Frequently Asked Questions

Nude recreation embraces the joy of living and experiencing nature in the most natural way possible. To relax and be nude is to let yourself be totally free. Although we enjoy clothing-free activities in appropriate settings, we also choose to wear clothes when practical. Nudists respect each other’s individuality. Our own self-esteem is enhanced by our ability to accept ourselves as we really are. We find it easy to accept others regardless of physical size, shape, or body condition. Moreover, social class distinctions, often indicated by clothing, disappear.

Relaxation, stress relief, positive body image, and increasing self-esteem are just a few of the reasons people choose the nudist lifestyle.

Self-esteem is enhanced in the nudist world, where body acceptance is the norm. The conversation seems to come easier. Many report the “time warp” phenomenon. A one day respite spent clothes-free seems to relax people more than an entire weekend elsewhere. Without clothes, stress seems to melt away.

The answer to this question is a resounding YES!

As reported in USA TODAY, The Yankelovich National Travel Monitor is one of the most respected polls in the travel industry. The 2006 edition of that poll found that 15% of adult Americans would consider a resort that offers a nude recreation experience or a clothing-optional beach experience either extremely or a very desirable part of a vacation.

In the January 17, 2003 edition of The Wall St. Journal, a front-page story in the Marketplace section noted that nude recreation in North America has grown to a $400 million industry. The article explained that clothes-free offerings run the gamut from upscale venues with plush townhouses and room service to rustic rural retreats, to cruises on some of the world’s most popular cruise lines.

The Roper Organization has reported that some 54 million Americans have skinny-dipped in mixed company. For people who want to recapture the freedom and innocence of that experience, AANR clubs offer relaxing, down to earth, casual environments. Members may also participate in AANR World Adventures nudist vacations and cruises.

The atmosphere of an AANR club is wholesome and friendly. People who enjoy nude recreation distinguish between nudity and sex and keep the two in their proper perspectives. Clubs are careful about who enters their facility and if anyone seems to be there for the wrong reason, they will be asked to leave. Because each club has its own admission policies, activities, and amenities, we recommend contacting the club before your first visit.

Club activities often include sports and events much like any resort. You’ll enjoy swimming, walking, tennis, hiking, volleyball, cycling, themed parties, special meal events, and the opportunity to meet a wide variety of people, diverse in age, profession, and culture.

AANR is a trusted resource in those rare cases where a neighbor sees over the fence or a question about participation in nude recreation occurs. Your dues make it possible to promote nude recreation in credible media and voice nudist concerns with policy makers.

Joining AANR also expands the opportunities for you to enjoy nude recreation. You can pack less and relax more at nearly 270 clubs and resorts throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and beyond. Hike nude on nature trails. Go RVing with your family and leave most of your luggage behind. Go on a nude cruise. Take part in a volleyball tournament. Whatever you do, you’ll get a 20% member savings or more off regular rates.

Nonlanded clubs are simply those that do not typically own or utilize a single piece of property for activities. Their plans may range from renting a local gym for a pool party to hosting a simple backyard swim and barbeque in a member’s fenced yard, to very elaborate Caribbean cruises or tours to nudist destinations in Europe and beyond. In some cases, clubs in their early stages may affiliate with AANR as nonlanded organizations while they grow membership, save money to purchase land, or wait to obtain building permits.

You’ll find a cross section of society, with people representing all colors, religions, occupations, body types, age groups, and income brackets. Without clothes, however, it’s less likely you’ll know a bank president from a bus driver.

Nudity is legal at AANR clubs and resorts, and AANR is always working to ensure those freedoms. The law can be a little fuzzier when it comes to nudity at beaches and public recreation areas. AANR works to protect nude recreation in such places where there is an established tradition for sunbathing. Ongoing efforts have led to an increasing number of locations where there is signage explaining where clothing-optional sections begin and end.

Most first-timers adjust to social nudity in a matter of minutes and discover it’s not nearly as big a deal as they thought it would be. Some feel self-conscious before they undress since they’re likely to be the only ones not nude.

Children are natural nudists and quickly take to it like ducks take to water. Most clubs welcome children and encourage families to join. At these clubs, you’ll find activities and facilities for your kids to enjoy – and they’ll thank you for taking them along. As always, we recommend that if you are bringing your children, you call ahead to ask the club about its activity program and facilities. For more information please see our discussion of family values.

There’s a relatively minor difference between these two types of clubs. Clothing-optional clubs allow visitors to remain dressed, believing that some people take more time to adjust to social nudism. At clothes-free resorts, you’re expected to be nude, although no one expects you to disrobe until taking a tour of the facility and deciding to stay. It’s helpful to call a club you’re expecting to visit for clarification of their policies. For other tips, see our page on Your First Visit.

While many people prefer to go nude 24 hours a day in clubs, others find it more practical to dress in the evenings when it gets cooler, for meals, or for some sports activities. A few clubs have policies requiring clothing in their dining areas, dance halls, and health clubs.<

You’ll feel right at home. Nudist clubs are a reflection of society at large, with people of all shapes and sizes.

Not often. On the rare occasion where this occurs, simply don a towel, turn over, or take a quick dip in the ocean/pool.

Nudists find nothing inconsistent between nude recreation and their convictions. You’ll find all faiths—and people of no faith—represented at nudist resorts. Some clubs hold non-denominational services on Sundays. Most nudists of faith find that enjoying the great outdoors in their natural state draws them closer to their Creator.

This rarely happens. If it does, simply report it to resort management and steps will be taken to ensure it does not happen again. Everyone should feel comfortable. Behavior requiring an apology is not tolerated.

It helps to understand that AANR clubs and activities are family-oriented places. Few people of either sex at AANR clubs—or anywhere else for that matter—are “perfect 10s” or look like size-2 actresses. You may find the pages on our website about AANR Family Values and nudism From A Women’s Perspective useful resources.

The American Association for Nude Recreation and its clubs understand that privacy is paramount to our members and their families. There is never any requirement to be publicly identified or consent to having one’s picture taken as a condition of membership. (Photo identification is usually required for admission to clubs, along with other measures to ensure guest security.) And just for your peace of mind, the tasteful images that appear on this website have been taken with the written permission of the subject(s) depicted.

In increasing numbers, however, our members are telling neighbors and friends about their favorite way to relax. They find it’s an idea that’s just too great to keep for themselves!

This is a very important question that we want to answer as fully as possible. Therefore, we kindly ask that you visit our page about Your First Club Visit.