Who knew you guys were so adamant about where you spent your days soaking up the sun and reveling in some public nudity? When GayCities gave us a list of the 10 best gay beaches and 10 best nude beaches, comments started pouring in faster than you can say “tanline.”
So we decided to take one last look at some of the world’s top seashores and give you the 10 favorite gay beaches (nude or otherwise) that we overlooked as chosen by readers like you.
Photos: sfmission, jfjv2, jaywphotos, hdport, jcc55883, sideshowfred, bjnudeclub, canadagood, hikarisuperexpress, islandhunk, twiga_swala, alexsander7, auskiller2003, global jet, pandemia, rwp-roger, victoriapeckham
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Copacabana
Rio’s beach for anyone and everyone, this four-kilometer stretch of white sand in the southern zone of the city is bordered by trendy Avenida Atlantica. Not technically a nude beach, it’s still home to the tiniest bikinis and Speedos in the world.
Sydney, Australia: Lady Jane Beach
For some some gorgeous landscape head out to clothing-optional Lady Jane Beach on a sunny afternoon. Located at the mouth of Sydney Harbour, it’s popular with naturalists and cruisers, who venture into the more secluded rocky shoreline. Lady Jane also draws a number of tour buses: If you have a problem with prying eyes, try Obelisk Beach.
Copenhagen, Denmark: Bellevue Beach
A very popular beach about six miles north of the city, Bellevue offers great sand, plenty of grass for relaxing or ball games, and a good view of neighboring Sweden. The north area is where the gays and nudist let it all hang out—the perfect spot for catching a few Great Danes.
Honolulu, Hawaii: Queen’s Surf
This royal seafront, located in Kapiolani Park at the end of Waikiki towards Diamond Head, is easy to find: just enter the park from Waikiki and walk along the beach. You’ll know when you’ve found it, but the Beach House snack bar is a good landmark. It’s a wide-open public park, so keep those trunks on.
Trail #7 is where to head if you want to meet up with gay mates in British Columbia. Because Wreck Beach is in the brisk North Arm Jetty, the water here isn’t really suitable for swimming. But as it’s officially clothing-optional, there are plenty of other distractions. Small trails lead into the woods for a more private setting, although public sex does violate strict naturists ideals. What we’re trying to say is “Don’t get caught!”
San Juan, Puerto Rico: Condado Beach
Lining the Atlantic Beach Hotel, this stretch of oceanfront real estate is the most gay-friendly in San Juan. When the sun goes down there’s still plenty to do with the Krash Club, Junior’s, Condado Inn and other gay nightclubs and bars nearby.
Fort Lauderdale, FL: Sebastian Street Gay Beach
Located near most of the gay resorts, Sebastian Street is Ft. Lauderdale’s most popular beach destination for gay tourists. Mostly filled with men, this beach is see-and-be-seen environment in that low-key Lauderdale way. It’s a great destination for bears and anyone who doesn’t usually consider themselves a beach bum.
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica: Playita
This sandy expanse was once popular with naturalists, but the recent opening of a luxury hotel has chased all but the bravest nudists away. Public nudity is technically illegal in Costa Rica anyway, but some of the swimwear here leaves little to the imagination. Playita is popular with gays and lesbians, with cruising at the north end—but beware police.
Cancun, Mexico: Playa Delfines
Though the water is generally too treacherous to swim, Playa Delfines (also known as Playa del Rey) is popular with gay tourists. The white sands are perfect for sunning, the water is many shades of blue and the view is incredible. This beach is also popular for surfing, and a great place for taking lessons.
Mykonos, Greece
Europeans have dubbed this Greek island, “Little Venice” and “Party Island,” so it’s not difficult to imagine why it’s become a gay hotspot over the years. And even with that pesky financial crisis that Greece is experiencing, why not toss some gay tourist dollars and get scope some Mediterranean skin tones while you’re at it. Mykonos is also a short ferry ride back to Athens, the country’s capital with gay clubs, fancy restaurants and gay-friendly accommodations.