While being topless is legal in Texas, full naturism is another story, and although the trend has started to catch on in the lone star state, there are only a handful of options available to you. If you live in Dallas or Houston, you’re simply out of luck. If you live in San Antonio, a drive to South Padre Island may be worthwhile. If you’re in Austin, you can access two nude beaches within a 30-minute drive. Here are your best options across the entire state!
1. Hippie Hollow Park
Hippie Hollow Park is the most popular official clothing-optional beach in Texas, situated on steep limestone rocks over Lake Travis in northwest Austin. It is a picturesque recreational destination loved by free-minded people and the gay community! Although naturism is optional, most visitors prefer to stay in their bathing suits.
The water is clear and calm throughout the year, making it perfect for swimming. However, it is not your typical sandy beach as it is fully covered in rocks. The bottom is pretty rocky and has many zebra mussels. Therefore, wearing water shoes is highly recommended. Bring chairs to lay down, sunbathe, or enjoy the view. You can rent a boat or bring your floaties if you’re not into swimming.
The beach features a jagged, rocky terrain and requires a little hike to reach the water. Make sure to wear decent hiking shoes. There are two paths you can take from the parking lot. The right path, next to the service entrance gate, offers moderate hikes along the stunning coastline. Avoid going on the left path, especially if you have issues with cedar. The best time to visit is early in the morning. It can reach maximum capacity and will close for the remainder of the day to prevent overcrowding, especially during holiday weekends.
The entry costs $8 for pedestrians and bicyclists aged 18-61 and $3 for seniors above 62. Parking costs $15 per carload. There are other fees applied for temporary concessions and special events that can be found on the website. Keep an eye out for some creeps! Some people have reported receiving creepy stares and actions on this beach.
Hippie Hollows Park in a nutshell:
- Located 30 minutes drive from downtown Austin
- Great swimming conditions
- Has rocky shores
- Pets are strictly prohibited
- Entry is restricted only to visitors from 18 years and above
- No lifeguards on duty
- Open every day of the year
- The entrance booth accepts cash only
2. UFO Beach
UFO Beach is tucked away in a part of South Padre Island, around 20 miles from Brownsville. Contrary to its name, UFO beach has nothing to do with aliens! It got its name after an emergency evacuation pod that looked like a UFO washed onshore. The beach has plush white sand that is great for strolling and sunbathing. Unfortunately, there is no shade on the beach. Bring sunscreen, hats, and umbrellas if necessary. The clear blue water is excellent for a dip to beat the summer heat.
Although located in a secluded spot, the beach is quite popular. It may not be the best spot if you’re looking for a quiet place to meditate in the sun and commune with nature. Parties are held at the beach sometimes. Naturism is not officially allowed. However, it is a famous beach among nudists , especially during spring break. Naturism is tolerated and has been a common thing for years. You may need to cover yourself when the beach patrols arrive. Nevertheless, ladies are allowed to sunbathe topless.
Access to the beach is easy. Driving 4×4 wheels is not required but is highly recommended. The water may rise in the second part of the day, so it is best to visit during low tide. Another option is to walk about 3.5 miles from the entrance to the beach. You may encounter some nudists on the way. Entry costs $12 and another $2, which is refundable if you bring back a trash bag filled with trash.
UFO Beach in a nutshell:
- Located on South Padre Island
- Great swimming conditions
- No shade at all at the beach
- Has plush white sand
- Best visited with 4×4 wheels
- Popular during spring break
- Sunbathing topless is allowed
- There’s a refundable fee if you help clean up the beach
3. Barton Springs Pool Beach
Barton Springs Pool Beach is a natural pool within Zilker Park in the heart of Austin. The pool is not officially clothing-optional, and naturist staying here can be pretty awkward as it is popular among families with kids. However, if you’re confident in bathing suits, go for it! The area is large enough to separate kids, families, hippies, drum circles, yogis, etc. There are many shaded areas offering great privacy. You may see topless or even naked yogis of all genders practicing yoga and acro yoga.
The crystal clear water stays cold since it’s a natural spring. It may be chilly when you first get in, but it’s refreshing, especially when it’s 100 degrees outside. Due to its constant temperature, the pool is swimmable all year round. There are many diving boards with different depths to jump off of. Wear water shoes to avoid sharp rocks and slimy algae at the pool’s bottom. Bring goggles to spot some fish and other marine life underwater. Kayaks are available to rent on site.
Parking can be challenging. Make sure you go early to avoid crowds. Find the entrance ticket kiosk or download the app to buy the ticket. The entry costs $5 for Austin residents and $9 for non-residents. Kids pay $2 for residents and $5 for non-residents. There are two access points to the pool. One path has stairs and a flat walkway surface. The other path requires a little hike along a rocky surface.
The pool is open every day from 5 am to 10 pm. It is closed on Thursday for necessary cleaning procedures. Lifeguards are on duty during rush hours. More information regarding prices, open hours, prohibited items, and activities are available on the website.
Barton Springs Pool Beach in a nutshell:
- It is a natural spring
- Water stays cold and swimmable throughout the year
- A popular spot that attracts diverse crowds of visitors
- Not officially clothing-optional, but topless is allowed
- Has many diving boards to jump off of
- Good for snorkeling and kayaking
- Parking can be challenging
- Open every day except Thursday
- Bringing outside food is prohibited
- Wearing swimming shoes is recommended
The most popular Nude resorts and clubs in Texas
If you want to enjoy the naked lifestyle in Texas, don’t limit yourself to public beaches. There are plenty of private resorts that cater to naturist tourists. While you should still abide by the standard nudist etiquette at these places, you can have peace of mind knowing that being naturist at these establishments is fully legal and completely tolerated by the owners.
Emerald Lake Resort
Emerald Lake Resort is a laid-back, hidden naturist resort that many Houstonians don’t know exists! Suppose you’re going for the first time. In that case, it is recommended to visit on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday as they tend to be less crowded, allowing you to experience the uplifting without feeling self-conscious. The resort offers a stunning lake, jacuzzis, pool, tent and RV sites, game room, etc. Restaurants only open during high-season weekends, but they have a fully-equipped kitchen in the Club House that you can use anytime. Make sure to bring your food, plates, and utensils and clean up after yourself. Check their website for rates, room availability, membership, events, amenities, etc.
Star Ranch Naturist Club
Star Ranch Naturist Club is a little family naturist club located near the infamous Hippie Hollow. For security reasons, they have eliminated online reservations. Instead, visitors must complete the online “New Visitor Registration” before calling for a reservation. You can check many scheduled events on the website, including the Star Ranch 5K Race.
Barehide Ranch
Barehide Ranch is a private naturist club located 20 minutes north of Weatherford in Poolville. The club has stable and limited access. The office and grounds are closed to new visitors from Monday to Wednesday. If you’re planning to visit for the first time, simply call and let them know the date and time of your planned visit. They will provide a gate code generated specifically for you. They have different events and activities every other day. Their website has all the information you need.
Wildwood Naturist’s Resort
Wildwood Naturist’s Resort is a naturist club located just north of Decatur in a lovely park setting. It opens all year round. Visitors can enjoy taking a dip in the pool, soaking in the hot tub, and hiking in the woods, clothed only by the sun! During cold weather, the club provides many indoor activities. In addition, Wildwood is host to the clothing-optional 5K Skinnydipping Sun Run and many other events. Find out more about the club here.
Natures Resort Naturist Park
It is a naturist resort located on the southern tip of Texas, close to South Padre Island. They offer many indoor and outdoor activities. Visitors can choose to be busy every day or spend time relaxing and tuning up their tan in the pool. Check their website for more information.
Is Nudity legal in Texas?
Naturism is technically illegal in Texas, except at Hippie Hollow Park, which is 100% clothing-optional and has been for decades. Texas naturism law specifies illegal naturism as intentionally exposing genitals, regardless if there is an intent to arouse sexually. Throwing a towel around your lower half while people are within viewing distance should be sufficient to comply with the law. However, going to a facility where clothing is optional is better than risking it. Needless to say, the law is rarely enforced and naturism is tolerated in many public and private spaces.
Fortunately, Texas is one of the states where being topless is legal, according to the advocacy group GoTopless.
Is naturism allowed on South Padre Island?
Naturism isn’t officially permitted on South Padre Island. However, it is practiced discreetly and has been typical here for years. As a result, many women are sunbathing topless.
To access the beach, you can drive along the remote shoreline of Padre Island National Seashore, then head south from the Malaquite Visitor’s Center until you run out of pavement. Another option is to drive south on US Highway 77 and 281 from the north and 83 from the west. Then, turn east on State Highway 100. The secluded and open nature lets you see a vehicle approaching long before it’s close enough to notice you’re sunbathing in nothing but what God gave you!
