Costa Rica is the most liberal country in Central America with progressive attitudes on homosexuality. This is reflected in the relatively large gay scene in San Jose where we you will find many western style bars, restaurants, clubs, saunas, hotels and guest houses. There is even a small scene in Manuel Antonio on the Pacific coast with gay hotels and a gay beach. Costa Rica is a beautiful country and a particularly good destination for the gay and lesbian traveller. From Diva at http://bit.ly/15xgEr

Beach goers who like to have the option to go nude should have no problem doing so on a Costa Rica beach. While it is slightly frowned upon outside of major hotels and resorts in tourist areas; for the most part it is widely excepted. In smaller beach towns it rarely causes a reaction. If you feel uncomfortable being nude around groups of clothed people, it is often very easy to find a private stretch of beach.

Though there are no actual beaches targeted for nudity in Costa Rica, there are plenty of “clothing optional” hot spots throughout the entire span of this beautiful Central American oasis. It is true that legally, in Costa Rica, public nudity is not acceptable, so what are you to do if you are a tourist feeling the need to relax in the buff? Where would you go?

Manuel Antonio Beach

First, I have to mention Manuel Antonio Beach. This is a popular place for all kinds of tourists, and is primarily a more conservative place to sunbathe and play, however, north of the public area is a nice little area where you will find a lot of topless basking. Sometimes, though rare, you will even find completely nude beach-goers. This is also known to be the gay and lesbian friendly part of the beach. The locals call it Playa de Playos.

Montezuma Beach

Montezuma Beach (or Playa Montezuma) is the perfect place for those who are of the “bohemian” persuasion. This is perhaps the most budget friendly of get-aways and attracts a wide and colorful spectrum of liberal minded folk like backpackers, gypsies, surfers, street musicians and other fun loving tourists and locals. As if the entertaining mix of locals and tourists, and the veritable smorgisboard of cuisine in Playa Montezuma isn’t enough, just take a scenic drive (or hike) farther North and behold Playa Grande, a secluded, yet vibrant patch of beach that just comes to life with art, surfing, bonfires, and of course, the option to go bare!

Hotel Villa Roca

Hotel Villa Roca is a Gay owned resort for the gay, lesbian, and transgendered community, found within the city of Quepos, overlooking the Pacific Ocean with grand views of the rain forest. Though this is not a designated clothing optional resort, after ten o’clock pm, it is permitted. Quepos, on the road to Manuel Antonio, is a world renowned gay/lesbian hot spot and tourism firehouse. Not only is this resort nestled in perhaps the most beautiful region of Costa Rica, the owners take pride in their environment and run all of their jacuzzis on solar power. Enjoy nature, and wildlife, and feel free to take off some clothes after ten!

With the recent onset of non-local resort owners in Costa Rica, there are fewer and fewer places to enjoy a buff romp in the sand. Most clothing optional areas are found within the walls of adult’s only, or swingers clubs and resorts, tucked away from the eyes of tourists and not-so-liberal-minded locals. Even Manuel Antonio’s own Playa de Playos is threatened by new developments in so called “upscale” business, that frown down upon the openness of its visitors.

Generally, however, the further South you travel, in Costa Rica, the fewer tourists you will see, which leaves you plenty of opportunities to get some all over sun, without the tan lines. In most cases, locals and authorities will overlook the festivities, just make sure to respect the customs of the smaller towns, and make sure its okay before you disrobe!

From “WhyGo Costa Rica” at http://www.costaricatravelscout.com/nude-beaches-in-costa-rica.html