Playa Zipolite: Mexico's Only Nude Beach

Nudity on Playa Zipolite was officially legalized in 2016, but beachgoers have been undressing under the radar for far longer. Playa Zipolite, previously a single-family fishing town, began to draw the attention of the "hippie" crowd in the 1960s due to its remote location and minimal law enforcement.

Similarly, due to its burgeoning reputation for privacy and acceptance, a robust LGBTQIA+ scene sprung up around Playa Zipolite throughout the 20th century and continues today. Playa del Amor, a section of beach at the far end of Playa Zipolite, has historically been considered an unofficial hotspot for LGBTQIA+ travelers.

Playa Zipolite is a clothing-optional beach, meaning nudity is not required, and you'll likely encounter bathers in various states of dress. While the entire beach—roughly 1.24 miles—is sanctioned for nude bathing, the further west you move the less clothing you'll see.

Other than the dress code, Playa Zipolite offers the same attractions as other Mexican beaches, including golden sands, sunbathing, and decent surf (although we recommend donning a wetsuit for that particular activity).

Many travelers today note that the area has maintained its laidback vibe despite its growth as a tourist destination, with relaxing on the beach remaining the main pastime. However, the area isn't without its amenities. The community's main street sits right across from the beach, known officially as Paisan and colloquially as Adoquin. Here, you'll find shops full of local goods, fruit stands, and restaurants serving regional Mexican cuisine and international fare. Tucked to one side of the community is Colonia Roca Blanca. This area is where you will find most local traveler accommodation.

Visitors will want to mark their calendars for the Festival Nudista Zipolite. Originally a gathering for the Mexican Nudist Federation, this three-day festival now attracts a host of international attendees. The festival is typically held in late January or early February and includes programming like morning yoga, volleyball, and body painting. During June, stop by for Zipolite Diverso, the beach town’s week-long Pride Month festival featuring drag shows, parades, and a celebration of the vibrant community of LGBTQIA+ visitors and residents.

Beyond your usual beach etiquette, there are a few things you should know before taking it all off.

Be respectful of other beachgoers. Touching, gawking, and unsolicited commentary on fellow sunbathers’ nakedness (or lack thereof) is unwelcome at any nudist destination.

Turn the camera off. A sunset beach pic always does numbers on the Instagram stories, but save your snaps for an area where you can ensure that any strangers accidentally captured in the background will be fully clothed.

Respect the local area. Just because Playa Zipolite welcomes nudity does not mean that your birthday suit meets the dress code at local businesses. Make sure to bring along some clothes to change into if you plan to leave the designated nude areas and explore.