Black's Beach Vista Point — Attraction in San Diego

Ah, Black's Beach Vista Point. Another jewel in San Diego's crown of coastal wonders.

You know, in my line of work, you learn to appreciate a good vantage point. And this? This is the cream of the crop.

Picture yourself perched on the edge of the continent, gazing out at an endless expanse of blue. The Pacific stretches before you like a vast, liquid chessboard - only here, the game is between man and nature, and nature usually wins.

Now, I'm not one for public beaches. Sand in unspeakable places isn't exactly my idea of a good time. But this vista? It's enough to make even the most jaded operative pause and reflect on the beauty of it all.

The view rivals that of the Gliderport - same breathtaking panorama, different flavor of adrenaline. Instead of watching daredevils dance with death above, you're treated to the primal sight of waves crashing against cliffs. It's nature's own theatrical performance, and we've got front row seats.

July brings the kind of weather that makes you believe in a benevolent universe. Clear skies, a gentle breeze carrying the tang of salt - it's enough to make a man forget about the sordid underbelly of the world. At least for a moment.

Five stars? Without question. It's the kind of place that reminds you why we fight to keep this world turning. A spot where you can stand, breathe, and for just a moment, feel like you're part of something greater than the endless game of cat and mouse.

So go. Take it in. Just don't expect to find me down on the beach itself. I'll be up here, drinking in the view along with a good scotch, pondering the mysteries of the universe. Or maybe just my next move. In this game, my dear, it's all the...

A beautiful beach area in the La Jolla area of San Diego close to Torry Pines, the Salk Institute and the UCSD campus. At the top is a lot of parking and a gliderport where gliders take off at the top of the cliffs and then end up down on the beach. You can watch the sunset from the top or grab a hot dog at the gift shop/snackbar. A windy path leads down the the beach which is clothing optional in some parts. Watch out for the erosion. Unlike the East Coast that I'm used to in which everything is made of granite, these cliffs look like hard mud and a recent rainstorm made everything unstable. Parts of the trail were paved at one point but most of it is washed away. Be very careful if its wet. The parking lot was a mess also with pot holes, ditches and mud puddles. Go easy on that rental car if you are used to an SUV. Easy...

Beautiful views of the pacific ocean and the areas surrounding. Hang gliders are a constant here as is the deverse crowd including Glider enthusiasts, travelers in buses and RV's of every flavor, nudists and gay men (there's a nude beach at the base of the bluffs) and some homeless just getting by....lol, enjoying the sun shine and million dollar views they can borrow but will likely never own. Regardless of their reason for coming, all in all everyone is very kind...