Top 5 Myths About Nude Beaches

by Matt

It’s unfortunate that some people have preconceived ideas about nude beaches and what they are or who goes there. We would have visited a nude beach much earlier if we had of known how accepting and carefree they are. To be honest it took a long time to tell our friends about our ‘beach preferences’ mostly because of stereotypes or the ignorance that exists.

So here are the top 5 myths about nude beaches (in our experience):

5) Everyone will look at me and know I’m a newcomer

Here’s the real talk: no one’s going to give you a second glance. Trust me, no one’s going to know it’s your first time at a nude beach. Unless you go announcing it or you’re clearly not clued in on the beach etiquette (we’ve got some funny newbie questions answered right here for you).

Feeling nervous as a first-timer? Totally normal. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be a bit jittery but hey, it’s also super freeing and something to brag about later. Chances are, you’re not the only newbie there. If you’re in a tourist spot or a resort town, you’ll find plenty of others just starting out.

I still remember our first time stripping off at Wreck Beach in Vancouver. The beach was buzzing with people and we were sure everyone would be staring. But guess what? No one cared. What we thought would be a one-time daring adventure turned into our go-to beach routine. Now, hitting a nude beach and staying clothed feels weirder than just going with the flow. And remember, there are tons of other beaches for the days you feel like rocking your swimsuit!

4) Most people are attractive or old at nude beaches

Fact: Nude beaches are like a big, chill mix of all sorts of people. You might think it’s all about perfect bodies or just older people hanging out, but that’s not the scene at all. These places are all about being cool with whatever body you’ve got. Sure, some spots might be a favorite hangout for the retirement crowd (I mean, who wouldn’t want to chill at the beach all day if you didn’t have to work?), but there are plenty of places where you’ll find a younger vibe and families too.

You’ve probably heard someone joke, “the last people you want to see nude are the ones at a nude beach,” right? Well, they’re kinda missing the whole point. It’s not a fashion show. You’ll see all types – big, small, young, old, solo adventurers, families, and yeah, some “attractive” people who could be models. But it’s not about judging or getting judged.

Want to find the perfect beach for your vibe? Check out our guide or just ask around before you head out.

3) Everyone will pressure me to get naked or judge me if I don’t

Okay, let’s set this straight: you don’t have to go all out and bare everything on your first go. Just chill and be cool – don’t be the person who’s snapping pics or weirdly pacing up and down the beach. That’s the kind of stuff that really stands out in a not-so-cool way at nude beaches.

Take it at your own pace. Maybe you’re down with just going topless – that’s totally fine and something a bunch of our friends do. Or maybe you’re just curious and want to see what the fuss is all about. All good.

Yeah, there are a few spots where nudity is mandatory, especially in places like Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, and some other parts of Europe. These beaches might have separate sections, with one strictly for the nude crowd. And, of course, nude resorts – but that’s kinda obvious from the name, right?

2) Only nudists or naturists go to nude beaches

Let’s clear this up: you don’t need to be part of any club or slap a label on yourself to visit a nude beach. These places are all about kicking back, feeling free, and just being on the same level as everyone else. And yeah, it’s super easy to make friends here. People are usually pretty proud of their local beach and work hard to keep it cool for everyone, but that doesn’t mean it’s some exclusive club. If you’re up for some naked beach time, you’re in the right spot!

The whole ‘nudist’ or ‘naturist’ label? A lot of beach-goers aren’t even into those terms. ‘Naturist’ usually means someone who’s into being nude in nature, and ‘nudist’… well, it’s a bit old-school for some. Maybe you’re just into skinny dipping or sunbathing topless. Whatever floats your boat, you’re welcome. If the idea of swimming or tanning in the buff has ever crossed your mind, you’ve hit the jackpot with our site!

Oh, and check this: a recent study showed that over 60% of folks who love nude beaches aren’t into being called ‘nudists’. More on that below!

1) Nude beaches are overly sexualized places

Let’s bust the biggest myth out there – the one that probably stops you from telling your pals you’re a nude beach fan. You know, the fear of being hit on, or worse, just because you’re on a nude beach.

But here’s the real deal: that stuff just doesn’t happen. Nude beaches are about chilling and accepting the human body as it is. It’s like any other beach, just without the swimsuits. They’re definitely not these wild, lawless spots where anything goes.

Remember those so-called ‘hookup beaches’ from the 90s? Well, those days are long gone, thanks to hookup apps. Now, pretty much everyone you meet at a nude beach is there to enjoy the beach, not to hook up. Even spots with a sketchy past have cleaned up their act and are legit nude beaches now.

Except, well, Cap d’Agde. That place claims to be a ‘naturist village’ but, wow, it’s anything but. We checked out this famous spot in France, thinking it’d be like any other nude beach. Nope, we were in for a shock. It’s basically a swinger’s paradise, not a nude beach. And get this – they even have dress codes! Weird, right? It’s like a theme park for swingers, not what you’d call ‘naturist’ at all. Just a heads up, some hotels or sites might use ‘naturist’ or ‘nudist’ to hint at stuff that’s way beyond just nude sunbathing. Resorts in North America also refer to ‘the lifestyle’ or themselves as a hotel that ‘supports the lifestyle’. Basically ‘the lifestyle’ adds a sexualized component to these places and takes it further than just a nude resort. No judgement if that’s your thing – just call it what it is, right?

But hey, out of the hundreds of beaches we’ve been to, Cap d’Agde is the odd one out. Most nude beaches are just that – beaches where you can be nude and chill.

Find your perfect nude beach online and bust the myths and preconceptions you had for yourself!

Got a question we didn’t answer? Ask it below!