Finding a place where you can just... be... is harder than it looks. Most vacation spots are high-pressure. You have to wear the right brand of sandals or have the "correct" beach body to feel like you belong. That’s why Sunsport Gardens Family Naturist Resort in Loxahatchee, Florida, is such a weirdly refreshing outlier in the Sunshine State’s massive tourism industry. It isn't just about the nudity, though obviously, that’s the main draw. It is about a specific kind of freedom that most people haven't experienced since they were toddlers.
Located in a quiet pocket of Palm Beach County, Sunsport is a 40-acre slice of old-school Florida. It’s lush. It’s green. And yeah, people are naked. But the "vibe" isn't what people who watch too many movies might think. There’s no velvet rope or "adults only" neon sign. It’s a family-oriented park. You’ll see grandpas playing pickleball next to young couples reading in hammocks, and kids splashing in the pool. It’s basically a community center where everyone forgot their clothes.
The Reality of Life at Sunsport Gardens Family Naturist Resort
First things first: the logistics. You aren't just walking into a nudist colony and camping on the grass. Well, you can camp, but there’s more to it. Sunsport has a mix of RV sites, tent areas, and rental cabins. Some people actually live there year-round. These "permanents" are the backbone of the place. They’re the ones who know exactly when the community potluck starts and who’s currently winning the petanque tournament.
Walking through the gates for the first time is usually the only moment people feel "weird." It’s that split second of Am I really doing this? But then you see someone casually mowing their lawn or heading to the office to check mail while totally buff, and the novelty wears off in about ten minutes. Honestly, it’s almost boring how normal it becomes.
The resort features a massive swimming pool, which is the heart of the social scene. It’s heated, which is a godsend during those weirdly chilly Florida January nights. There’s also a hot tub, a sauna, and a fitness center. But the real charm is in the trails. There are wooded paths winding through the property where you can actually get a sense of the local ecosystem without a fence in your way. It’s a sanctuary, both for the people and the local wildlife.
💡 You might also like: Super 8 Fort Myers Florida: What to Honestly Expect Before You Book
Why the "Family" Part Matters
The word "Family" in Sunsport Gardens Family Naturist Resort isn't just marketing fluff. It is a strict rule of conduct. If you are looking for a "swingers" club or a place with a sexualized atmosphere, this isn't it. In fact, if you try to bring that energy there, you’ll probably be asked to leave.
Naturism—at its core—is about body positivity and non-sexual social nudity. For families, this means kids grow up seeing that bodies come in all shapes, sizes, ages, and conditions. There is no "perfect" body at Sunsport. There are surgical scars, stretch marks, bellies, and wrinkles. It’s an antidote to Instagram culture. Kids play together without the social hierarchy of who has the coolest swimsuit. It’s wholesome. Genuinely.
What to Expect When You Arrive
Checking in is a lot like a standard hotel, but with a few extra conversations about the rules. You need a valid ID. You need to understand the "towel rule." Basically, always sit on a towel. It’s a hygiene thing. It’s common sense.
The facilities are a bit rustic. Don't go expecting a five-star Ritz-Carlton experience with marble floors. It’s more like a very well-maintained summer camp. The clubhouse is where most of the indoor action happens—dances, karaoke, and bingo nights. The "Gardens" part of the name is accurate; there’s a lot of canopy cover and tropical plants that make the Florida heat a little more bearable.
📖 Related: Weather at Lake Charles Explained: Why It Is More Than Just Humidity
The Social Hierarchy of Pickleball and Petanque
If you want to make friends fast at Sunsport, learn how to play pickleball. The courts are rarely empty. It’s a social hub. If you’re more into a slower pace, petanque is the go-to. It’s a French bowling game that’s a staple in nudist resorts globally.
There’s also a café on-site, usually open for breakfast and lunch, and sometimes dinner during the high season. The food is standard American fare—burgers, salads, sandwiches. It’s decent, but most people prefer to grill at their sites. There’s something uniquely "Florida" about flipping burgers on a Weber grill while the sun sets over the pines and you’re wearing nothing but a pair of flip-flops.
Common Misconceptions About Sunsport
People think nudist resorts are either dens of iniquity or full of supermodels. Neither is true. Sunsport is a cross-section of humanity. You’ll meet retired schoolteachers, engineers, bikers, and young digital nomads.
- "Is it legal?" Yes. Sunsport is a private club on private property. Florida has a long history of naturist resorts, and Sunsport is one of the more established ones.
- "Can I take photos?" Absolutely not. This is the big one. Cameras are strictly regulated. You can't just go around snapping selfies by the pool. This is for everyone's privacy and safety. If you want a photo, you usually have to do it inside your own RV or cabin with the blinds closed, or get specific permission from management for a designated area.
- "Do I HAVE to be naked?" Sort of. It is a clothing-optional resort, but the expectation is that if the weather is nice, you're participating. If it’s cold, people wear hoodies and sweats. No one wants you to get hypothermia just to prove a point. But if it's 85 degrees and you're in a three-piece suit, you’re going to get some funny looks.
The Weather Factor: Timing Your Visit
Loxahatchee is inland. It’s not the coast. This means it gets hotter in the summer and buggier in the evenings. If you’re planning a trip to Sunsport Gardens Family Naturist Resort, the "sweet spot" is November through April. The humidity drops. The mosquitoes take a break. The "Snowbirds" arrive from up north, and the park feels alive.
👉 See also: Entry Into Dominican Republic: What Most People Get Wrong
Summer is for the locals. It’s intense. The afternoon thunderstorms roll in around 3:00 PM like clockwork. If you visit in July, prepare to spend a lot of time in the pool or the air-conditioned clubhouse.
Planning Your First Visit
If you’re nervous, book a day pass. You don't have to commit to a week in a cabin. Drive up, pay the grounds fee, and spend the day by the pool. Talk to people. Most Sunsport regulars are incredibly friendly because they’ve all had that "first day" experience where they were terrified.
Bring a bag with the essentials:
- A couple of clean towels (one for the pool, one for sitting).
- High-quality sunscreen. You’ll be exposing skin that has never seen the sun. Be careful.
- Flip-flops or easy slip-on shoes.
- A water bottle. Dehydration is the enemy.
Actionable Steps for the Aspiring Naturist
If you’re ready to check out Sunsport Gardens, don’t just wing it. The resort can get full during peak events like their annual festivals or holiday weekends.
- Check the Calendar: Look at their official website for "Special Events." They do big bashes for New Year’s, Halloween, and their own anniversaries. If you want a quiet experience, avoid these. If you want a party, these are the best times to go.
- Call Ahead: Don't just show up at the gate at 9:00 PM. The office has specific hours. If you’re renting a cabin, you’ll need to coordinate your arrival.
- Mind the Rules: Read the "Naturist Etiquette" guide. It’s not just about no clothes; it’s about no staring, no photography, and generally being a decent human being.
- Sun Protection: Seriously, apply sunscreen before you arrive. It’s awkward trying to reach your own back for the first time in public.
Sunsport isn't trying to change the world. It’s just providing a place where the social baggage of clothing doesn't exist. It’s a specialized niche of Florida travel that offers a level of relaxation you just can't find at a standard theme park or public beach. Once the clothes come off, the status symbols go with them. You’re just another person enjoying the sun.