Frisky Friday Top 5: Nude beaches

There’s a unique kind of freedom that comes with getting naked on a public beach. It can be liberating to go where being au naturel is no big deal and let go of what you might normally want to hide. And it’s one helluva way to work on your vitamin D. If you go, make sure you bring someone who’s up for the adventure and a ton of SPF 50. And you better work that sunscreen over your entire body, especially places that don’t usually see the sun, if you know what we mean.

1. Moshup Beach, Martha’s Vineyard, MA
   The soft white sand and famous Aquinnah Cliffs—which are known for their natural multicolored layers of gravel, clay, and sand—stand out against the deep blue Atlantic. Nudity isn’t officially legal here, but it’s been considered a nude beach destination for decades. Also known as Aquinnah Beach.

2. Little Beach, Maui, HI
   Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Hawaiian Islands. The water is crystal clear and it’s a good spot for body surfing. Every Sunday night there’s a clothing-optional drum circle where people—including fire dancers—gather to cheer on the sunset. Nudity isn’t legal here either, but beachgoers don’t let that stop them.

3. Haulover Beach, Bal Harbour, FL
   Surfing. Swimming. Picnic areas dotted with palm trees. And you getting naked with 7,000+ others in a single day. Haulover Beach is very popular with tourists from all over the world and nudity is legal here.

4. Gunnison Beach, Middletown, NJ
   At the north end of the Jersey Shore sits Gunnison Beach, the largest clothing-optional beach on the Atlantic coast. It overlooks lower Manhattan and the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, but you may find yourself staring more at the people playing naked volleyball. (But don’t gawk! That’s a nude beach no-no.) Nudity is legal here too.

5. Collins Beach, Sauvie Island, OR
   Most people think California has a lock on west coast nude beaches, but Oregon’s Collins Beach is worth a mention. It’s just outside of Portland and sits on the Columbia River. We hear it’s good for hipsters and hiking. Nudity is legal.

Want to take this experience international? The Travel Channel and GoNOMAD recommend nude beaches abroad. Here are tips from Matador on how to blend in and here’s a video on clothing-optional etiquette. Do you dare to go bare? Tell us your fave nude beach in the comments and we may show up.

We’re not kidding about sunscreen,
Bedsider

P.S. Poolside fashion and lots of passion went into our latest infographic. Check out the wet and wild history of swimwear.