The majority of individuals who visit Fort Lauderdale, Florida are primarily interested in its sandy beaches. The beaches in Florida are recognized globally for their pristine white sands and crystal clear waters. The Atlantic Ocean, which surrounds Florida in ideal locations, offers stunning beaches. Whether you’re searching for a location to partake in beach volleyball or to sunbathe, Florida features a suitable beach for everyone.
However, some people might be looking for something more exciting, like topless sunbathing… If a clothing-optional beach in Florida is what you’re looking for then this list is just right for you. We also discuss nude beaches and nude resorts in and around Fort Lauderdale.
That being said, we have to state the fact here that public nudity is not legal in Florida. However, the exception here is that you are not allowed to partake in sexual acts or other vulgarities. So a quiet day at the beach should be perfectly fine.
For this reason, most of the Fort Lauderdale area has several clothing-optional resorts, topless beaches, and clothing-optional beaches.
Clothing Optional Beaches
These beaches in Florida are nude beaches that are clothing optional, which means that you have a choice of being fully nude or wearing a swimsuit – whichever you prefer.
Apollo Beach
Apollo beach is more than a secluded beach in Fort Lauderdale. It is one of just a few nude beaches in Florida with beautiful clear water and crushed coquina shells. It is important that you be vigilant on Apollo beach as the current can be quite rough. Furthermore, not the whole of Apollo beach is clothing optional; you need to be south of the very last parking lot. That being said, if you are in the right place and the mood takes you, enjoying some freedom on this beach is well within your reach.
Blind Creek Beach
Blind Creek beach is one of the newest clothing-optional beaches in Florida. The plan for Blind Creek Beach is to keep it as natural as possible, so there are protection laws for the dunes and other natural elements of the beach. This is the ideal beach for birdwatching, swimming, and sunbathing. Take note, however, that drinks and snacks are not sold on the beach as you might find on other beaches in the area.
Haulover Beach
Haulover Beach is Florida’s only official nude beach and the only legal nude beach in the Fort Lauderdale area. This is a beach within Haulover Park which takes up more than a mile of undeveloped coastline. At Haulover beach clothing is optional, and due to its on-site security this is one of only a few family-friendly nude beaches, so beachgoers are expected to stick to nude beach etiquette at all times. Also pay attention to which part of the beach is clothing optional and which parts are not. There are about 800 yards at the northern tip of the beach that is designated specifically for nude sunbathers.
Topless Beaches
Nude beaches might not be abundant in the Fort Lauderdale area, but there are a plethora of options to choose from when it comes to beaches in Florida where topless tanning will not get you in trouble. While it is still not legal, strictly speaking, the policy has, for quite some time, been to live and let live unless someone makes a complaint.
South Beach (Lummus Park)
South Beach, Miami, is not an official topless beach, but it is a hotspot for topless European tourists and the overall attitude at South Beach remains pretty relaxed. That being said, if you are asked to cover up it is important that you do so because complaints can result in a fine or jail time since nudity is still not legal.
Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge
This is a pretty secluded beach where many celebrities can often be found due to the overall quiet and private atmosphere. Like many “nude beaches” on our list, this one is not technically clothing-optional, but some beachgoers here are brave enough to go nude or topless due to its seclusion.
Clothing Optional Resorts
When it comes to nudist resorts in Fort Lauderdale many of these are privately owned, which means that the laws regarding public nudity are not applicable.
Cypress Cove Nudist Resort
Cypress Cove Nudist Resort is not a beach, but the lake beach provides a likewise experience with a natural feel among like-minded people. At this resort you can stay nude anywhere on their grounds, not just while you swim in the lake or sunbathe on the beaches and docks. This resort has anything and everything that you might find at a traditional resort, for example, a fitness center, tennis courts, and a 9-hole golf course. In addition to all the amenities at the resort, it is entirely family-friendly as long as you and your family are comfortable with the naturalist environment.
Alcazar Resort
The Alcazar Resort is the most popular clothing-optional resort in the US that caters specifically to gay men. If you want to enjoy the sparkling ocean waters this place is absolutely ideal. The Alcazar resort is only 50 feet from an absolutely gorgeous beach in the Atlantic. The resort caters to couples or single people and is within walking distance of the famous Sebastian Beach.
Rooftop Resort
The Rooftop Resort is not like the other resorts on this list. This is an adult-only resort that caters to Lifestyle nudists where you can traverse the entire resort in your birthday suit. There are also video playrooms and a series of special event nights on the roster that allow your imagination to guide your experience. There are also breathtaking views and heated pools for couples or singles to enjoy. The Rooftop Resort is within walking distance of the only legally nude beach in Florida – Haulover Beach Park where guests can go nude sunbathing without having to worry about any complaints from locals.
Conclusion
Whether you are taking a quick dip on an unofficial nude beach or you are looking for an authentic Florida nude beach resort experience that is private, Florida has something for everyone. Anyone visiting nude beaches in Florida needs to be aware of the legal constraints on nudity in the state, however the overall attitude remains relaxed and comfortable. Nude resorts that are privately owned are not subject to public modesty laws and are separate from the prying eyes of the public. When planning your trip remember to do research and above all, remember your sunscreen!
Honorable Mentions not Discussed on this List
- Boca Chica beach
- Santa Rosa beach
- Playalinda beach
- Jensen beach
- West Palm beach
- Bunche beach preserve (San Carlos bay, Fort Myers)
- Anne’s beach
- Johnson beach
