(NEXSTAR) — Not just one. many Nudist Beaches in TexasAlthough the rules and atmosphere vary, the Lone Star State offers several options for those looking to feel “free” on the water.?
Travel site Hotels.com recently announced that 12 America’s best nudist beachesand two spots here in Texas were selected.
While Haulover Beach Park in Miami Beach, Florida, took the “best” title overall (Hotels.com credits the attraction with 1.3 million annual visitors), the Texas spot only made it to No. 10.
Hippie Hollow
Located about 30 minutes from downtown Austin, Hippie Hollow Texas Hill Country’s most famous clothing-optional public park features 109 acres with areas for swimming, hiking, and a variety of other uses.
Hotels.com points out that it’s important to always know the rules of any nude or potential nude beach you’re visiting. Here are some of Hippie Hollow’s nudity guidelines:
- You must be 18 years or older to enter
- Clothing is optional, so you can keep your clothes on if you prefer.
- As with most nudist beaches, visitors must respect privacy: do not take photos or videos of other guests.
- “Nudity is acceptable, but lewd behaviour is not.”
In its ranking, Hotels.com cited Hippie Hollow’s affordable admission fees ($8 per adult, $3 per senior, and free for disabled veterans) and spacious parkland as major selling points. However, it gave Hippie Hollow a negative rating for having a rocky shore instead of a sandy beach, and recommended that visitors wear beach shoes.
Hippie Hollow is located at 7000 Comanche Trail, Austin, Texas 78732. The park is open daily from 9:00 am to 8:30 pm. For more information, Travis County Park.
UFO Beach
Coming in at number 12 is UFO Beach on South Padre Island, named after an escape pod that washed up on the shore in 2004. Port Isabel Press South PadreAccording to the media, the orange lifeboat was “affectionately nicknamed the ‘UFO'” and is still sitting on the sand on the beach.
Now covered in graffiti, “UFO” has the words “NUDE BEACH” written in block letters, indicating that the beach is a nudist beach.
Like Hippie Hollow, Hotels.com says the beach is budget-friendly. Though it’s not officially clothing-optional, like most nudist beaches, Hotels.com explains that UFO Beach is secluded. According to the outlet, UFO Beach is about 7-8 miles from the nearest town and doesn’t even have a paved road nearby. While topless beachgoing is permitted everywhere, sunbathing completely nude is at the visitor’s own risk.
According to the Port Isabel Press, UFO Beach is located between mile markers 9 and 10 on South Padre Island.
Read the full Hotel.com ranking here Nudist Beaches in the United StatesVisit Hotels.com.
Nude Beach Etiquette
There are countless guides Things to be aware of when visiting a nudist beach However, there are some hints online: Conde Nast Traveler.
- Don’t pressure people who are clothed to take off their clothes. Let each person decide how comfortable they are.
- Generally, being nude on the beach is not sexual, but rather a way for people to feel connected to nature and to themselves.
- Don’t stare at someone
- Again, taking photos of other people is prohibited.
- If you wish to sit on the shared chairs, please bring a towel with you.
Nudist beaches are not for everyone, so it’s important to make sure it’s a suitable place for you before you go and risk feeling uncomfortable or making others feel uncomfortable.
