Dare to Bare it All! Information and Guide for 1st Timers and Seasoned Naturists

This topic has always interested me, so naturally I took the opportunity to research and write a bit about the subject to inform others, but to also satisfy my own curiosity. I actually knew a man at a former job once who was a 'nudist,' but for the life of me I just couldn't imagine how gross it would be to see Cliff running around naked, and who else would want to see it. Short, middle-aged, fat and bright red from too much sun, well, the body parts that the law allowed him to expose at work anyway. My curiosity took me even further, and I found and visited 2 'unofficial' beaches in Northern California. It was not quite the sexually-charged experience I thought it would be, but au contraire! The folks that were there were not the 'hard bodies' that I expected to be prancing around, strutting their stuff. Oh wow - all these folks, some older and some younger, pretty much were average-looking, saddle bags, love handles, cellulite and other droopy parts. I guess I was pretty disappointed, and gave up the notion.

In recent researching (and being a bit older now), I've learned that nudism or naturism is not quite the deal I used to think it was before. According to The Naturist Society, the definition and explanation is as follows: "Naturism, or nudism as it is sometimes called, is generally defined as the practice of going nude, especially in a mixed social setting. While accurate as far as it goes, the standard definition fails to grasp the "why" of naturism - why do people choose to be naturists? Individual responses to that question vary greatly. For some, naturism is a carefully considered lifestyle; for others, it is no more complicated than a day at the nearest nude beach. What connects these two extremes is the sense of freedom naturist activities provide. It may be a matter of simple comfort-first-time skinny-dippers frequently marvel at how good it feels to be clothes-free-or there may be something more profound. For many, the social nudity that helps define naturism is personally liberating; through it, we come not only to accept ourselves but others. "Body Acceptance is the Idea, Nude Recreation is the Way." What do naturists mean when they talk about "social nudity" and "nude recreation"? …it's important to know what they don't mean. Misconceptions aside, naturism is not a code word for "sex." When naturists talk about "social nudity" and "nude recreation" they mean just that-nude group activities."

You must know that typically, each state imposes its own "Indecent Exposure Laws," and they read something like this one from that State of Alaska: Sec. 11.41.460. Indecent exposure. (a) An offender commits the crime of indecent exposure if the offender intentionally exposes the offender's genitals to another person with reckless disregard for the offensive, insulting, or frightening effect the act may have on that person. (b) Indecent exposure before a person under 16 years of age is a class A misdemeanor. Indecent exposure before a person 16 years of age or older is a class B misdemeanor. (Source: Code of the State of Alaska - www.legis.state.ak.us)

That being said, if you're still interested, or still even a little curious, aren't misled by the hopes of a "Hedonism" experience, and looking for a place to roam free - that is, free from clothes and the restrictions that the law imposes about wearing them, there are several naturist organizations to check out, and several different beaches and resorts to give your natural side a chance to breathe openly.

Lighthouse Beach is an Official Nude Beach, located in Robert Moses State Park on Fire Island, just off southern shore of Long Island, New York. Directions: Head south from Long Island along the Robert Moses Causeway, cross over the first bridge and upon reaching a second bridge, follow the signs for "Robert Moses State Park". Continue straight on at the roundabout next to the water tower and park in Parking Field 5. Walk towards the lighthouse until you reach the boardwalk that leads to the beach.

Blacks Beach is an Unofficial Nude Beach in San Diego County, California, just south of Los Angeles. Directions: It can be reached by traveling west from the University of California's San Diego campus along Interstate 5 to La Jolla and following the signs to Torrey Pines Scenic Drive. Drive from there along a paved track and park at the Glider Port. There is a steep path that leads down 300 feet to the nude beach. For information on Black's Beach and directions please visit the website at www.blacksbeach.org.

San Onofre Beach is an Unofficial Nude Beach, just south of San Clemente, California, 60 miles north of Black's Beach which is described above. Directions: Take the Basilone Road exit from Interstate 5 and go past the Nuclear Power Plant into the state park. The beach is close to Restroom 16 on Trail 6 and the nude beach area is about 500 meters further south, just past the life guard station.

Red, White and Blue Beach - Nudity is even allowed from the parking lot to the beach! It's just six miles north of the city. The private Red, White and Blue Beach has been the choice of Bay area naturists for more than 30 years. Recreation options at the Beach include volleyball, whale watching (in the spring) and overnight camping. It's located at 5021 Coast Road, Santa Cruz, California 95060. You can reach them by calling (831) 423-6332.

Haulover Beach - This beach participates in organized events, such as "Nude New Year's." This beach is just north of Miami, and is one of the few county-run and government-sanctioned clothing-optional beaches in the United States. Thanks to the efforts of the South Florida Free Beach Association, this beach has certified lifeguards and organized group activities, such as swimming and volleyball. It's located ½ way between Miami beach and Hollywood, Florida. You can reach them by calling (305) 947-5826.

The Terra Cotta Inn is a private, 17-room hideway designed in 1960 by a modernist architect named Albert Frey. The Terra Cotta Inn only five minutes from downtown Palm Springs. In the past, it was a celebrity retreat named the Monkey Tree, and was a favorite of such Hollywood stars as Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball and Spencer Tracy. The Terra Cotta Inn has rooms with kitchens and private patios, spacious guest accommodations, cable TVs and VCRs, king-sized beds, in-room coffee service and maid service. There's a heated pool and huge whirlpool spa with a view of the mountain. There are also fax and business services available. The Terra Cotta Inn is located at 2388 E. Racquet Club Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262-2629. For more information you can call them at 1 (800) SUNNY-FUN (1 (800) 786-6938) or locally at (760) 322-6059, or visit them at http://www.sunnyfun.com .

Penn Sylvan Health Society (PSHS) is one of the oldest, family-oriented nudist camping grounds in the United States with over 130 acres. Enjoy nature walks, games, socializing, sunbathing on their huge lawn, swimming in either of their indoor or outdoor pools, indoor hot tub, sauna, tanning bed, exercise, play tennis, volleyball (two courts), petanque (two courts), badminton or shuffleboard. They are located in the southern tip of Berks County, close to the Lancaster county border. There are lots of attractions close by, such as Maple Grove Raceway, Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Hershey Park and others. PSHS is located at 5028 Camp Road, MOHNTON, PA 19540-9231. You can reach them by calling (717) 445-6330 or visit their website at www.pennsylvan.net.

Goodland Country Club is another oldie but goodie. It's one of the nation's oldest nudist parks located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, in northwest New Jersey. There are both cabins and campsites available. You can enjoy the swimming Pool, 2 whirlpools, 2 saunas, hot & cold outside showers, picnic area, volleyball, badminton, shuffleboard, ping pong, basketball, billiards and cable TV in the Recreation Hall. Goodland is located in Hackettstown, NJ 07840, and can be reached by calling them at (908) 850-1300 or by visiting their website at www.goodlandcc.com.

The Desert Shadows Inn Resort & Villas is only a mile from downtown Palm Springs, California. Its Palm Springs' only first class Naturist Resort. Stay in the exclusive Courtyard Suites, the one-bedroom Villa Suites, the Chaparral rooms with private balconies or in one of their two story villas with its own private balcony. Enjoy the heated "Fun Pool," water volleyball, lighted tennis court, Sunset Café, or simply relax in your lounge chair poolside and have lunch brought to you. The Desert Shadows Inn Resort & Villas is located at 1533 Chaparral Road, Palm Springs, California 92262. You can reach them by calling 1 (800) 615-7543 or visiting their website at www.desertshadows.com.

Whether you're a first-timer, a seasoned naturist, or just curious like I was, any of these beaches or resorts are a good to do it all Au' Naturel! For first-timers, do your research first before just jumping into something that you don't know anything about (like I did). Of course there are also locations, like in the Caribbean, that cater to those seeking sexually charged adventures, such as the Rio Negril and Ochos Rios Hedonism, but all in all, naturism and nudism is about self acceptance and personal freedom. Dare to be bare and express yourself!

For more information on Where to be Naked in the USA, click here.