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Bare And Bold: The 20 Best Clothing-Optional Beaches To Experience


Bare And Bold: The 20 Best Clothing-Optional Beaches To Experience


Beaches With Zero Dress Code

Swimsuits are great until they start collecting sand in all the wrong places. Some people reach their breaking point and decide, “Enough’s enough.” That’s where clothing-optional beaches come in. At these spots, all you need is a towel, some sunscreen, and an open mind. And honestly, after ten minutes, it stops feeling strange and just starts feeling normal. So, here are 20 beaches that are some of the best spots to go clothing-optional without the awkwardness or the chaos. 

File:Hawaii Maui Makena Little Beach bay (30799841887).jpgdronepicr on Wikimedia

1. Haulover Beach, Florida

Haulover Beach is one of the rare clothing-optional spots officially recognized in the U.S. Set in Miami-Dade County, it offers soft white sand and clear turquoise waters. Moreover, the designated area is well-marked and watched by approachable lifeguards. 

File:Haulover Beach Long View.jpgInfrogmation of New Orleans on Wikimedia

2. Wreck Beach, Canada

Located near the University of British Columbia, Wreck Beach is considered the largest clothing-optional beach in North America, stretching over four miles. Since the 1970s, it has attracted visitors seeking a relaxed, long-standing naturist environment.

File:Wreckbeach-ptgrey.jpgArnold C on Wikimedia

3. Praia Do Abricó, Brazil

Praia do Abricó is the only officially designated clothing-optional beach in Rio de Janeiro. It’s backed by jungle-covered cliffs and monitored by a local naturist association that enforces rules based on respect and consent. The beach is also known for its relaxed, body-positive environment.

File:Praia de Abricó.jpgAndré Sampaio on Wikimedia

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4. Little Beach, Maui

Separated from the primary beach by a lava outcrop, Little Beach offers calm waves and soft sand, perfect for sunbathing and body surfing. On weekends, the beach comes alive with sunset drum circles and fire dancing, adding to its reputation as a laid-back and spirited destination.

File:Makena State Park.jpgPdx.rollingthunder on Wikimedia

5. Playa Zipolite, Mexico

What began as a laid-back getaway evolved into Playa Zipolite—Mexico’s recognized clothing-optional beach since 2016. It’s a destination where naturism meets yoga culture, and hippie roots run deep. The annual Latin American Naturist Encounter and local business support keep its open-minded spirit thriving.

1.jpgZIPOLITE BEACH! Mexico's Nudist Hippy Paradise! by Jessica Savano

6. Cap d’Agde, France

Few destinations operate like Cap d’Agde, where the beach is just one part of a fully immersive naturist resort. It allows residents and guests to go without clothing in shops, restaurants, and banks—while strict privacy and behavior standards guide the community. 

File:Cap d’Agde, Franciaország.jpgJean-Louis Zimmermann on Wikimedia

7. Red Beach, Crete

Access to Red Beach requires effort—a 20-minute hike or a short boat ride from Matala—but the reward is worth it. Known for its reddish sand, rocky cliffs, and cave-dotted backdrop, the beach has become an unofficial clothing-optional spot favored by free-spirited travelers.

File:Red Beach bei Matala.jpgRudolphu on Wikimedia

8. Black’s Beach, California

Steep cliffs and remote access have helped shape Black’s Beach into one of the most recognized clothing-optional spots in the U.S. The beach has roots in 1960s history and continues to attract both surfers chasing strong waves and visitors looking to relax along the sand.

File:Paraglider landing at Black's Beach, La Jolla, San Diego, California 19.jpgLevi Clancy on Wikimedia

9. Bellevue Beach, Denmark

Located near Copenhagen, this urban beach has welcomed visitors without clothes for decades. Designed in the 1930s by architect Arne Jacobsen, it features clean waters, public showers, and signature blue-striped lifeguard towers that still stand out today.

File:Bellevue Strand.jpgRhinoMind on Wikimedia

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10. Es Trenc, Mallorca

Es Trenc is one of the last undeveloped beaches in Mallorca, known for its clear, Caribbean-like waters and natural surroundings. Clothing-optional sunbathing is common, particularly at both ends of the beach, and the spot remains popular among locals and visiting Europeans who appreciate its open setting.

File:Es Trenc, Mallorca, the beach.jpgBogdan Giuşcă on Wikimedia

11. Lokrum Island, Croatia

A designated clothing-optional area on Lokrum Island sits at the island’s southeastern tip, which provides an escape with a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik. Scenic swimming spots complete the experience for those seeking peace in an unusual setting.

File:Boats - Lokrum island.jpgPudelek (Marcin Szala) on Wikimedia

12. Praia Da Ursa, Portugal

Seclusion plays a big role at Praia da Ursa, where difficult access keeps the crowds away. Reached by a steep trail near Cabo da Roca, it’s one of mainland Europe’s westernmost and most dramatic beaches. Its remote setting has made clothing-optional sunbathing a long-standing, unofficial norm.

File:Praia da Ursa - Portugal (885501778).jpgVitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL on Wikimedia

13. Platja Des Cavallet, Ibiza

Freedom feels effortless at Platja des Cavallet, a seaside gem that's welcomed carefree beachgoers since the 1970s. Beloved by the LGBTQ+ community, this sun-drenched coast dazzles with crystal-clear waters and an unmistakable Mediterranean rhythm that keeps the vibe beautifully unbothered.

File:Es Cavallet-Ibiza-Beach-2019.jpgJanManu on Wikimedia

14. Studland Beach, England

At Studland Beach in Dorset, it’s all about balance—coastline calm meets wild countryside charm. Managed by the National Trust, this beloved spot features the UK’s most popular clothing-optional stretch. Behind the sand lies a protected heathland where rare flora and fauna thrive.

File:Studland Beach - geograph.org.uk - 4153585.jpgAnne Burgess  on Wikimedia

15. Lady Bay Beach, Sydney

Officially clothing-optional since 1976, this small cove charms with calm waters and sweeping views across Sydney Harbour. A short walk rewards visitors with a peaceful patch of sand where privacy comes naturally, and the city skyline feels miles away.

File:AUS Sydney, Woollahra, Lady Bay Beach 002.jpg-wuppertaler on Wikimedia

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16. Valalta Beach, Croatia

Set just outside Rovinj, Valalta Beach blends coastal beauty with top-tier comfort in a resort that’s refreshingly all-in. With a Blue Flag proudly flying, the clean shores and modern amenities cater to families and seasoned travelers alike.

3.jpgValalta August 2016 part. 1 by 550A500

17. Playa De Los Muertos, Spain

Perched along Almería’s coastline near Cabo de Gata Natural Park, Playa de los Muertos offers clear waters and quiet space, especially along its clothing-optional edges. After a short, steep walk, visitors arrive at a stretch of shoreline that feels rewarding.

File:Playa de los Muertos Octubre 2022.pngRL0919 on Wikimedia

18. Samurai Beach, Australia

Just north of One Mile Beach in New South Wales, Samurai Beach delivers a blend of freedom and fun that’s hard to match. With 4WD access and beachside camping, its laid-back vibe is supported by local associations and every year, things get even livelier with the famously quirky Olympics without clothes.

4.jpgSamurai beach day by Just_4_Adventures

19. Paradise Beach, Greece

On the sun-drenched shores of Mykonos, Paradise Beach lives up to its name with golden sand, crystal-clear water, and music that rarely stops. At one end, free spirits soak up the sun in peace; at the other, iconic clubs like Tropicana and Paradise Club fuel the festivities.

File:Paradise Beach, Kinira, Thasos.jpgDocWoKav on Wikimedia

20. Praia Olho De Boi, Brazil

Located behind the hills of Búzios, Praia Olho de Boi rewards the climb with a slice of untouched coastline. The rules here are simple—everyone embraces the clothing-optional spirit, with no exceptions. It’s quiet, respectful, and refreshingly free of distractions.

Untitled%20design.jpgPraia Olho de Boi - Armação dos Búzios - RJ - Brasil by Búzios Digital