Haulover Beach: Miami's Publicly Sanctioned Clothing-Optional Destination

Everyone is aware of the treasure that is the Florida beaches. Whether it's the pristine white sands of Clearwater Beach on the West coast or the brilliant blue waters of Miami's Atlantic, Florida has the best beaches in the USA and some argue the world. What is not so well known is that right in the Miami metropolitan area lies one of the country's only officially sanctioned clothing-optional beaches.

Haulover Beach just North of Miami, between Bal Harbour and Sunny Isles has been in use and officially sanctioned since 1991. Although most cities in South Florida have public decency laws in effect, Haulover Beach, which is part of the larger Haulover Park lies on a small stretch of unincorporated land that falls within the jurisdiction of Miami-Dade County.

Haulover Beach comes to us thanks to the work of the nudist advocacy group, South Florida Free Beaches, or SFFB. They successfully lobbied the county government that according to the statute on the books, being nude in itself does not constitute public indecency. Being a decent bunch of people, the SFFB made friends with the county instead of spiting them and it has worked in their favor to allow naturists a place where they can gather, have fun, absorb some sun and enjoy the ocean.

The clothing optional portion of Haulover Beach is almost half a mile long and is separated from the "textile" beaches by two picket fences. South Florida's only "free beach" is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike to the number of over 1 million per year. Since the beach is publicly sanctioned by the county, they provide all day parking for $5, licensed lifeguards during daylight hours (9am-dusk), and regular trash services, along with showers and restrooms.

Visitors of Haulover Beach not only enjoy the freedom of being able to shed their clothing in the Florida sun, but also the freedom to possess and consume alcoholic beverages, which is virtually unheard of in the park-regulated Florida beaches. There are concession stands, as well, that serve casual hot and cold foods such as hot dogs and ice cream and alcoholic beverages. The only stipulation is that glass bottles are forbidden.

If you are unfamiliar with Haulover Beach or clothing-optional beaches in general, it may seem like it's a wild free-for-all party, but nothing could be further from the truth. As liberal as the beach is in appearance and its attendees, it is conservative in their actions. Respect is the name of the game. Clothing is certainly tolerated for those who are uncomfortable with complete nudity or those "just passing through." And just as clothing is tolerated, the unclothed expect the same consideration.

People from all walks of life attend Haulover Beach and interact peacefully amongst each other. Straight and gay people mix comfortably and without judgment. Young and old, rich and poor, black and white, it doesn't matter-all are welcome. It is said that the portion north of the lifeguard station is considered the "gay" side and the south portion is the "straight" side, but for the most part everyone mixes freely. It is also a destination for many international tourists, who are looking for a little European style in America.

If you are looking for Haulover Beach, it is easily spotted along Collins Ave, also known as Highway A1A. Just North of Bal Harbour and South of Sunny Isles, when driving you will begin to see colored tunnels leading under the street and matching colored concrete "igloo" shaped structures which house showers and restrooms. The tunnels under the street are walkways because parking is on the west side of A1A and the beaches are on the east. Coming from the south, you will see green, yellow, blue, and the northernmost will be pink. The pink area will be your destination.

If you would like more information on naturist activities or Haulover Beach, please visit the South Florida Free Beaches website at www.sffb.com. To contact the county office for Haulover Park, they can be reached at 305-947-3525.