Miami, Florida
http://sffb.com

Photo: Haulover BeachEven European visitors accustomed to nudity in urban settings marvel at Miami’s Haulover Beach, one of the greatest success stories in North American nudism.

Nestled between the high-traffic Collins Avenue and the Atlantic Ocean on an undeveloped stretch of beach between high-end hotels and condominiums, Haulover attracts thousands of nudists on warm afternoons. They enjoy a white-sand beach, crystal-clear waters, and full beach amenities – all just a short drive to anywhere in Miami or Fort Lauderdale.

Thanks to the yeoman efforts of South Florida Free Beaches over nearly two decades and the economic impact of Haulover, the nudist designation seems as secure as a nude beach can be. That begs the question of why such nude beach models could not be followed elsewhere in North America.

Certainly nobody envisioned two decades ago the stretch of Haulover that’s now clothing-optional becoming a premier beach destination of any sort. Back then, gang members conducted drug transactions. The north parking lot that now generates millions in parking revenue for Dade County was a dirt lot used for industrial storage.

On July 14, 1991, a few dozen members of South Florida Free Beaches cordoned off an area with “Nude Sunbathing Zone” signs. SFFB members cleaned up and policed the area. The group won a legal battle in 1992 after five nude sunbathers were arrested.

Over the years, the group lobbied for the construction of the north parking lot and for lifeguards and has worked tirelessly to educate local officials, especially newly-elected ones. The county posted permanent signs informing visitors of the nude sunbathing designation.

Though development has encroached upon Haulover, with many of the kitschy beach hotels to the north torn down in recent years to make way for high-rise condominiums, the real estate crash has kept developers from wanting to extend their reach further south.

No one can deny the economic impact of Haulover. While it’s difficult to quantify the impact of top-free sunbathing at South Beach, Dade County officials only have to look at the increase in parking revenue at Haulover. From 1991 to 2004, parking revenue increased a whopping 445 percent, due primarily to the nude stretch. One survey showed that 50 percent of Haulover visitors are tourists, many from Europe.

In an area where skimpy clothing, glitz, and buzz are as much a part of the culture as Cuban cuisine and stone crabs, perhaps the best way to measure the success of Haulover is that it’s not seen as any big deal. After all, it’s been a South Florida institution for almost two decades.

AANR members visiting Haulover might consider staying at the Newport Beachside Hotel and Resort. The oceanfront resort, located less than a one-mile walk to Haulover, offers savngs to AANR members. Visit www.newportbeachsideresort.com for more information.

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