Playalinda Beach

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.