The Unofficial Guide To Nude In New Orleans: 7 Places Where Clothing Is Optional (or Expected To Come Off)
Contents
The Legal Reality: Obscenity, Lewd Conduct, and the Bourbon Street Exception
Despite its reputation for wild abandon, New Orleans is governed by state and municipal laws that prohibit public nudity. The key is understanding the specific statutes that define what is—and is not—allowed, and where the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) chooses to enforce them.Louisiana State Obscenity Law (RS 14:106)
The foundation of the law is the Louisiana Revised Statute § 14:106, which defines the crime of Obscenity. This statute explicitly prohibits the intentional exposure of the genitals, pubic hair, anus, vulva, or female breast nipples in any public place or place open to the public view. This means that, legally speaking, full nudity in public—including the famous balconies of the French Quarter—is a criminal offense. Indecent exposure in Louisiana falls directly under this obscenity law.New Orleans Municipal Code and Lewd Conduct
Locally, the New Orleans Municipal Code (Sec. 54-254) addresses Lewd Conduct, defining it as any "indecent or obscene act which is offensive to public morals or decency". While this is a broad term, it is the city's mechanism for policing public behavior.The "Flashing" Culture and NOPD Tolerance
The famous exception to this rule is the cultural phenomenon of "flashing" (exposing bare breasts) on Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras and, to a lesser extent, on busy weekend nights. While the law technically prohibits the exposure of female breast nipples in public, the NOPD has historically exercised significant discretion, often overlooking the act as long as it is done in the context of a celebration and does not involve lewd or aggressive behavior. However, exposing genitals or full nudity will almost certainly result in an arrest, as the state law on obscenity is absolute.7 Places to Experience New Orleans' Clothing-Optional and Adult Scene
New Orleans offers a range of experiences for those seeking adult entertainment or a clothing-optional environment. These locations adhere to private property rules, circumventing the public nudity laws that govern the streets.1. Bourbon Street’s Gentlemen’s Clubs
The heart of New Orleans' adult scene is the French Quarter, where a concentration of high-end gentlemen's clubs offers fully nude entertainment indoors. These venues operate under specific zoning and licensing laws that permit nudity within their private walls.- Rick's Cabaret: A well-known, upscale venue on Bourbon Street, famous for its full-service bar and nude dancers.
- Larry Flynt's Hustler Club: Another prominent French Quarter fixture, offering multiple stages and a classic adult entertainment experience.
- The Penthouse Club: Often cited as one of the "Best Gentlemen's Clubs" in the city, providing a premium, nude entertainment environment.
- Barely Legal NOLA: Located nearby, this club also features fully nude performances and is a top-rated choice for bachelor parties.
2. The Bywater’s Clothing-Optional Pool Clubs
Away from the crowds of the French Quarter, the artistic and bohemian Bywater neighborhood is home to a more relaxed, social form of clothing-optional recreation.- The Railyard NOLA: This is a popular adult-only, clothing-optional bed and breakfast and pool area. It offers a private, secure environment for sunbathing and swimming without clothing.
- The Country Club: Famous for its beautiful, resort-style pool, The Country Club in the Bywater is known for its designated clothing-optional days and events, providing a social space for nudity.
3. The Burgundy Bed and Breakfast
Located near the French Quarter, this establishment offers a more intimate clothing-optional experience, primarily focused on sunbathing and relaxation in a private setting. Guests can enjoy a whirlpool and sun deck where clothing is optional, respecting the privacy of other guests.4. Indian Hills Nudist Park (Nearby)
For those seeking a traditional, family-friendly nudist experience, the closest dedicated location is outside the city limits. Indian Hills Nudist Park in Slidell, Louisiana (about 30 miles east of New Orleans), provides a full range of amenities for social nudism, including swimming, sports, and social events, all in a private, sanctioned environment.5. Southern Decadence Naked Pool Parties
During the annual Southern Decadence celebration, often called "Gay Mardi Gras," the city's clothing-optional venues and private residences host large, extravagant "naked pool club" parties, particularly in the Bywater area. These events are a highlight of the city's alternative scene, where a sense of temporary freedom and exhibitionism prevails.6. Burlesque and Theatrical Nudity
New Orleans has a celebrated history of Burlesque, a form of entertainment that often incorporates artistic nudity, stripping, and theatrical performance. While not full nudity in the club sense, venues like the Red Velvet Burlesque Show offer a sophisticated, sexy, and often partially nude experience that is a key part of the city's nightlife.7. Alternative Lifestyle Conventions (Naughty N'awlins)
The city hosts several alternative lifestyle conventions and "hotel takeovers" throughout the year, such as Naughty N'awlins. These events create a temporary, contained environment where open-minded couples and individuals can explore their interests, which often include clothing-optional parties and private, adult-themed events. These conventions are a major draw for the adult tourism sector.Navigating the New Orleans Adult Scene: Essential Tips
Exploring the adult side of New Orleans requires a degree of common sense and respect for the law, even where enforcement is lax.Understand the Red Line: Genital Exposure
While the NOPD may overlook a woman flashing her breasts on Bourbon Street, the exposure of any genitals, male or female, in a public area will be treated as a serious violation of the Obscenity statute. This is the critical legal distinction to remember.The French Quarter vs. The Rest of the City
The unique cultural tolerance for skimpy attire and "flashing" is largely confined to the most heavily touristed blocks of Bourbon Street, especially during major events like Mardi Gras. Attempting similar acts in other neighborhoods, such as the Garden District, Uptown New Orleans, or even the quieter parts of the French Quarter, is far more likely to result in an arrest for lewd conduct or obscenity.Respect Private Property Rules
Clothing-optional locations like The Railyard NOLA or The Country Club are private businesses. Their rules are absolute. Always confirm their specific policies, designated clothing-optional hours, and behavioral expectations before you arrive to ensure a safe and respectful experience for all patrons. The French Quarter's famous open-container laws do not extend to public nudity. New Orleans remains a vibrant, complex city where the spirit of freedom thrives, but always within the boundaries of its unique legal and cultural landscape.Detail Author:
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