At the beach with no clothes on

When most people think of beaches, they envision swimsuit-clad sunbathers catching some rays, children building sand castles and surfers riding the waves. They picture sand volleyball players and seashells along the shore. But for some, the word "beach" calls to mind a sense of freedom. It represents a place where they can be their authentic selves — right down to their literal skin and bones. We're talking about clothing-optional beaches. Places where you can let it all hang out with no judgment.

Robert James. Category: Living. Nothing could be further from the truth. Nude beaches and resorts are for those who seek the genuine, freeing experience of not wearing clothes. A quick look around the average naturist site should be proof of that. On the south side of the island, Red Beach has been a popular haven for naturists since the Sixties.

Or it involves going all-in on a naturalist resort, throwing you into a whole different lifestyle when you just want to go snorkeling without trunks on. But sometimes, a nude beach experience can be a little slice of fully nude paradise. As we've already shared our favorite nude beaches in the US and then, again, in the Bay Area and outlined the rules of nudist resorts , here's our list of the 20 most sizzling seaside spots around the globe to soak up the sun, au nature l. Be sure to be extra thorough with the sunscreen.

These hot spots are great if you want a carefree and clothing-optional getaway. But before you hit a nudist beach, know that strict etiquette reigns supreme. In fact, most clothes-free destinations have more rules than a boarding school. Reading somewhere that a beach is clothing-optional does not mean that the beach is actually clothing-optional.