How to Visit a Nudist Resort or Beach

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: February 17, 2022 References

Maybe you have often thought about visiting a nudist resort, but you haven't worked up the nerve. Going to a nude beach can be a very liberating and healthy experience. There are many steps you can take to make sure you have a positive experience. With the proper planning, this can be an excellent activity!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Planning Your Trip

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Do your research. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with different beaches and resorts. While most beaches and resorts are technically "clothing optional", there are some places where complete nudity is more enthusiastically encouraged. Some resorts and beaches allow nudity or going topless, but it is not necessarily embraced by everyone. At other sites, full nudity is the norm. ^{[1]
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- Read reviews from previous visitors. If you are looking into a resort, look for reviews on travel sites. You'll be able to get a feel for what type of experience to expect.
- Ask around. If you have heard about a particular beach where nudity is an often, ask people from the area if they have ever been. You should also find out whether nudity is merely accepted, or if it is actually legal. Some towns or states have statutes against public nudity, whereas others allow it in certain areas.
- Decide whether you want to spend several hours or several days nude. This can help you determine whether you want to just try visiting a beach, or whether you want to book a stay at a resort.
- Make sure that the resort is reputable. Some resorts claim to embrace the nudist lifestyle but are actually more like a singles scene. A beach that embraces the nudist philosophy will usually not focus on sexuality, whereas that might be a component at some couples resorts. This is a personal preference, but one you should be aware of when deciding where to go. Read reviews from previous travelers or beach goers to get a good sense of the atmosphere.
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Pick your priorities. Your next step is to decide what type of activities you would like to do. If you would like to just kick back on a beach and relax, there are plenty of options out there for you. But you should also know that there are many active nudist vacations that you can take, too. You can choose from a wide array of adventures while you experience the nudist lifestyle.^{[2]
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- There are travel packages available that include excursions such as hiking, tennis, and water sports.
- If you choose to visit a nudist resort, you should be aware that many people will spend the entire time sans clothing. Be prepared to eat your meals and check your e-mail with people who are unclothed.
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Recruit travel companions. There are many people who go to nude beaches and resorts on their own. This is a perfectly acceptable option if that is within your comfort zone. But if you are nervous to be naked in front of strangers for the first time, you might feel better if you take along a trusted friend or family member.
- Think carefully about whom you want to invite on the trip. The person you choose should be open-minded and open to the same experience as you. Talk about your expectations before you book any travel arrangements.
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Pack. This might seem strange, since you won't need to bring many clothes. But there are actually a lot of essentials you want to remember if you are visiting a nude beach or resort. For the beach, your most important item is your towel. You don't want to be completely naked on the sand all day--it's not comfortable.^{[3]
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- You should also make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen. You are going to be getting a lot of sun, and some areas of your body won't be used to the exposure. Make sure to fully lotion up several times a day.
- Weather can be unpredictable. If it grows suddenly cold or rainy, you'll want to be able to add layers of clothing. As with any trip, try to pack for the unexpected cold snap.
- Most nudist resorts and beaches frown upon cameras, for obvious reasons. You can leave this item at home, unless explicitly told that it is okay to bring.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Enjoying Your Vacation

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Familiarize yourself with the guidelines. There are many rules to follow when you are visiting a nudist area. Some are unwritten, but some are explicitly stated. Think about things that would make you uncomfortable while you are sunbathing nude. Then avoid doing those things. Pay attention to the behavior of others, and conform to social niceties.
- Some nudist resorts are adults only. If it doesn't specifically say that in the site's promotional materials, feel free to inquire. If you want your children to visit a nude beach, find an area that is kid friendly. This is much more common in Europe than it is in the United States.
- Avoid staring at others. No one likes to be gawked at. Pay attention to yourself, and those you came with.
- Don't make the situation sexual. Nudists are there because they embrace the freedom of the lifestyle, not because they are seeking a romantic encounter.
- Don't be an exhibitionist. This means not engaging in any sexual activity in front of others, or engaging in any physical acts that could be considered lewd.
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Be confident. Many people cite growing confidence as one of the major benefits of nudism. Even though it might be uncomfortable your first time, try to be confident in your own skin. You will soon realize that nudism isn't about looking a certain way--it is about feeling at ease. No one expects you to have a perfect body, so just feel good about what you have.
- Give yourself a pep talk before stripping down. Think of your favorite part of yourself and concentrate on that. Are your legs strong from doing a lot of walking lately? Let that be your focus.
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Stay open-minded. One of the main components of the nudist community is acceptance. You don't want to be judged by others, so make sure to practice that same mindset. Avoid thinking about people's physical attributes and instead focus on your own experience. Go into this knowing that you will see all types of bodies.^{[4]
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- Nudists believe that human bodies are beautiful. Make this your mindset, too.
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Have fun. This should be an enjoyable experience. After all, it is a day at that beach or a vacation. Try to treat it like you would treat any other sun filled excursion. Take your usual beach materials, such as an engaging book or some music.
- Don't be hard on yourself. If you feel uncomfortable at first, give yourself some time to start enjoying the experience.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Experiencing the Benefits

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Feel empowered. Exploring the nudist lifestyle is a great way to feel empowered. It can be exhilarating to experience an extended period of time not worrying about what you are wearing or what you look like. Research shows that nudists generally have high levels of self-esteem.^{[5]
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- Take some time to enjoy the experience. Think about how great it feels to be in a new environment and the new sensations that you are experiencing.
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Enjoy a judgement-free zone. One of the major components of nudist resorts and beaches is that the people who frequent them are generally very open-minded people. Knowing that you are not being judged is a great way to help you feel relaxed and more confident. It is a place where body image is not relevant.^{[6]
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- People naturally observe other people's clothing. When no one has any on, it removes one of the things that we tend to judge.
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Reap the benefits of new experiences. Trying something new is beneficial for your mind. Trying something new requires you to be brave, which is a good trait to have. New experiences also require to you grow mentally. Your mind will absorb new emotions as you try new things.^{[7]
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- Trying something new is the only way that you can find something new to enjoy.

Community Q&A

Question

Is completely shaving my pubic hair acceptable, or is it viewed as too sexual?

Community Answer

There are a lot of people on nudist beaches that have their pubic hair shaved, so there is nothing to be worried about.
Question

At what age can I visit a nude beach?

Community Answer

You can technically visit a nude beach at any age if you have adult supervision, though some nude beaches might not allow anyone under the age of 18 (whether or not they have supervision). You will have to check the rules at the specific beach(es) you wish to visit.
Question

Do I need a tattoos or a six pack body for a nude beach?

Community Answer

No. There are loads of people who go to nude beaches without either. Nude beaches are about body acceptance and fun.