Nude beaches aren’t as famous in America as in other parts of the world. However, the clothing-optional beaches in the United States are well worth visiting for those wanting to bear it all. From oceanfront spots to lake shorelines, get rid of those tan lines at one of these top nude beaches in the United States.
Little Beach - Maui, HI
Little Beach, found in Makena State Park, is a clothing-optional beach on the beautiful island of Maui, Hawaii. Although nudity on beaches is illegal in Maui, Little Beach is the unofficial exception. This clothing-optional Beach tops this list because it is one of the most beautiful nude beaches in the United States. There is a short hike from Big Beach to reach Little Beach. Little Beach seems to have a secluded section of Makena State Park since it’s a bit removed from the main beach-going area. Catch the sunset at Little Beach on Sunday nights, when the beach crowd comes alive through drum circles and song and dance.
Haulover Beach - Miami, FL
One of North America’s most famous nude beaches is Haulover Beach in Miami. This beach is one of the only government-run nude beaches in the country. Unlike Miami beaches, nudists here can enjoy crystal-clear, blue water and soft sand. Since over 1.4 million people visit this beach yearly, there is a lifeguard on duty here. Since its official title as a “clothing optional” beach in 1991, this Miami-based nudist beach has attracted locals and tourists alike.
Baker Beach - San Francisco, CA
The view of the Golden Gate Bridge from this nudist beach in San Francisco is well worth a visit here. Although not the best swimming spot due to cold water temperatures and rough swimming conditions, Baker Beach is still a great place to sunbathe. If you do intend to visit this California beach, keep in mind that only the northern part of this small beach is designated as clothing-optional.
Black's Beach - San Diego, CA
Another California beach that caters to nudist visitors is Black’s Beach in San Diego. There is a trek to reach this clothing-optional beach, but as the only beach in San Diego where nudity is not illegal, many visitors still flock here. Expect to see naked surfers and sunbathers enjoying this secluded piece of California shoreline. The cliffs and strenuous trek to this beach make Black’s Beach one of this list’s most private and isolated nude beaches.
Bonny Doon Beach and Laguna Creek Beach - Santa Cruz, CA
Venturing farther up the Pacific Coastal Highway, you will find clothing-optional Bonny Doon Beach (frequented by nudist visitors for decades) and Laguna Creek Beach. Just outside of Santa Cruz, these two beaches are minutes away from each other and feature coastal bluffs and unique rock formations.
Collins Beach - Sauvie Island, OR
Collins Beach, a river beach on Sauvie Island, is where many Portlandians head to bare it all. This Columbia River beach is pro-nudity, as the area even has signs to alert non-nudists about the amount of skin that is regularly seen here.
Kehena Black Sand Beach - Big Island, HI
Get rid of those tan lines when you spend time at this beach on the Big Island of Hawaii. This black sand beach does require a hike to reach. However, the walk adds a more secluded beach experience away from gawkers and tourists. To embrace Hawaii’s nudist community here, visit on Sunday nights when music and dancing occur on this small, 75-yard beach.
Hippie Hollow Beach - Austin, TX
Unsurprisingly, a clothing-optional beach is found within the “weird” city of Austin, Texas. This lake beach on Lake Travis is where nudists sunbathe and swim in the Texas Hill Country. Although not a sandy shoreline, the flat rocks that line the lakeshore at Hippie Hollow still make for a great place to enjoy this Texas lake sans clothes. Hippie Hollow, found 20 minutes outside of Austin, is Texas’s only clothing-optional public park area.
Gunnison Beach - Middletown, NJ
New Jersey is home to one legal nude beach, Gunnison Beach. Found in the Gateway National Recreation Area, this East Coast nude beach is popular all summer. Cool off with a swim and enjoy the Manhattan skyline from the beach. There is even a summer ferry that operates from Gunnison Beach to Manhattan. Due to its popularity, this nude beach gets crowded on weekends in the summer.
Moshup Beach - Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Moshup Beach near Gay Head and Aquinnah Beaches is a more secluded public beach on the west side of Martha’s Vineyard. Though it is more of an “unofficial” nude beach with no facilities, if you venture to the north end of the beach, about 10 minutes from the public beach parking lot, you will likely find some baring all while sunbathing or swimming. Plus, you can admire an impressive view of the Gay Head cliffs.
