Nude Beaches in the United States

Nude beaches and resorts conjure up a mixture of feelings: shame, anger, arousal- or all three together. For thousands of naturalist, however, nude beaches and resorts are perfect haven in which to relax and enjoy nature in all its glory.

While most people think of nude resorts as being distinctly European, there are dozens of resorts and beaches in the United States that offer a clothing-optional vacation. Below are several U.S. beaches that allow nudity.

Little Beach (Maui, Hawaii)
Officially known as Maui's "unofficial clothing-optional beach," Little Beach is an isolated strand surrounded by high shrubs, craggy volcanic rocks and driftwood. Although nude sunbathing is illegal in Hawaii, the law has not been enforced here for years. As a result, Little Beach has become a favorite hangout for naturists as well as artists like Dr. Leisure, who has been painting colorful scenes from nude beaches for more than a decade. Activities at Little Beach are plentiful, including swimming, body surfing and whale watching.

Red, White, and Blue Beach (Santa Cruz, California)
Six short miles north of Santa Cruz, lies the privately-owned Red, White, and Blue Beach. Popular for over thirty years, the beach offers volleyball, overnight camping, and whale watching. Nudity is allowed for the parking lot- which means visitors can even park their cars while in the buff.

Haulover Beach (Florida)
Part of the Sunny Isles, just north of Miami, Haulover Beach is one of the few country-run and government-approved nudity beaches in the U.S. The beach offers typical beach activities, as well as certified lifeguards.

Gunnison Beach (Sandy Hook, New Jersey)
A six-mile-long peninsula, Sandy Hook is located just across from the New York Harbor entrance. Overlooked by the historically renowned Sandy Hook Lighthouse, Gunnison Beach offers a breathtaking view of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge and lower Manhattan. The beach offers a nearly two mile section that is recognized as officially clothing-optional. The largest nudist beach on the U.S. Atlantic coast, Gunnison Beach hosts more than 5,000 visitors on a typical, sunny weekends. The beach offers certified lifeguards and police protection for visitors.

Zoar Valley State Multiple Use Area (Otto, New York)
As in Maui, nudity in the Zoar Valley MUA is technically illegal, but still widely popular. While topless sunbathing on New York state lands is allowed, full nudity is still against the law. Allegedly, the original owner of the park area was a naturalist. When he sold the land, he stipulated that it always remain a "naturalist area". This has been interpreted to mean clothing-optional, as well as prohibiting roads and marked trails. Popular since the 1820's the MUA still host nudists frequently, especially in the South Branch area. The rare times the police become involved is when visitors interpret nudity as a requirement for sexual activity. Most nudists are simply asked to cover up when police pass through. The current nude area is fairly remote, along with being an easy spot to watch for non-nudists and authorities.

Apollo Beach (New Smyrna, Florida)
Nude sunbathing and swimming are legal on Apollo Beach, located on the north end of Canaveral National Seashore. As long as visitors remain within the designated naturist area, they will not be bothered by the authorities. Visit the Central Florida Naturists website for some great information on rules and parking areas.

Rooster Rock State Park (Oregon)
The country's first officially-designated nudist beach, this stretch of the Columbia River is just east of Portland. Located at the east end of the state park, there are signs clearly marking the 'textile' (clothing required) and CO (clothing-optional) areas. The area experienced an influx of sexual exhibitionists in the 1990's, resulting in the decline of naturalist in the area. Recent efforts have improved to once again make the area a safe haven for naturalists.