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Nudism was born around the turn of the 20th century when some free-thinking German radicals decided to rebel against the repressive ways of their predecessors. And what better way to rebel against rigid societal standards than stripping down to one's birthday suit? The first German nudist club opened in 1903, and by the 1930s, the idea of nudism was spreading throughout the U.S. and Canada. As early as 1929, Kurt Barthel had established the American League for Physical Culture, and Sky Camp, the first official American nudist camp, opened in the Watchung Mountains in 1932.

But, it was the free-thinking, anti-authoritarian boomers of the 1960s that really brought nudism out in the open, so to speak, as they too rebelled against the perceived repression of their parents' generation. Today, those interested in leaving behind their daily lives and their clothes, can still engage in nudist (also known as naturist) pleasures throughout the world at the following shores.

1. Playa Chihuahua
Punte de Este, Uruguay
Despite the heat and the party-heavy reputations of cities like Rio de Janeiro, most of South and Latin America is rather conservative – especially when it comes to nudity. Nude beaches are hard to come by in this part of the world, but Playa Chihuahua is a notable exception. Many visitors have foregone clothing since the 1960s on this stretch of the Uruguay coastline, but the beach was only made an official naturist spot in 2000. An added bonus for bathers in the buff is the many species of birds you can observe in the area while perfecting your no-line tan.

2. Sandy Bay
Capetown, South Africa
Tradition holds that most nude beaches are out of the way and difficult to access. After all, when you're letting it all hang out, you still want some privacy and the promise of pervert-free spaces. Sandy Bay in South Africa is no exception. To access this naturist beach, you'll either have to scale some sand dunes or take a 20-minute walk from the lot where you dropped off your car. Your reward is an isolated beach, beautiful views and lots of, er, freedom.

3. Breaker Bay
Wellington, New Zealand
Another secluded spot for catching rays without clothes can be found along the coast of New Zealand. Located in small suburb of New Zealand's capital, there is limited access to Breaker Bay, so you certainly won't be overwhelmed by the crowds. But for those who are used to Gulf Coast waters and other Southern spots, the temperature of New Zealand's waters might be a bit of a surprise ... so you might end up wanting that towel and some cover-up after all.

4. Baker Beach
San Francisco, California
It seems fitting that one of the most famous nude beaches in the United States can be found in the California city known for its arts and "liberal" ways. As the naturist spot along the San Francisco Bay, Baker Beach allows you to be naked while gazing at the Golden Gate Bridge. Just be aware that Baker Beach is really for sunbathing only. The undertow and rip tides make for dangerous swimming conditions, and a very rare Great White Shark attack took a swimmer's life in 1959.

5. Vera Playa
Andalusia, Spain
If you'd like an experience the exact opposite of secluded shores and private naked time, a trip to Vera Playa might be in order. On these Spanish beaches, those wishing to go naked simply stay in a particular zone that abuts all of the other beaches, so that the clothed and the disrobed are within easy sight of one another and can mingle on the street or along the shore. In this kind of open environment, you're sure to make some fast friends.

6. Haulover Beach
Miami, Florida
In a city already known for its scantily clad denizens, it probably isn't much of a surprise that Miami is also home to one of the country's most talked-about nude beaches. Visitors to Haulover Beach can grill out, jump in a game of volleyball or just enjoy the sandy shores of this Gulf Coast haven.

7. "The Naked City"
Cap d'Agde, France
If you're looking for a vacation that's a little more daring than stripping off your suit along the shore, consider a visit to Cap d'Agde, France, a region more affectionately known by the moniker of "Naked City." In Cap d'Agde, it isn't just the beaches that are nude. Tourists can travel naked to restaurants, banks and even one of the city's many shopping malls. With summertime crowds of just over 40,000 people, you're likely to see the world in an entirely new (albeit bare) way after a stay in this French town.

It's 'Summer Fun Time' here at ReZoom. So, if you want to make the most of the season, check the Travel channel often for new stories on planning the perfect summer vacation. We'll have insight from experts in addition to great ideas for all of your own adventures.