Black's Beach - San Diego, California

Address:San Diego, California

It is true that Black's Beach is Southern California's notorious (and unofficial) nude beach. But it is also true that plenty of swimsuit-wearing travelers flock to this secluded, picturesque area. Situated between La Jolla and the Torrey Pines State Beach, Black's Beach is a two mile long, sandy strip sheltered by dramatic, high cliffs. Turn your eyes skyward for an impressive display of tourists and locals riding the sea breeze with the gulls. Black Beach's 300-foot bluffs are home to the historic Torrey Pines Glider port, a superb launching spot for hang-gliding and paragliding, and one of the oldest and most reputed glider ports in the U.S. Whether you soar off a cliff over a sparkling blue sea or spend a day swimming and sunbathing, Black's Beach is a sure shore experience.

An understanding of the lay of the land at Black's Beach is essential for a day at the beach that fits your style. From 1974 to 1977 Black's Beach was a de facto clothing optional shoreline. And while nudity is no longer legally sanctioned in the city owned part of the beach, the area that is state property still draws an enthusiastic group of "nakes." Beach bums in the buff generally hang out on the city portion of the beach, extending about a mile north of the Torrey Pines State Park trail heading to the Glider Port. Head further north (within the State Park) and you will come to a secluded strip of sand where you are generally guaranteed a smaller, clothed crowd. Black's Beach Glider Port is open to beginner and professional gliders alike, and tandem rides with instructors are available.

What else is there to do at Black's Beach besides hang-gliding and hanging out? The southern end of Black's Beach is seventh heaven for surfers. Because of an offshore underwater canyon, the waves are some of the most powerful and unruly in Southern California. Black's Beach offers year-round opportunities to fish for Sand Bass, Calico Bass, Shark, and Rock Cod. To see what lives beneath the blue deep of Black's Beach, snorkel the tide pools at the southern end of the beach near La Jolla Cove. Or you can spend a pleasant afternoon walking sand-side from La Jolla and the Torrey Pines State Beach for a view of the craggy, jagged coastline.

Due to the high cliffs and lack of adequate stairways, the easiest path for accessing Black's Beach is from neighboring beaches to the north and south. (It is generally possible to walk over before the tide comes in.) Visitors to Black's Beach should be aware that while the high cliffs often provide ideal swimming conditions, the surf is unpredictable and occasionally volatile. High tide is often extremely high, rip currents are common, and the cliffs of Black's Beach occasionally experience slides. Lifeguards are often on duty from April through October, but there is no permanent lifeguard station on site. Whether you swim, fish, surf, walk or snorkel, you are guaranteed to go home a true-blue Black's Beach fan.