Key facts
| Country | United States (Miami-Dade County, Florida) |
|---|---|
| Nearest airport | Miami (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL), each roughly 30–45 minutes by road |
| Best time | November to May; summer is hot, stormy and humid |
| Type | Public county beach with an official clothing-optional section |
| Adults only | No — a public beach; the county describes it as family-friendly |
| Clothing | Clothing-optional between lifeguard towers 12 and 16; cover up in restrooms and parking areas |
| Best months | January–May, November–December |
Haulover Beach is the clothing-optional section of Haulover Park, a county park on the barrier island between Bal Harbour and Sunny Isles Beach, north of Miami Beach. Miami-Dade County designates the northern third of the beach, between lifeguard towers 12 and 16, as clothing-optional, and it has been used that way since 1991. It is one of the most visited nude beaches in the United States and, unlike many American nude beaches, it has full public facilities: lifeguards year-round, chair and umbrella rentals, a food and drink concession, showers and nearby restrooms.
Who it suits
- Naturists who want a safe, legal, well-run public nude beach in a major city.
- Couples and singles on a Miami trip who want to try social nudity somewhere with clear rules.
- First-timers, who can ask the volunteer beach ambassadors in green safari hats for advice on etiquette.
It is a public beach where families also visit, not a lifestyle venue; behaviour must stay non-sexual.
What to expect
The clothing-optional section is clearly marked and runs north from around lifeguard tower 12. The north parking lot gives the easiest access. You will see a wide mix of people: locals, tourists, older naturists, couples and groups of friends. Nudity is optional, and both nude and clothed visitors are welcome in the section. Outside it, including on the paths, in the parking areas and in restrooms, you must cover up.
Best time to go
South Florida's dry season, from about November to May, has warm days, lower humidity and fewer storms. Summer brings heat, humidity and almost daily afternoon thunderstorms, and the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November. Weekends are much busier than weekdays. Sargassum seaweed occasionally washes ashore in warmer months.
Getting there
Haulover Park is on Collins Avenue (State Road A1A). Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) are each roughly 30 to 45 minutes away by road, depending on traffic. The park charges for parking; use the north lot for the clothing-optional area. County buses run along Collins Avenue.
Etiquette and rules
- Stay within the marked section while nude, and cover up when you leave it.
- No photos or videos of other people. This is the most important rule on any nude beach.
- No sexual behaviour and no staring. Lewd conduct is illegal in Florida and will lead to removal and possibly arrest.
- Use a towel on rented chairs.
- Ask the ambassadors if you are unsure about anything.
Legal notes
Nudity is not allowed on most Florida beaches, which is why Haulover's designated section is so unusual. Within the marked area, nudity is allowed under the county's designation; outside it, ordinary indecency and exposure laws apply. Sexual activity in public is illegal everywhere.
Safety and consent
Swim near a staffed lifeguard tower and heed the flags; rip currents occur on this coast. The Florida sun is intense, and sunburn on rarely exposed skin can be severe, so apply sunscreen generously and reapply after swimming. Keep valuables out of sight and do not leave them unattended. If you arrange to meet anyone from an online community, meet in a public place first and keep things respectful and consensual.
Nearby
Florida has a strong naturist culture. Central Florida's family resort Cypress Cove and the Tampa Bay area's clothing-optional resorts in Pasco County, including the adults-only Caliente, are within a half-day's drive. Browse members in the United States and naturist places in the US.