Designated Nude Beaches in the United States: State-by-State Guide

Public nudity laws vary by state, county, and municipality. The beaches below are officially recognized or traditionally tolerated clothing-optional areas as of 2024. Always verify current signage and local ordinances before visiting.

California

• Black's Beach (San Diego) – Torrey Pines cliff access; SIO/UC San Diego manages; strongest legal protection (CA Penal Code 314 exemption).
• White Hawk Ranch (Joshua Tree) – private resort, day passes; not a public beach.

Florida (Most Sites)

• Haulover Beach Park (Miami-Dade) – 0.4 mi designated section; lifeguards, amenities, most visited US nude beach (~1.3M visits/yr).
• Hobie Beach (Key West) – small, clothing-optional section near airport.
• Indian Rocks Beach – Pinellas County; informal tolerance, no official designation.
• Lido Beach (Sarasota) – north end, limited signage.
• Magic Island County Park (Miami) – spoil island, boat access only.
• Playalinda Beach (Canaveral National Seashore, Titusville) – federal land; Park Service tolerates at southern end (Parking Lot 13).
• Redington Shores Park – Pinellas; unofficial, low-key.

Hawaii

• Little Beach (Mākena, Maui) – cove, Sunday drum circle tradition; technically illegal but unenforced.

Massachusetts

• Nauset Beach (Orleans, Cape Cod National Seashore) – erosion closed sections; check NPS alerts.

North Carolina

• Oriental Beach (Atlantic Beach) – private club; day memberships.

Oregon

• South Beach Nude Beach (Newport) – state park, signed clothing-optional area.

Legal Context

• Federal lands (National Seashores): 36 CFR 2.34 prohibits nudity; superintendents may designate exceptions (rare).
• State parks: Vary; CA, OR, HI have explicit or de facto tolerance.
• Local ordinances often stricter than state law.

Etiquette

• Carry towel to sit on.
• No photography without consent.
• No sexual behavior.
• Respect textile (clothed) visitors in adjacent areas.