Tips for First Time Visitors

A Blog Post by Katie J.

So, you’ve made the decision to take the plunge and head to Haulover Beach?

Let me tell you, it’s going to be an experience you’ll never forget.

If you’re nervous like I was the first time I went to a clothing-optional beach, don’t be. After five minutes in the sand, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to do this in the first place!

I’ve compiled a few pieces of advice so that after you read this and pack up, you can focus on one thing: Relaxing in the sun!

There’s a comprehensive list on our First Timer’s Guide, but I thought I’d add in a few personal tips that may make your trip to Haulover Beach a little easier.

Tips for the First Time Visitor to Haulover Beach

• If you’re visiting from out of the area, make sure you book your hotel room far in advance. South Florida is a popular place year round, and rooms can get pricey. If you’re looking for a hotel, please check out our hotel search tool.
• The beach opens at sunrise and closes at sunset. No, you can’t stay out later… Sorry! Not my rules.
• Do you have children? Wondering if they can come to the beach? Absolutely! Haulover Beach is 100% family-friendly.
• Bring cash for parking ($5 for weekdays, $7 on weekends). You’ll want to park in the North Lot, which can be accessed through the Haulover Marine Center’s boat ramps entrance, or Lot #1. Use pedestrian tunnel #4 or #5 to walk over to the clothing-optional section.
• Bring a bag (like one of our Haulover Beach bags!) so that you can put your belongings inside of… Like your swimsuit!
• Make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen for those sensitive parts of your body that don’t see the sun often. Don’t forget to re-apply every hour!
• Bring a refillable water bottle. My favorite is the HydroFlask.
• Pack a large towel that’s big enough for you to spread out on since the sand can get hot! Did you know that we now have Haulover Beach customized towels that you can purchase on our online store? I keep two of these on hand. One for my shower at home, and one for the beach!
• If you don’t have time to pack snacks, don’t worry! There are vendors available to purchase food and drinks from right next to the clothing-optional section of the beach.
• Leave your floatation devices at home. It’s a rule that the city came up with, and we want to be good citizens to the great city who allowed us to have a clothing-optional beach.
• Bring sandals to wear, because as I said previously, the sand gets HOT! Also, if you plan on walking on the sand, we’ve had a bit of an issue with seaweed coming ashore, so you may want to wear something on your feet if they’re sensitive.
• Don’t forget to bring sunglasses! The sun is bright here in South Florida. You don’t want to squint all day.
• Be sure to bring a great book, and if you like to listen to music, please bring headphones.
• Did I mention to bring sunscreen? Seriously. Especially if it’s your first time sunbathing nude or topless, your body parts that don’t see the sun often will thank you. The only thing you want to bring home after your trip are wonderful memories… Not a sunburn.
• You can bring your cell phone, but please don’t carry it around with you. A lot of people want to enjoy their time in private, and they don’t need to worry about whether or not you’re sneaking pictures of them. It’s considered good etiquette to keep those phones away.

Stay hydrated, stay safe, but most importantly: Have fun.

That about covers it… I’m sure I forgot a couple of things, so I’ll be sure to update this post as more things come to mind. Haulover Beach veterans, are there any tips that YOU have for first-timers? Leave me a comment below!

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