Our Visit
Contributor Review – Connor Paster
Local Expert. Visited 2024
I recently spent a day at Playalinda Beach with my girlfriend, and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience. Located on the Canaveral National Seashore, this beach is one of the few places where you can potentially watch NASA rockets take off while enjoying a day at the beach – how cool is that?
We arrived early in the morning, around 10 am, when the beach was still relatively quiet. The entry fee of $25 per vehicle was a bit steep, especially since they only accept card payments, but we decided to pay the cost. The drive through the scenic route from Titusville was pleasant and gave us a glimpse of the natural beauty of the area.
Initially, my girlfriend was a bit nervous about getting naked, but the laid-back atmosphere of the beach helped her feel at ease. By the time we settled down, she felt comfortable enough to join in the naturist spirit fully. The vibe at Playalinda is relaxed and welcoming, making it a great place for newbies. It is definutely one of the best nude beaches in Florida. The beach itself is stunning, with soft sand and clear water that is perfect for a refreshing swim. We set up near Parking Lot 13, which is known for being the designated clothing-optional area. The further north you go, the more lively the atmosphere becomes, with some people even describing it as a bit of a party scene. We preferred staying closer to Lot 13, where the crowd was a mix of couples and small groups, mostly keeping to themselves. One of the highlights we were hoping for was seeing a rocket launch from the nearby Kennedy Space Center. Although we didn’t see a launch during our visit, the idea of combining a beach day with a rocket launch is thrilling. If you can time your visit with a launch, I highly recommend it. Unfortunately, the amenities at Playalinda are pretty basic. The bathrooms were not well-maintained and had a strong odor, which was a bit off-putting. There are no food vendors or chair services, so you need to bring everything you’ll need for the day. We packed a cooler with snacks and drinks, which worked out well. During our visit, we didn’t encounter any rangers, but locals told us that the further north you head, the more relaxed the enforcement of the nudity rules becomes. However, bad behavior is not tolerated, and the community here takes pride in maintaining a respectful and friendly environment. We heard that families tend to stick close to Parking Lot 12, and there have been occasional issues with textiles taking offense to nudity in that area. Blind Creek Beach is similar to Playalinda Beach but the surf is much stronger here, which adds to its charm. If you’re into surfing or just enjoy watching the waves, this is a great spot. Weekdays are generally chill, but I’ve heard that Lot 13 can get quite busy on weekends, so plan to walk further or wait it out for parking spot. Overall, we had a fantastic time at Playalinda Beach. It’s a beautiful spot with a unique charm, and the opportunity to potentially watch a NASA rocket launch makes it truly special. Apparently it gets busy hours ahead of rocket launches, but being nude and watching it is possible! If you’re in the area and looking for a laid-back nude beach with a touch of adventure, Playalinda is definitely worth a visit. Questions? Comments? Add your thoughts or photos below!
Click to see more
Map
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
Getting There
Playalinda Beach is a beautiful and secluded spot on Florida's east coast, and getting there is part of the adventure. The beach is located within the Canaveral National Seashore, and there's a $25 entrance fee per vehicle (or $20 for motorcycles and $15 for pedestrians and cyclists). If you plan to visit multiple times, consider purchasing the CANA/MINWR annual pass for $40, which is valid at both the Canaveral National Seashore and the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge.
The beach is well-signposted, and once you arrive, follow the signs to the designated parking areas.
By Car:
From Titusville, take Garden Street (State Road 406) east until it merges with State Road 402, and continue following the signs for the Canaveral National Seashore. You’ll pass through the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge before reaching the beach. The drive is relatively straightforward and takes you through some scenic parts of Florida. Once you reach the seashore, head towards parking lot #13 for the nude section of the beach. Be sure to arrive early as parking can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during rocket launches.
By Public Transport:
Public transportation to Playalinda Beach is limited. Your best bet is to drive or arrange for a taxi or rideshare service to take you there. Titusville offers some local bus services, but they do not extend all the way to the beach. Plan ahead and ensure you have reliable transportation, as the beach is quite remote and doesn't have cell service in most parts.
Socials