Bathhouse Etiquette

[Heartnet24]

Hello! I'm not sure if this is the right forum to be asking about this, i also couldn't find a thread relating to this (but maybe I missed it). But I appreciate anyone's feedback.

I'll be going on a vacation next month, and I want to visit the local bathhouse, but I have never been to one before. I was wondering what the etiquette is for wandering around the bathhouse, and if I should do anything leading up to going (besides getting myself ready)?

[Whoisyourdaddy]

I used to go often when I was younger. 

Know the bathhouse's rules on nudity. Most of the ones I frequented required customers to wear a towel in most areas. You can be naked in a few areas, like the maze, sauna, and shower areas. Also, while not mandatory, I recommend reliable footwear for the obvious reasons. Sex rules are similar to the nudity rules; you can have sex in some areas, but not in others. (No sex in jacuzzis; it's an infection control issue.)

All of the bathhouses I've ever been to had strict cell phone rules; they don't want anyone's privacy violated.

Check their policy on smoking, alcohol, and marijuana.

In most bathhouses, the rules are posted at their check-in areas. Also, several staff members can answer questions.

[+ Vegas_Millennial]

On 4/30/2026 at 4:55 AM, Heartnet24 said:

if I should do anything leading up to going (besides getting myself ready)?

Think about the supplies you may want to bring, such as favorite brand of lube or condom.

[HockeyMan]

Bring sandals and toiletries. 

[jeezifonly]

Take Prep and get vax /boosters for Flu, COVID, and MP. Safety first. Common cold: count on it. Nice surprise if you don't! 

There will be all body types - hot guys, avg guys, older bears, skinny students, and in all races (potentially) and ages. No one is everyone's type (except for the one hung god) so you may be turned away. Yes it's personal, but more, it's just the nature of the venue. Average guys do very well at bathhouses. Most have an overall friendly vibe. We're all playmates there to have fun, right?

If your wit and charm are your biggest assets, save those for the TV Lounge. Very little, and hushed, conversation is taking place in the cruising spaces. Eye contact is key. Be open. 

First time, maybe get a room - you have a place to retreat and process the vibe, and enjoy provided video (no phones allowed) for motivation to resume the promenade. Bring personal toiletries and towelettes. 

If approached by someone you're not into, indicate it kindly. 'Thanks, maybe later' 

[+ Just Chuck]

Patrick Marano has a bunch of YouTube videos on bathhouses including do’s, don’t’s, and how-to’s.  Here’s a thirteen and a half minute video specifically on Bathhouse etiquette he released.