Black's Beach — Attraction in San Diego

I haven't been to Black's Beach for decades. The amount of sunbathers below the scenic sandstone cliffs has greatly diminished however, the south beach is a 🌐 renowned surfing beach - both the lefthanders and righthanders often produce some very clean and righteous waves, especially in the 6' to 10' range ; "the road lefts" are simply awesome, especially on a W, WNW or a NW swell and it's best on almost any tide, except for the higher tides, which are greater than those in the 6.0 foot to 7.2+ foot range. When it's really pumping, you can usually expect it to be a total "zoo." There aren't really any "locals" at Black's however, that's a debatable subject, as many affluent UCSD students - who have dorms above the beach - seem to think that they "own the beach." I spent decades surfing Black's and you can still have a "hot" day out there, if you're lucky ;In my opinion, Black's is for experienced surfers only!😎✌. They once had lifeguards however, setting up a couple of "picnic tables"and patrolling the beach for naked babes, while performing an occasional "cliff rescue" - an extremely dangerous situation that didn't merit a "summer staff" of up to 10 guards : For every rare cliff rescue at Black's there were hundreds of ocean rescues at the La Jolla Shores, Mission and Ocean Beach. So.One day their "picnic" ended. Black's will handle some really big 🏄🌊, up to 12'+ but getting to the outside can be gnarly, especially when faced by a "clean-up" set. There still is some limited - two hour - parking on selected streets within the posh "La Jolla Farms" area however, I often used "The Bulldozer Trail" : A dangerous and ecologically damaging route... The south beach - controlled by UCSD and the City of San Diego is off limits to nudity. The north - state controlled beach - is a "clothing optional beach"and is NOT surfable! Although signage indicates the area is protected, the city allows the nudists to continually repair a hazardous trail -The Broadway Trail - to the beach below ; after a large amout of rain, this trail is not passable and a public hazard! I was told that the path was kept open, for "political reasons." The far northern area above houses the world famous San Diego Gliderport ; paragliding and hang-gliding is very popular here! A beginner can get "soaring lessons" (licenses are required) or pay a certified glider specialist for a "tandem ride" above the 300' cliffs ; there is also a snack bar/ equipment shop and a viewing area too. Parking is still free. There is also an area reserved for model plane enthusiasts however, there are now time constraints in regards to "flying times." During certain seasonal periods, large gliders are able to utilize the area using a " towing system." The far north area, using the so-called ecologically protected Indian Canyon Trail, is primarily a gay beach. I would warn unaccompanied women to avoid this area, as "straight men" walk around with hidden cameras,attempting to film naked women. Some will also sit around them in a star formation - and "oogle" them. The ocean, after a few storms, is also filthy and polluted with sewage from the lax development of the south Torrey Pines Road building complexes and the smell reeks! The area is supposedly a "state environmentally protected area" and last I remember, the County park rangers and lifeguards - who occasionally patrol the north area - had collected scrapbooks full of apprehended lobster poachers and all " bugs" were undersized. There are often (seasonal) large pods of dolphins who feed on anchovey schools that sometimes frequent this area however, most are gone; grunion also sometimes mate at the northern most area ; the times are a well-kept "local secret" and it's also seasonal. It's one of San Diego's most scenic walks ; from Torrey Pines Park to the Scripps Tide Pools and back - at low tide - reveal some marvellous sights. Torrey Pines State Park - at the south end of Torrey Pines Beach - offers a beautiful museum and myriad hiking trails however, there is a fee for parking and it...

The beach is awesome. Shell hunting, especially in the spring, sometimes leads to beautiful finds. The hike down and up the cliff trail is a bit taxing and the sandy parts of the trail can cause some slipping, so please be careful.

Continued.. Yes, clothing optional on North end. People of all ages, etc can be found relaxing or playing volleyball etc. on the beach. The trail down to the beach can be a bit difficult in spots, so feel free to take your time and be safe. Most people are understanding, but I would let people by so as not to hold others up. The hike back up can be winding as it is about the equivilent of 30-35 flights of stairs. No bathrooms on the beach, but has porta potties in the parking lot. Parking is free, but when college is in session, the lot is much fuller on the weekdays than what would be expected; however, the number of people on the beach are fewer. Weekends have more people and I would go earlier to get better parking. I would take water, sunscreen, and snacks. It is worth the experience of being free of clothing. Keep the experience good for everyone and keep yourself free of legal ramifications by being respectful and classy!

Photo of shells and sunset from the beach in early spring, which is why no people in it allowing me to post...

Black's Beach is one of those places that is purely magical. Because of the lengthy climb, either down a Goat Trail, or down a very long and uneven stairway, the majority of the Riff Raff you might expect never make it down to the beach. The beach itself is divided into several sections, although it's not like there's a sign. There is the predominantly gay section at the North End and the predominantly Surfer section at the South End and mostly at the North End he will find that it is clothing optional, although Su move South you may encounter some people without clothes on. Because of the underwater Cliff that form Scripps Canyon, the surf tends to be quite good. There is also excellent scuba diving in Scripps Canyon starting at about 75 ft deep and going down to about three hundred. In the old days there was a buoy that marked the entry to the South Branch of Scripps Canyon but I haven't seen that...