Is Public Nudity Legal in Massachusetts?
ToleratedRestricted: private venues and exceptions only· Checked by Reto Pascal Wyss
No, public nudity can be prosecuted in Massachusetts as indecent exposure (G.L. c. 272, § 53) or as open and gross lewdness and lascivious behavior (c. 272, § 16). Neither statute defines the offence in the text we found, and federal rules ban public nudity on Cape Cod National Seashore federal land.[1][2][3]
Main provision: Mass. G.L. c. 272, § 16 (open and gross lewdness) and § 53 (indecent exposure)
Designated nude beaches or tolerance?
Federal regulation 36 CFR 7.67(e) prohibits public nudity, including nude bathing, on federal land or water within Cape Cod National Seashore. Sources we found document no officially designated clothing-optional beach in Massachusetts.[3]
Private naturist clubs and resorts
AANR-East lists Sandy Terraces Associates (a club) and Sunchasers Travel Club (a non-landed travel club) in Massachusetts.[4]
Penalties
Indecent exposure (§ 53): up to 6 months in jail or house of correction, a fine up to $200, or both. Open and gross lewdness (§ 16): up to 3 years in state prison, up to 2 years in jail, or a fine up to $300. Sex-offender registration is not addressed in the sources we found.[1][2]
Is going topless legal?
On Cape Cod National Seashore federal land, the federal rule's definition of public nudity includes an uncovered female breast below the top of the areola. Statewide topfree status is not documented in the sources we found.[3]
Official naturist places in Massachusetts
Places NudistMap lists as officially designated or naturist-only. Status comes from open data; check each place page.
Frequently asked questions
Is public nudity legal in Massachusetts?
No, public nudity can be prosecuted in Massachusetts as indecent exposure (G.L. c. 272, § 53) or as open and gross lewdness and lascivious behavior (c. 272, § 16). Neither statute defines the offence in the text we found, and federal rules ban public nudity on Cape Cod National Seashore federal land.
Are there official nude beaches in Massachusetts?
Federal regulation 36 CFR 7.67(e) prohibits public nudity, including nude bathing, on federal land or water within Cape Cod National Seashore. Sources we found document no officially designated clothing-optional beach in Massachusetts.
Is nudity allowed at private naturist clubs in Massachusetts?
AANR-East lists Sandy Terraces Associates (a club) and Sunchasers Travel Club (a non-landed travel club) in Massachusetts.
What is the penalty for public nudity in Massachusetts?
Indecent exposure (§ 53): up to 6 months in jail or house of correction, a fine up to $200, or both. Open and gross lewdness (§ 16): up to 3 years in state prison, up to 2 years in jail, or a fine up to $300. Sex-offender registration is not addressed in the sources we found.
Is going topless legal in Massachusetts?
On Cape Cod National Seashore federal land, the federal rule's definition of public nudity includes an uncovered female breast below the top of the areola. Statewide topfree status is not documented in the sources we found.
Sources
- Mass. G.L. c. 272, § 16 (FindLaw) (statute)
- Mass. G.L. c. 272, § 53 (FindLaw) (statute)
- 36 CFR 7.67 Cape Cod National Seashore (Cornell LII) (government)
- AANR-East club directory (federation)
This page summarises the law for travellers and is not legal advice. Laws, local bylaws and enforcement change; follow local signs and check the sources below. Last checked 31 October 2026.