Where Can You Be Naked in Public and Celebrate National Nude Day?

Have you ever heard the phrase, "There's a time and place for everything?" Apparently, that holds true for being naked in public.

There's an "au naturel" holiday that gets under people's skin. It frustrates the rift between people's desire to express their physicality and the ongoing protection of public decency. That day is July 14th, otherwise known as "National Nude Day."

Understanding Public Nudity Laws

Despite the holiday's name, non-participants can rest easy knowing they won't see a nude parade marching down their city streets. The law is still on their side.

The history of public nudity is long. Ancient Grecian and Roman athletes trained and competed in the nude to pay tribute to the gods. These societies recognized the beauty of the human physique and designated the proper times to display those qualities.

As Western culture grew more religious, it placed greater emphasis on modesty and control. The naked body was viewed as a source of temptation, and clothing was a sign of virtue. However, there were few administrative bans on nudity.

One of the earliest non-religious laws against public nudity appeared in 19th-century Japan. Mixed-gender bathing had been a long-upheld practice in Japanese culture, but Meiji era leaders knew about European views and became worried about their country's international reputation.

Today, most countries have standing public nudity and decency laws. Some governments ban women from showing their faces in public, while others permit borderline nudity as long as there isn't an "intent to arouse."

Is Public Nudity Illegal?

Public nudity is illegal in the vast majority of cases. If it weren't, then an advocacy holiday like National Nude Day wouldn't have a purpose.

Many countries have designated areas allowing communal nudity at specific beaches and campsites. However, there are no internationally recognized administrations that permit unrestricted nudity.

It's also important to note the difference between nudity and exhibitionism. The former is permitted in many personal and private spaces, such as your living room. However, this doesn't mean you can stand at your window and flaunt yourself at passing people.

These displays fall under exhibitionism and can land you in deep trouble, particularly if you expose yourself to someone under the age of consent. Depending on the jurisdiction, public nudity can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony. 

Misdemeanor charges might result in fines or short-term jail sentences, whereas felony charges can lead to more severe penalties, including longer imprisonment and a permanent criminal record.

Understanding these legal distinctions is crucial for anyone considering participating in public nudity, even during National Nude Day celebrations.

Why is It Illegal to Be Naked in Public?

It's surmised that humans started wearing clothes to protect themselves from weather and illness. Afterward, organized society developed a strong interest in maintaining public order and protecting children from harmful experiences.

You cannot do everyday tasks like grocery shopping, jogging, or dining out while naked. Even places with more lax dress codes, like public swimming pools, are not typically appropriate.

One contentious area is the backyard. Many believe your property's backyard is private, but many jurisdictions designate it as public, especially if you do not have a high fence encircling the area. In these cases, sunbathing or doing yoga nude in your backyard is illegal.

In contrast, the primary argument favoring public nudity is that there is no inherent shamefulness in the human form. Many argue that shame is a learned behavior from societal pressure to follow an arbitrary moral code.

Legal Areas for Public Nudity

Despite general prohibitions, there are designated locales where public nudity is legally accepted and even celebrated. These areas are popular tourist destinations with clear regulations allowing people to exercise their lifestyle safely.

What States Allow Public Nudity?

The US has over 500 nudist destinations, making it one of the best countries for celebrating National Nude Day. However, cultures vary widely across the US, and not all states are as hospitable to the experience.

• Oregon: Portland has one of the biggest nudist events in the country called the World Naked Bike Ride. This internationally enjoyed event has hundreds of people pedaling naked around the city in protest against oil dependence. The event is possible because the state's constitution protects public nudity as a form of protest.
• California: Renowned for its liberal attitudes, California has numerous nude beaches to choose from. However, many of these beaches are sectioned off areas of larger beachfronts, so you should be careful where you disrobe.
• New York City: This city has allowed female toplessness since 1992 in the name of legal equality. While it is rare to see people walking bare-breasted through the city, it is perfectly legal.
• Florida: Haulover Beach Park is the most popular nudist beach in the US with over 1 million annual visitors.

Countries Where Public Nudity is Legal

Some countries don't outright ban public nudity; however, they do have statutes against public indecency. The line is vague and can be considered an "at your own risk" allowance.

The most naturalist-friendly countries include:

• France: Home to hundreds of nude beaches and the Cap d'Agde Resort, which is dubbed the "Naked City." France does not explicitly ban public nudity, but it is not accepted outside certain spaces. That said, there are many more places you can get away with it in France.
• United States: Public nudity is a regional taste in the US. Florida is much more open to the practice than Ohio. However, with 299 nudist beaches and 253 naturist campsites, there's no shortage of places to visit with an empty suitcase.
• Spain: This country boasts the highest number of nudist beaches in the world. There are 422 nude-friendly destinations in Spain, and no national law against the practice. However, some local jurisdictions prohibit public nudity and make it punishable by a fine.
• Thailand: One of the only Asian cultures open to the naturist lifestyle. There are many nude beaches and hotels that the government implicitly allows. The most popular destinations are Phuket’s Nui and Mai Khao Beaches.

Celebrating National Nude Day

There are many holidays whose purpose is to open a conversation and start a wave of increased acceptance. Pride Month is a great example of this strategy. National Nude Day is similar and provides a chance for people to check out the naturalist lifestyle.

What is National Nude Day?

National Nude Day is observed on July 14th, but many famous locations extend the festivities to a week-long affair. This international holiday empowers people to strip away societal norms along with their clothes and enjoy the inherent beauty of their bodies.

However, laws don't magically disappear on July 14th. Most cultures continue to punish nudity with the governmental baton, making it a necessity to find suitable nude beaches, parks, and other destinations to visit.

How to Celebrate National Nude Day

There are many ways to participate in National Nude Day safely and legally:

• At Home: If you're new to public nudity, you may feel more comfortable celebrating in the privacy of your home. The holiday is all about body positivity and feeling comfortable in your own skin, so there's no need to thrust yourself into areas filled with thousands of people.
• Nude Beaches and Parks: Traveling to a nude beach is worth it for people who want to enjoy a community. Nude beaches help people with niche interests meet and destroy the sense of alienation many nudists feel. Famous locations like Haulover Beach host dedicated activities around this date.
• Events: Many nude-themed events occur in July, although not on the exact holiday. Seattle has a group called the Painted Cyclists, who bike in a parade and are dressed only in body paint. The Cyprus Cove Nudist Resort hosts a weekend party at the backend of the month that typically sells out a year in advance. With just a little research, you can find a suitable event nearby!

Public nudity is a contentious and complex topic. Current laws overwhelmingly oppose its adoption as a social norm but still allow people's freedom of expression.

Understanding the regulations and permitted places in your state or country will help you avoid trouble. On top of fines and jail time, offenders may be charged with sexual assault and be stigmatized for life.

However you choose to celebrate National Nude Day, do so in a manner that respects local laws and the comfort of others around you.