Location
United States
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Mixed
Best season
November to May
About Boca Chica Beach
Boca Chica Beach is a narrow strip of shoreline at the dead end of Boca Chica Road on the Atlantic side of the Lower Keys, about 12 miles from Key West, next to Naval Air Station Key West. The road used to continue along the shore but was abandoned and has crumbled, leaving broken asphalt, rocky coral rubble, patches of sand, and mangroves; Monroe County lists the spot as a public beach park. It is not a classic swimming beach: the water is shallow, with rocks and seaweed, and the shoreline is narrow. For decades it has been the closest thing the Keys have to a nude beach, with locals and visitors walking away from the road end to sunbathe nude in the more secluded stretches. Older reports mention a handmade 'clothing optional beyond this point' sign by the barricade. Use has always been informal, and the area right next to the Navy base is off limits. Expect a small, mostly adult crowd, no shade, and no facilities. Several guides note that it is less used than it once was and that people sometimes report it as closed.
Getting there
From US 1 turn south at Boca Chica Road (on Big Coppitt/Geiger Key) and follow it to the end, where Monroe County provides limited parking at the paved road end. The county lists the park as open daily from 7:30 a.m. until sunset. From the barricade, walk along the old road and shoreline; there is no access beyond the paved area onto Navy land, and trespassers on Navy property are cited. The ground is broken pavement and rough coral, so wear sandals. No restrooms or water. Not wheelchair accessible beyond the parking area.
What visitors say
Reports describe a rough, end-of-the-road spot rather than a pretty beach: broken pavement, seaweed and rocky shallow water. Those who like it value the seclusion and the sense of an old-Keys hangout where nude sunbathing goes largely unbothered. Others are disappointed by the condition and lack of sand, and some forum posters have asked whether it is still open after hearing it was closed. Most advice is to bring shoes, water and shade, keep away from Navy land, and expect few people on weekdays.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Monroe County lists Boca Chica Beach as a county park but does not mention nudity, and Florida guides as of 2024 state that it is not a legal nude beach and that the Keys have no official one. Nudity has been tolerated for years because of the remoteness, but visitors report trespass citations for straying onto adjacent Naval Air Station property. Stay on the public side of the barricades.
Naturism at Boca Chica Beach sits under United States's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: United States public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
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Approx. 24.5596, -81.6887
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Boca Chica Beach a legal nude beach?
No. Nudity is not officially allowed anywhere in the Florida Keys, but this remote spot has long been used for nude sunbathing with little interference.
Where do people go nude?
Away from the parking area along the old road and shoreline, in the more secluded stretches, but never onto Navy land beyond the barriers.
Is there parking?
Limited free parking at the end of Boca Chica Road. The county park is open 7:30 a.m. to sunset.
Is it good for swimming?
Not really. The water is shallow with rocks and seaweed, and there are no facilities or lifeguards.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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