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Your Complete Guide to Black’s Beach

a beach next to the ocean

Black’s Beach can provide a unique experience when traveling to San Diego. It’s renowned for its excellent waves, perfect for experienced surfers. It’s also famous for its nude beach and known for its challenging hike to get to the shore. This may cause you to ask, “Can kids go to Blacks Beach?” The answer is they can, but due to the strenuous hike, potential nudity, and water swells that can make ocean swimming treacherous, a more family-friendly beach such as La Jolla Shores would be more suitable.

Black’s Beach is located north of La Jolla Shores, at the southern end of Torrey Pines State Beach. If you enjoy visiting secluded sites, Black’s Beach is the place for you. The beach and bluffs are untouched, making you feel like you are far from the city. At super low tide, you can actually walk on the beach from Black’s Beach all the way to Torrey Pines Beach. While surfers tend to surf on the south end where the main peaks are, nudists occupy an area to the north of the Glider Port Trail. Despite it being one of the most beautiful areas of San Diego, many people are not very motivated to visit this beach when they find out about the hike down. Surfers and nudists find it to be an excellent choice, though. The picturesque beauty of Black’s Beach makes it one of the most stunning places in San Diego. The Torrey Pines State bluffs provide an incredible backdrop to this fantastic beach. 

Surfing at Black’s Beach

If you’re a surfer, you definitely need to catch some waves at Black’s Beach at least once in your life. Because of the unique terrain in this spot, this beach tends to see higher waves than any other beach in the San Diego area. Surfing here is quite the adventure for experienced surfers, but it could be dangerous for newbies. The deep canyon under the water close to the shoreline creates a force that creates large waves. This beach also includes three main peaks to which you can paddle. Because of the current, though, you should only swim in the ocean if you’re an excellent swimmer. 

Best Time To Go

Like the rest of San Diego, there is no wrong time to visit. Blacks Beach weather is excellent year-round. Surfers prefer winter surfing because of the winter swells that produce the biggest waves. Springtime tends to bring a good mix of larger and smaller waves. In the summer, you’ll notice smaller waves but more people. Autumn is a fun time of year at Black’s Beach as the waves begin growing larger.

Essentials To Bring

Short surfboards with some rocker tend to handle better in the larger waves at Black’s Beach. As with any beach, be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. You’ll also want to take a beach towel for each person going on the excursion, along with drinks and possibly food if you plan on being there for several hours. The hike to the beach typically takes around 40 minutes, so you’ll definitely need to stay hydrated as you walk down. Don’t forget to bring extra water for the hike back because it is straight uphill. Be sure to remember your camera; you’ll regret not getting photos from your day at this beautiful location. Also, look out for sea lions and dolphins frolicking in the surf as people paraglide off the bluffs from Torrey Pines Gliderport. 

Where To Stay

If you want to stay close to Black’s Beach, several hotels are within two miles, some with ocean views. 

  •     Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa 
  •     The Lodge at Torrey Pines
  •     Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
  •     Sheraton La Jolla Hotel

Whether for a weekend or a week, Black’s Beach can offer a lot, especially if you’re a surfer or enjoy sunning in the buff. In addition to this beach, a San Diego whale watching excursion is a must-do while you’re in the area. Begin planning for an unforgettable vacation in Southern California.