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HAULOVER BEACH
Haulover is one of the best nude beaches in America. It doesn’t have the surfing of San Onofre, or the beauty of Black’s Beach, but how can you not love a huge nude beach in the middle of major metropolitan area, with a tropical climate?
Haulover is a county park which has preserved a few miles of Florida coastline from the soaring high rises you see to the north and south. Best of all, they’ve allocated a big section to be enjoyed by nudists. So even though you’re looking at high rise condos with sky high price tags in the distance, Haulover has just offers native mangrove trees, a white sand beach, warm ocean water and thousands of naked people. There are signs that let you know where the nude sections begin and end. Due to huge popularity the nude section has grown, and now has about ½ mile of beachfront. There are lifeguard towers and concession stands that rent beach chairs. There’s also a snack stand where you can get cold drinks, burgers, chips, snacks and hot dogs – without ever having to put on clothes. There are frequent police patrols which can be a bit unnerving to new visitors, but they’re there to protect the beach from the weirdo’s who ruin public nudity so it’s actually a very good thing. WHEN TO GO Weather in South Florida is warm all year long. In the depths of January and February there can be a few cool days, but temperatures are still in the mid 60’s and usually jump back to the high 70’s within a day or two. Spring and late fall are typically perfect with days in the 80’s and nights around 70. Summer’s can be very hot with highs in the low 90’s and high humidity. Summer also tends to be rainier and sudden thunderstorms aren’t uncommon on summer afternoons . Water temperature ranges from the low 70’s in winter, to the mid 80’s in summer so comfortable nude swimming is possible all year long.
WHAT TO BRING The walk from the parking lot to the beach is about 100 yards. It’s all paved until you get to the actual beach. There are some steps, but it’s not a difficult walk so you’ll see many people with larger ice chests, folding chairs, etc. Given the tropical climate, an umbrella is a great idea, and a requirement in the hottest summer months. And don’t forget lots of suntan lotion too. The sand is mostly crushed seashells. It’s soft and comfortable to walk on, but does tend to get everywhere. Oversized beach towels or a beach blanket help keep the sand off your stuff. Even on crowded days there’s always room for a game of Frisbee or paddle ball. The concession stands sells snacks and drinks, but many people bring their own ice chests and food. There are plenty of trash cans along the beach so you can dispose of litter properly. There are open air showers at the edge of the beach, so you can even clean up after your beach day if you choose. Just remember to use bio-degradable soap or shampoo. WHERE TO SIT Once you arrive on the sand, you’ll see the lifeguard stand directly in front of you. To the right is the volleyball court and the beach regulars including the South Florida The crowd thins quickly as you move south (further to the right). This area is a combination of couples and single guys (there are always more men than women at a nude beach – a sad, but true, fact of life). If you’re looking for some peace and quiet to enjoy the sun, have a swim and chill out, this is the place for you. As you head north from the volleyball court (to the left) the scene is increasingly gay. Just to the left of the lifeguard tower is a mixture of gay and straight, some younger couples, groups of single women, groups of single guys, etc. The further north you go, the more gay it gets. It’s not really a cruising beach, but if you want to make some new friends, it shouldn’t be too hard. Pick your location based on your preference SPORTS
Although there’s plenty of sand and some open areas we haven’t seen much in the way of Frisbee, paddle ball or other sports. Haulover tends to be more social than sporting, but if you like a bit of exercise, there’s plenty of space. While the waves aren’t up to surfing, the water ranges from comfortable to warm-water bath. So nude swimming is possible all year long. There’s a sandbar a couple hundred feet offshore, so depending on tide you can swim out to the sandbar, then relax in shallow water and enjoy watching the scene on the beach as you lounge in the tropical waters. FACILITIES There are bathrooms with private stalls, flush toilets and sinks a few hundred feet from the beach. They’re in big pink and white buildings (very South Florida), but you do have to get dressed to use them. Using the ocean or bushes behind the beach is not allowed, so slip on the shorts and use the bathrooms. Next to the path to the beach are fresh water showers. These can be used nude and are a great way to rinse off the salt water, sand and suntan lotion after a day at the beach. There are plenty of trash cans along the beach so there’s no excuse to leave trash or cigarette butts in the sand. SOUTH FLORIDA FREE BEACHES The South Florida Free Beaches group has done a great job at making Haulover a popular destination for locals, and for tourists around the world. They work to protect GETTING THERE Haulover Beach is located at 10800 North Collins Ave in Miami Beach. It’s about 7 miles north of the South Beach hot spots, or 30 – 40 minutes from the most popular tourist areas of Miami or Ft. Lauderdale. There is a large parking lot which costs $5 per day. Once in the parking lot, look for the paved path through the mangroves. You’ll cross a short wooden path through the mangroves, a concrete tunnel under the coast highway and emerge near the pink and white bathrooms. Large bushes obscure the view of the ocean (so people on the highway can’t see all the naked people), but walk a few yards to the right and you’ll see another pathway to the beach. |
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There’s a great mixtures of straights, gays, local, tourists, Americans, Europeans and much more. No matter where you sit you’ll hear languages and accents from around the world and realize that without clothes – everybody looks the same – well almost the same. It’s a laid back social scene where people gather to enjoy the tropical sun, warm ocean water and after-beach activities that Miami offers. 
Free Beaches group. This is a large social group who mix and mingle throughout the day. It’s mostly couples in their 40’s and 50’s (and beyond), some single men, some tourists, etc. If you enjoy social networking and conversation, this is the area for you. The closer you are the volleyball court, the more activity and action there will be. If you want a bit quieter day, or more solitude, find another area. 
We’ve mentioned volleyball, and the court is in use all day. Most of the players are fit and know what they’re doing. If you’re a decent player , introduce yourself and you might get into a game. If you’re an amateur, don’t bother. 
it’s legal status and arrange periodic events with booths, nude beach massages, cocktail bars and much more. If you’re thinking of visiting Haulover, or just want to support some hard-working people with a good cause, join their group at