8 Things to Know About Going to a Nude Beach

I just went for the first time and it was *chef's kiss*.

I love being naked, so the concept of a nude beach has always really appealed to me. I’d been saying for years that I wanted to go to one and just hadn’t had the opportunity yet — but recently, I finally made it happen.

My partner and I had planned a weekend away together, and there happened to be a nude beach nearby, so we immediately added it to the itinerary. He’d been before and was excited to be with me when I experienced it for the first time. I truly couldn’t wait.

Before I went, a lot of people had opinions and insight about what my experience would be like. “It’s mostly older men that go to nude beaches, not people your age,” and “It’s kind of a weird vibe,” were some of the lines from cautionary tales told by people I’m not sure had actually ever been to a nude beach. I wasn’t worried though. I was just excited to be naked on the beach, the sun tanning my bare body and water splashing me all over.

And let me tell you, it was wonderful.

My experience going to a nude beach for the first time was absolutely fantastic. It was also, rather unexpectedly, a cool learning experience. I’m sure every nude beach is different, but there are some things I noticed and picked up on from my experience that may be surprising to some. It’s not just as simple as a bunch of naked people on the beach. It’s a whole experience.

Not everyone is naked

When my partner and I first arrived at the nude beach, I was naked within seconds, and he laughed at the way I didn’t even hesitate. I was so ready to be naked under the sun. As I scanned the crowd, I noticed that not all of the beachgoers were as enthusiastic about nakedness as I was.

The beach was classified as a clothing-optional beach, and not everyone was naked. In fact, the ratio of clothed to naked people was closer than you might think. Everyone seemed to be operating at their own comfort levels, and it felt so lovely to be in an environment where you could do what felt best to you. Some people (like me) were naked all over the place, some took time to get comfortable before shedding their swimsuits, some were only naked while in their own designated space, and some opted to keep their trunks on.

There was no right answer. Any comfort level was fine. There was no pressure, and it was lovely.

It’s not all men and couples

Besides the fact that there weren’t any kids, the crowd at the nude beach looked pretty similar to the crowd at any other beach. Couples, groups of friends, people of all genders there by themselves. The numbers were a little skewed towards men, but it wasn’t as uneven as people make it seem. It was a typical beach crowd — just with fewer swimsuits involved.

Before going, I thought about how I was grateful I had someone to go with as I might be nervous to go alone. After feeling out the crowd, though, I think I’d perfectly comfortable without a buddy. Imagine that.

All bodies are welcome

Weirdly, the nude beach I went to felt way more removed from societal pressures than most public spaces are. I guess if you’re comfortable enough to take your clothes off in public, you’ve probably done some work when it comes to self-acceptance and loving your body. As a result, there were bodies of all kinds represented. It felt very real, and that was one of my favorite parts about it.

It’s ok to look, but don’t stare

Let’s face it, humans are curious beings. Most of us are drawn to people-watching when we’re out and about. It’s a fun way to observe the world and everyone in it. I love people-watching when I’m at the beach — and the nude beach was no exception.

The key is to people-watch the same way you do anywhere. Look, observe, take it all in — but don’t stare. Staring makes people uncomfortable anywhere. You wouldn’t do it while people-watching at a coffee shop, either. Don’t make anyone feel uncomfortable by ogling their bodies. You can appreciate the freedom and the beautiful human forms all around you. Just don’t make it weird.

It’s not a super sexual thing

Since there wasn’t a lot of staring or ogling going on, being at the nude beach didn’t feel like a sexual thing, and I didn’t intend it to be. I didn’t go there to make a statement that I was down to f*ck. I went to feel free, be in touch with my body, and be among people who were just as enamored with being naked as I was — and luckily, that seemed to be the consensus from everyone around me.

Nothing about it felt like I was on display to try and attract others to me. There wasn’t tons of sexual tension in the air. Despite the nakedness, people weren’t making it all about sex, which was definitely refreshing.

… but people do hit on each other

Just because it wasn’t a sexual thing, though, doesn’t mean people still weren’t checking each other out here and there, the same way they do when they’re out in any public space. When my partner and I went out together while on that trip, we’d make comments afterward about how cute our waitress or bartender was. As we walked along the nude beach, we quietly checked people out together and commented later about how cute the girl walking in front of us was. It felt the same to us.

I also witnessed people flirting and hitting on each other, and honestly, it almost seemed to be handled in a more respectful way on the nude beach than in other places. Maybe because everyone is aware of the vulnerability of being naked and wants to be extra careful. I suppose it makes sense.

There were two people hanging out near our blanket set up who seemingly met while on the beach and seemed to be hitting it off in a romantic way. Later on, while my partner took a nap, I went swimming by myself and got hit on by another naked swimmer. It didn’t make me uncomfortable though. He was chill about it. Somehow, it didn’t feel weird.

It doesn’t feel awkward

For me, at least, nothing about the experience of being at a nude beach felt weird. It all felt very natural, and everyone around me seemed to agree. We were all having a typical beach day, and I was living for it.

As we laughed and joked, my partner and I struck up a conversation with another naked couple lying nearby. There was no attempt to hide our bodies, and we weren’t checking each other out. We were just socializing, and it didn’t feel awkward at all.

Swimming naked is divine

My favorite part about the entire experience was swimming naked in the ocean. Logically, I understand it’s not that different from swimming in a bikini. I get that. It feels so different, though. I’m not sure that I’ve ever felt that free in my life. I spent so much time letting the waves crash over me, closing my eyes and feeling the water flow down my body. It was one of the most blissful things I’ve ever experienced.

Even if the rest of my time at the nude beach had sucked, splashing around completely naked in the ocean would have made it all worth it.

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