Brevard County, Florida
Playalinda Beach
Playalinda Beach is the southern access point to Canaveral National Seashore — a 24-mile undeveloped barrier island on Florida's Atlantic coast.
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About this place
Playalinda Beach is the southern access point to Canaveral National Seashore — a 24-mile undeveloped barrier island on Florida's Atlantic coast. Playalinda itself covers roughly six miles of that stretch, with thirteen numbered parking lots running south to north along the park road. The clothing-optional zone sits at the far north end, beyond lot 13. Walk north from the lot along the sand — some people go a quarter mile, others farther — until you reach the area where people are nude. There's no signage marking it; the transition happens organically as you move away from the main crowds. The beach is wide and undeveloped, with dunes lining the back and thick sea oats. There are no bathrooms or showers past the parking area, so plan accordingly. The Atlantic here is open ocean with moderate surf and occasional rip currents; lifeguards don't patrol the north end. Canaveral National Seashore is federal land managed by the National Park Service. Entry is $20 per vehicle for a seven-day pass. Hours vary by season — closing time can shift to before sunset in winter. Kennedy Space Center sits across Mosquito Lagoon to the southwest; launch pads 39A and 39B are only about five miles south of lot 13 and clearly visible from the beach. Rocket launches occasionally close the park entirely for security. Check the park website before you drive out — cell service is spotty once you're on the island, and Playalinda fills its lots quickly on weekends from April through October.
Visitor notes
Contributed by ClothingOptional.org Editorial Team
Who visits
A mix of Central Florida regulars (Orlando, Daytona, Melbourne) and the dedicated naturist community that's been using lot 13 for decades. Weekday mornings draw an older, quieter crowd; summer weekends bring younger visitors and more density. The Florida-snowbird winter season (December-March) keeps the beach busy through the cool months when most US C/O beaches are empty.
How to find it
From I-95, exit at State Road 406 east and follow signs to Canaveral National Seashore — Playalinda is the southern entrance off the Titusville side. Pay the $25-per-vehicle park fee at the entry station (cash or card), then drive the beachfront road to its end at parking lot 13. From lot 13, walk north along the sand — the naturist crowd spreads out roughly a quarter mile north of the lot. No signs mark it; the transition is by convention.
Things to watch out for
Parking lots fill on summer weekends and during snowbird high season; arrive by mid-morning. The park gates close at sunset and federal rangers do sweep the beach — be back at your car before closing. Sea turtle nesting season (May-October) brings active protected-species rules. No facilities at lot 13 beyond restrooms; bring water, sunscreen, and a windbreak. Federal authority means Playalinda's nudity convention is technically informal — overt sexual behavior gets cited.
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Etiquette & ground rules
Towel or mat under you when sitting. Photography of other beachgoers without explicit permission is prohibited and federal rangers patrol specifically for it — phones-out behavior gets you cited. No overt sexual behavior; the convention's longevity at Playalinda depends on the community policing this. Stay within the informal northern stretch beyond lot 13. Don't disturb sea turtle nests during May-October nesting season. Pack out everything; lot-13 trash service is limited.
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