I grew up in South Florida and I have always known about Haulover Nude Beach section between Miami Beach and Hollywood Beach, but I didn’t realize there were more nude beach areas and plenty of Nude Resorts in Florida that may offer their own “beachy” areas within the resorts.
While I am not a nudist, nor do I or have I spent much time on nude beaches, part of my journey goal is to walk a mile on every beach, which led me to the nude beaches.
All of the nude beaches in Florida have a “clothing optional” format. There are warning signs that let you know that there may be nudity on the beach so that people do not accidentally stumble upon them.
My Nude Beach Experience
As a woman, walking out alone onto a nube beach is a bit intimidating. You don’t know what you are going to see! Not all of the people are fully nude. And that is the beauty of these beaches. No judgement. Clothes, no clothes, everyone was respectful and seemingly comfortable and at ease.
When I walked along the beach in the nude sections, about half of the people were at least partially nude. And it seems to be common for a nude older man to come up to me to “welcome” me to the beach and ask if I had ever been on a nude beach, and other questions to start up conversation. It is a bit awkward, but I honestly have no problem with nudity and the men never felt threatening or weird. They were just normal guys who I felt were trying to make me feel more at ease.
The Beaches
Haulover Beach in North Miami Beach is probably the most well known in Florida. It is very inclusive and social with locals welcoming tourists to the beach. The clothing-optional section is well-marked and situated on the northern end of the beach. It’s family-friendly, with lifeguards on duty, restrooms, and a welcoming atmosphere. This is a very active beach.
I had been in the nude section of Haulover beach during my college years in the late 1980’s when the section of Haulover beach was growing in popularity as a nude beach. This was a time when there was no warnings or designated spots! Then in 1991, the north section of Haulover Beach officially became a designated nude beach.
Canaveral National Seashore has 2 nude beaches that are separated by miles of shoreline that is not accessible by car.
On the south side, just north of the Kennedy Space Center, Playalinda Beach, offers unofficial nude beaches around the northernmost parking areas (13 and 14). This is a spot where locals can go that is more remote and rustic, perfect for nature lovers who appreciate wide-open spaces and minimal crowds.
Then coming in through the Canaveral National Seashore Park entrance and going all the way to the south end at parking area #5, there is a designated nude / clothing optional beach. This was clearly marked in both the parking lot and as you enter the beach.
Blind Creek Beach on Hutchinson Island just south of Fort Pierce is a lesser-known more rural spot and offers seclusion.
Other than Haulover Beach, these beaches are tucked away in more untouched areas of Florida’s coastline where they are more private and it is harder to accidentally stumple upon.
Florida Nude, Naturalist and Clothing Optional Beaches
Florida’s Nudist, Naturalist and Clothing Optional Resorts
What to Know when visiting a Nude / Clothing optional Beach
- Nudity Laws: In Florida, nudity is generally illegal unless it takes place in designated areas or locations where it is clearly accepted, such as Haulover Beach. At beaches like Playalinda and Apollo, the clothing-optional areas are tolerated but not officially sanctioned, so visitors should be mindful of this.
- Etiquette: It’s important to follow general nude beach etiquette—respect others’ privacy, avoid taking photos without permission, and follow any posted rules or regulations.
- Family-Friendly: Some nude beaches like Haulover are known for being family-friendly, while others, like Apollo and Playalinda, are more secluded and might be better suited for adults seeking privacy.
Takeaways for Other Women
The beauty of these nude beaches isn’t just in their sun-drenched shores and clear blue waters; it’s in the acceptance and celebration of all bodies. The women I saw were from all walks of life, mothers, grandmothers, young women in their twenties, and each one of them radiated a quiet confidence. No one was concerned with hiding their perceived flaws or meeting beauty standards; instead, they simply existed, and that was enough.
If you’re a woman considering visiting a nude beach, here are a few things I learned along the way:
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It’s not as scary as you think: The idea of being naked in front of strangers may seem overwhelming, but once you’re there, it quickly becomes normal. No one is judging you, and everyone is more focused on their own experience.
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Body positivity is real: I saw all kinds of bodies at these beaches, stretch marks, cellulite, scars, and it was a reminder that we are all beautifully unique. There’s something incredibly powerful about accepting yourself exactly as you are.
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Be respectful: Nudist etiquette is important, bring a towel to sit on, don’t stare, and be mindful of others’ privacy. And remember, most people at nude beaches are there for the same reasons as you, to relax and enjoy the freedom of the experience.
Final Thoughts
My time at Florida’s nude beaches was an opportunity to break free from the expectations placed on me as a woman and to connect with my body in a completely natural way. I left the beach feeling lighter, freer, and with a deeper appreciation for the skin I’m in. If you’re thinking about trying it, take the plunge, you might just discover a new sense of self-confidence and liberation along the way.
