For those of you who have gone skinny-dipping or sunbathed nude, you're not alone. According to a national Roper Poll, one out of every four U.S. adults has done so. That's over 55 million people! As for public opinion on nude sunbathing--at a beach or location accepted for that purpose--the same poll has a 74 percent majority saying clothing-optional is acceptable. For your clothing-optional adventure, Key West has properties near its famous Duval Street as well as in out of the way and secluded areas.
Located just over a block from Duval Street, with a clothing-optional sun deck surrounded by gardens, each of Center Court's rooms and suites are decorated in Caribbean style with local art. All accommodations are arranged for privacy, and include a Honeymoon Hideaway and a Family House. Certain suites and houses allow pets and children.
Center Court Key West
915 Center Street
Key West, Fl 33040
800-294-9560
305-296-9292
centercourtkw.com
AAA-approved, with three diamonds, and located just over two blocks from Duval Street, Chelsea House features two 1900s Victorian mansions on an acre of tropical gardens. The clothing-optional area is a discreet sun deck. Most of the rooms and suites have one bed and are designed for couples; however, some have roomier options and are pet-friendly.
Chelsea House Hotel
709 Truman Avenue
Key West, FL 33040
800-845-8859
305-296-2211
historickeywestinns.com
Located in the heart of old town on historic Fleming Street, about three blocks from both Duval Street and the beach, Equator is a clothing-optional resort for gay men. The accommodations are elegant and spacious, with certain rooms featuring wet bars and whirlpool tubs. The property is clothing-optional wherever guests are allowed.
Equator Resort
818 Fleming Street
Key West, FL 33040
800-278-4552
305-294-7775
equatorresort.com
An 1800s conch house bed and breakfast in the old town historic district, Knowles House is two blocks from the beach and about five blocks from Duval Street. There's a clothing-optional sun deck, and a tropical outdoor shower that's secluded in a corner of the garden.
Knowles House Inn Bed & Breakfast
1004 Eaton Street
Key West, FL 33040
800-352-4414
305-296-8132
knowleshouse.com
On Duval Street, and about three blocks from the beach, La Te Da features a clothing-optional sun deck, restaurant, bars and a cabaret. The Cabaret at La Te Da has been a Key West landmark for more than 30 years, with shows ranging from renowned female impersonators to Broadway stars and comedians.
La Te Da Key West
1125 Duval Street
Key West, FL 33040
877-528-3320
305-296-6706
lateda.com
Built in 1889, Marrero's is an adult-only (21 and above) guest mansion located half a block from Duval Street and about three blocks from the beach. The pool area is clothing-optional, and the accommodations range from large guest rooms with separate sleeping areas to bedrooms with verandahs.
Marrero's Guest Mansion
410 Fleming Street
Key West, FL 33040
800-459-6212
305-294-6977
marreros.com
As Key West's first resort, founded nearly 40 years ago, Pier House is ideally located at the top of Duval Street. With 142 rooms and suites and the island's only full-service spa, the resort covers 6 acres on the Gulf of Mexico. Tropical gardens surround the pool area, which opens directly onto a private beach with a discreet top-optional area.
Pier House Resort and Spa
1 Duval Street
Key West, FL 33040
800-723-2791
305-296-4600
pierhouse.com
A circa-1900 Victorian mansion that won an Excellence Award for Preservation, Pilot House is just over a block from Duval Street and three blocks from the beach. Each room is individually decorated with a blend of antiques and tropical furnishings. The clothing-optional areas are the pool and the secluded spa area.
Pilot House
414 Simonton Street
Key West, FL 33040
800-648-3780
305-293-6600
pilothousekeywest.com
Just over a block from Duval Street and three blocks from the beach, Suite Dreams offers one-, two- and three-bedroom suites featuring living rooms, equipped kitchens, private entrances, gardens and patios. The pool area is clothing-optional, and the Super Suite has its own secluded outdoor pool.
Suite Dreams Key West
1001 Von Phister Street
Key West, FL 33040
800-413-1978
305-296-5169
oldtownsuites.com/suitedreams
While this article references private properties where nudity is allowed, it does not imply that Florida law allows public nudity. Accordingly, public nudity may be considered a violation of one or more Florida statutes. Therefore, should you be considering nudity at any of these properties, you should contact law enforcement in the area of the property to ensure that the property owners have the necessary permits for such an environment.
