Zipolite may be a small beach town on Mexico’s Oaxacan coast, but when the sun goes down, things heat up—in every sense of the word. With clothing-optional beaches, mezcal-fueled cocktails, and a refreshingly open-minded LGBTQ+ scene, Zipolite offers one of the most unique and liberating gay nightlife experiences in the world.
Whether you’re here for a long weekend, Zipolite Diverso (the town’s pride celebration), or just curious about what a night out in Mexico’s nudist paradise looks like, this guide is for you.
Playa del Amor at Sunset
It All Starts at Playa del Amor
Every great night in Zipolite begins at Playa del Amor—the Beach of Love. Tucked away at the far east end of the main beach, this clothing-optional cove is the gathering spot for the queer community and free spirits of all kinds.
By day, expect a laid-back vibe with nudists, yogis, and sunbathers mingling freely. But as the sun sets, the mood shifts—nude swims, spontaneous fire shows, and flirtatious glances across the tide become the norm. It’s romantic, raw, and quintessentially Zipolite.
🌟 Pro tip – Bring a towel and a sense of adventure. Playa del Amor isn’t just a beach—it’s a ritual.
ZIPOLITE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Planning your trip to Zipolite? These travel tools and services will save you money and make your visit stress-free:
Hotel Discounts – Score unbeatable deals with Booking.com and Hotels.com. Create a free account on either (or both!) to instantly unlock savings of 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide. You’ll also find member perks like free breakfast, early check-in, or even surprise room upgrades—perfect for elevating your stay. We’re members of both platforms and always compare deals to find the best rate before we book.
Travel Insurance – Don’t leave home without it! SafetyWing offers super affordable travel insurance with straightforward pricing and flexible extensions—even if your trip is already underway. Protect yourself from unexpected medical expenses and travel mishaps while you explore Zipolite and beyond.
🌟 Pro tip – Some links on this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book through them—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our travels and helping us create more content like this!
Cocktails and Sushi at Mao Mau
Dinner + Drinks: Mao Mau
After beach time, most of the crowd wanders barefoot into town. One of our top picks for dinner is Mao Mau, a fantastic, gay-owned Thai restaurant run by Gabriel and Peter. Yes, you read that right—Thai food in Oaxaca, and it’s amazing.
In addition to pad thai and curries, they serve up sushi and one of the best wine lists in town. Whether you’re dining solo or with friends, Mao Mau is always welcoming—and chances are, you’ll end your meal with a round of mezcal shots.
New Friends at ChiZme
ChiZme: The First Gay Bar in Zipolite
Once you’ve filled up on noodles and mezcal, head over to ChiZme Art Bar—Zipolite’s original gay bar. Hidden down a little alley lit with rainbow lights, this funky, artistic hideaway is 100% clothing-optional and 1000% chill.
Fun fact: “Chisme” means “gossip” in Spanish—and yes, there’s always a little tea being spilled here.
Vincent, the owner, has created a magical queer space where everyone is welcome, the cocktails are strong, and the vibe is relaxed but playful. Expect eclectic decor, hanging lanterns, and cheeky energy in every corner.
A few things to note:
Nude Nights: Fridays and Sundays are nude-only, and yes, they’re legendary.
Drinks to Try: The negronis and martinis are solid, and they carry Boodles gin.
Play Space: Head to our Patreon for the full review (with pics you won’t find on Instagram).
Sin Nombre
Keep It Going: Sin Nombre
When ChiZme winds down around 11pm, head around the corner to Sin Nombre, one of Zipolite’s newest queer-friendly bars. Located on the Adoquín (the town’s main street), this inclusive spot welcomes locals, travelers, and allies alike.
Expect live music, DJs, karaoke, and a rotating cast of fun-loving partygoers. It’s not strictly a gay bar, but the energy is warm and open-minded, making it a great late-night stop.
La Máxima
Drag, Beach Vibes, and Dancing: La Máxima
No Zipolite nightlife guide would be complete without La Máxima. Right on the beach, this bar and nightclub is the town’s wildest and most fabulous party venue. Drag shows? Check. Beachfront dance floor? Check. Power outages mid-performance? Sometimes. But that’s all part of the charm.
We once spent Día de los Muertos here during a blackout and ended up singing with strangers by candlelight. That’s the kind of magic that happens at La Máxima.
🌟 Pro tip – That guy you made eye contact with at Playa del Amor earlier? He’s probably here now. Go say hi.
After-Hours: Zanate
Still not ready to call it a night? Follow the music to Zanate, a local favorite where the party continues into the early hours. This spot is especially busy on weekends and serves as a great after-party option once other bars start closing down.
The crowd is mixed but friendly, and the beats are non-stop. If you still have energy (or tequila in your system), this is the place to dance it out.
Diverso Party at Hotel Naked
Bonus Spots for Gay Travelers
Hotel Sebastián – This queer boutique hotel hosts occasional DJ sets, themed parties, and sunset drinks open to the public. Check their Instagram for events during your visit.
Hotel Naked – One of the most famous gay popular hotels in town, Hotel Naked transforms into a party zone on weekends and during major events like Zipolite Diverso (Zipolite’s version of Pride).
Final Thoughts: A Small Scene with Big Vibes
Zipolite’s gay nightlife may not have mega clubs or velvet ropes—but what it lacks in scale, it more than makes up for in personality. This is a place where you can dance barefoot under the stars, toast with strangers, and feel completely free—just as you are (and maybe without your clothes).
It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s unforgettable.
🌟 Pro tip – Planning a trip to Zipolite? From the best LGBTQ+ hotels to must-visit attractions, dining, and travel tips, find it all in our Gay Travel Guide to Zipolite.
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