This is always a funny topic to me.
Funny because those who are against beach nudity are SO outraged by it, and frequently mention how "ugly" the nude body is, and those who don't see a problem with it can't understand why anyone would, and accuse the "other" side of being prudes.

Both sides are entitled to their own opinions - I have been of both viewpoints.

Being American, I was raised that you cover up your naughty bits, and there was a minor scandal at the pool when I was a kid when a woman sunbathing on her tummy undid the back strap of her swimsuit top to avoid tan lines.

I grew up at the beach in NC, and no one ever went topless. I was stunned beyond all reason when a couple whose home my husband and I were visiting for a pool party asked the rest of us if they could go nude in their own pool. (They were from California.) I figured swinging was next on their minds!

All of this changed after I began vacationing in the Caribbean and Mexico.
At many of the places we stayed, the women went topless. At first, I was a bit shocked, then embarassed, and not a little judgemental.

I did notice that these women were all just sitting quietly, or tanning or reading books or chatting with others. They weren't bouncing around, trying to steal people's husbands or tantalizing teenaged boys.

It took me a few years (almost 10), but now going topless where it is acceptable is something I enjoy. Photo here if you're curious: http://community.webshots.com/photo/...59344087PKJqaI

The main thing is that going topless or nude on a beach is NOT sexual. It's comfortable, natural and freeing. Yes, there are a few places like Hedo, or others that are "alternative" lifestyle kinds of places. That's not what the vast majority of topless/nude beaches are all about.

I think it's a personal decision, and those who are offended by it should make sure they travel to places where it is not allowed. With the availability of finding out EVERYTHING about a location before you go there, one can easily avoid an atmosphere they are not happy with.

Happy travels!

I almost forgot about the exhibitionists one often encounters at nude beaches......

Judging from the photo, you would grace any beach, topless or not!

Well, a positive nude beach experience would quickly change to negative as soon as I disrobed!!!!!! LOL Aside from that, I don't want the sun beating down on those "tender" parts!!!!

Having seen many naked bodies on beaches in Europe, I'll return to the original question and agree with the first couple posters that it is a very neutral experience. Between squinting in the sun, the unisex speedo, flat-chested women, and saggy breasted old men, it becomes difficult to tell the sexes apart. Even when people are totally nude, does anyone really care?
As mentioned above, entire families hop in the hot tub together in Germany.

El_swainer

How very tolerant of you. Perhaps everyone over 40 should be forced to walk around covered from head to toe - god forbid you should have to see a wrinkle or gray hair, never mind a bit of less than perfect flesh. (And have YOU been on any magazine covers lately?)

First of all - many people over 40 are in perfectly good shape (better than many people under 40) - and are not so disgusting as to cause you to lose your lunch.

But you have missed the major point entirely. People are not on the beach as exhibits for you - but for their own enjoyment. If it bothers you so much to see imperfection perhaps you should keep a bag on YOUR head at all times - in case you see anyone unattractive - or GASP - handicapped.

nytraveler,

How very tolerant of you. El_swainer has a view different from yours, and is ridiculed for it. :-? Tolerance cuts more than one way, you know. ;-)

I'm curious what it is that's so unrevealing about bathing suits that they seem to make all the difference in the world to people who don't like to see "ugly bodies"? Seems like the general shape, sag and whatnot are just as visible in a suit.

And in response to the OP, yes, I've been to nude beaches. No big deal.

nina, I'm not sure if your last post was directed at me, but there's nothing visible in that photo you can't see on ANY beach.

GeorgeW, thank you.

I guess the bottom line (pun intended) should be to not travel to places that make one uncomfortable, and don't concern one's self about others' choices of what to wear (or not) on the beach. It is quite easy to avoid topless/nude beaches if one is offended by them.

I have sunbathed sans bikini top in Europe, but never in the US. My husband was a lifeguard at a nude beach for about 5 years in his 20's and loved it. Not an issue for us.

The funniest thing I ever saw though, was on the train from Nice to Monaco. The tracks passed very close to the shoreline and a small beach area. And that was where it stopped for a few minutes to pick up some passengers. There was a group of about 20 teenage boys in our train car. When the train stopped they noticed a very beautiful woman wearing nothing but dental floss on her bottom, and perfectly shaped breasts. They all ran to that side to get a good look. I was sure the train would topple over since it was probably the same scenario down the entire line of cars.

My post was directed at people who like to post photos of themselves on the internet......

Nude beaches don't make me the least bit uncomfortable, I've seen some very interesting sights there! I specifically recall the man in Punta Cana who, while wasn't nude, provided fabulous entertainment with his wardrobe of multi-colored sequined thongs, what fun it was to guess the color du jour!

bugswife, cute story.

nina, green is not a color that is becoming to you. Meow.

You wrote: "I prefer non-nude beaches because I agree, some people should remain clothed." and "it's just nauseating to look at some of the old, wrinkled up, dimpled, blubbery, hairy, shriveled up body parts"

Then you wrote: "Nude beaches don't make me the least bit uncomfortable"

Soooo, which is it? :-?

You called me an "exhibitionist" because I posted a link to a photo of myself with a bikini on that shows nothing you can't see at any beach or pool.

Why do you find it necessary to be so critical of others? Time for a vacation? :-"

I told you, nude beaches don't make me uncomfortable, it can be a very amusing experience.

I have a theory about people who post photos of themselves on the internet, I wonder what their objective is. I also don't think it's very smart, too many weirdo's, but hey, you got exactly what you were looking for, which is attention.

My wife and I have been to several nude beaches and generally find them cleaner and friendlier than clothed beaches.

A nude beach can be very relaxing...and no sand in a bathing suit. Nude does not mean lewd.

I wonder if the nude beaches are better in Pittsburgh or Long Beach?

Kal, I'd vote for Texas' beaches.

I love that slogan "Everything's Bigger in Texas!"

nina, if I were looking for attention, I would have started a thread: "Topless Photos Here!!!!!" and given an e-mail address I could have been reached at for "playful fun."

I had exactly ONE person post a very respectful and nice compliment.

I can assure you I can get attention - I am happily married and get all the attention I need from my husband.

Happy travels!

Getting back to the original question, the answer -- for me -- was definitely "positive."

In June, though, I visited Haulover Beach in Miami for the first time on a beautiful weekend day. Though I've been to several places where topless sunbathing was the norm, Haulover was unlike anything I have ever seen -- hundreds and hundreds of people, most of whom weren't wearing a thing.

There's really nowhere to hide at this beach, so I just got up my courage and pulled off my swimsuit right there in front of god and country. And you know what? No one batted an eye. Not the many naked people, not the people who left some or all of their clothes on.

It was incredibly pleasant to swim in the ocean and walk up and down the beach in the nude. There was a lot to see (there's the understatement of the decade!), and I didn't mind being seen one bit.

Lest there be any doubt about why people come to Haulover, the very long "clothed" section of the beach was sparsely populated, at best. The big crowd was on display on the other side of the (very tiny) fence.

I'm guessing there are many places where it's uncomfortable to be nude in public, but this ain't one of 'em. I'm definitely going back, and I hope I'll see all of you (and I do mean all of you! ;-) ) there.

Huh? I wonder why that guy calls himself "crowbar"?

Nude beaches are good as long as you're with people who are there to be nude as well. Now when you're the only one nude and for some reason everyone else is clothed and has camcorders and such than be careful. Look at who's around you. If you're with a laid-back group of people than it's a pleasant experience, it's really just better not to have tan lines. No one wants to see the "Great White" so if you go nude, than you won't have that problem.

Nice points, Aliska, and Escargot--your kids sound lucky to have you as a parent.

We've been to a couple nude beaches. One was at a Caribbean resort with several beaches--the one at the far end was clothing optional. In fact, there's a sign on a lattice gate as you turn the bend to enter the beach--it's great:

Please do not come just to stare
At us who glory to be bare
Fat or thin or creased or worse
Kindly take your clothes off first