Black's Beach

Black's Beach is a remote, cliff-backed stretch of Pacific shoreline beneath the Torrey Pines mesa in La Jolla, San Diego, California, long known for its clothing-optional south section and powerful surf. The sand is wide and tan, enclosed by tall sandstone bluffs that give the beach a secluded, dramatic setting, and the water is cool and green-blue. The beach faces west and sits above a deep submarine canyon, which focuses swell onto the shore and creates some of the most powerful waves in San Diego County, drawing experienced surfers and big-wave riders. Swimming conditions are demanding, with strong currents and heavy shore break, so it suits confident ocean users only. The atmosphere is quiet and independent: there are no vendors, no shops and no built-up promenade. Facilities are minimal, with no restrooms or food on the sand, and lifeguards operate on a seasonal basis in summer, so visitors should carry water, food and sun protection. Access is the defining feature. Most visitors park at the Torrey Pines Gliderport lot, which charges a fee, and walk the steep Gliderport trail down the cliff, a descent that is demanding on the return climb. An alternative is to walk from La Jolla Shores along the sand at low tide, but this route is only passable when the tide is low and can trap walkers as the water rises, so the tide table must be checked beforehand. The cliffs above are unstable, and visitors should avoid walking close to their base. Nudity is tolerated on the south section but is not officially permitted, and the north end is more commonly used by clothed visitors. The Gliderport itself is worth a visit for views of hang gliders and paragliders launching from the cliff. Black's Beach rewards visitors who prepare well with space, solitude and some of the most striking coastal scenery in the region.