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Black's Beach

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United States · Beach · San Diego
high
Best month: September

Best for

Ideal for experienced surfers and lovers of secluded holidays. Not suitable for families with small children due to the difficult descent and strong waves.

Best month

September

Water
+18.0°C
Length
3 200 m
A secluded beach in La Jolla, known for its high cliffs and strong waves. It features wild nature and scenic views, popular for surfing and nudism.
Surface
sand
Waves
strong
Entry
steep
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
A secluded beach in La Jolla, known for its high cliffs and strong waves. It features wild nature and scenic views, popular for surfing and nudism.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • Picturesque views of Torrey Pines cliffs
  • Some of the best surf waves in California
  • Secluded place without crowds
  • Clothing-optional sunbathing
  • Free access
  • Dolphin and whale watching

Cons

  • Difficult descent via steep trail (308 feet)
  • Strong waves and currents, unsafe for swimming
  • No infrastructure
  • No toilets or showers
  • Limited parking
  • Can get crowded with surfers
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for experienced surfers and lovers of secluded holidays. Not suitable for families with small children due to the difficult descent and strong waves.
Features
What makes this beach unique
Black-s Beach is the only nude beach in San Diego and one of the most famous surf spots in Southern California. The beach is located at the base of the 90-metre Torrey Pines cliffs.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
golden
Sand Texture
Grain size
medium
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
steep
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
5 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
recommended
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
3 200 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
blue
Water Clarity
high
Underwater Visibility
10.0 m
Average Water Temp
+18.0 °C
Max Water Temp
+21.0 °C
Wave Type
strong
Wave Height
2.0 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
July August
Season end
September October
Best month
September
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
high
Water Quality
Water purity rating
good
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
low
Crime Level
Overall safety level
caution
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
5.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
Increased caution is recommended. Car break-ins are possible. Do not leave valuables in the car.
Dangerous creatures
stingrays
jellyfish
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
No
Umbrellas
No
Showers
No
Toilets
No
Changing Rooms
No
Lifeguards
Yes
First Aid
Yes
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
No
Kids Playground
No
Sports Ground
No
Restaurants Nearby
0 pcs
Best restaurants

Greenfinch Restaurant & Bar

Modern American

Restaurant 1.06 km from Blacks Beach in San Diego

James' Place Prime Seafood Sushi

Seafood, Sushi

Seafood and sushi restaurant 2.4 km from Blacks Beach

Nearby cuisines

American

Modern American cuisine with seafood and grills

Must try: Grilled fish, tacos, burgers

Mexican

Mexican cuisine in nearby San Diego

Must try: Tacos, burritos, guacamole
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
calm
Crowd Level
moderate
Silence Level
quiet
Sunset Quality
exceptional
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
Yes
Natural Shade
little
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
No
Diving
No
Surfing
Yes
Kayaking / SUP
No
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Water Towel Swimsuit Water shoes Cash
Best Time to Swim
In the morning the water is calmer and there are fewer people. In the evening — beautiful sunsets.
Local Rules
Swim at your own risk due to strong currents. The northern part is clothing-optional.
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Torrey Pines State Park

Scenic park with rare pines and clifftop trails.

La Jolla

Neighbourhood with restaurants, shops and beaches, a 10-minute drive away.

Torrey Pines Gliderport

Hang gliding spot with panoramic coastal views.

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Black's Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — blue, clarity high, average temperature +18.0°C, warms up to +21.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Black's Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — strong. Average wave height — 2.0 m. Strong waves will please surfers but require caution when swimming with children.
Black's Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — steep. The shallow area extends for 5 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. It is recommended to bring aqua shoes — parts of the bottom have rocks or corals. The steep entry requires extra care, especially with children.
Black's Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — golden. Texture — medium. Beach length — 3 200 metres.
Black's Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in July, August. It ends in September, October. The best month for a holiday is September. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Black's Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as good. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — low. Shark risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Black's Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: stingrays, jellyfish. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Black's Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: parking. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Black's Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor. A first aid station is available.
Black's Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Greenfinch Restaurant & Bar, James' Place Prime Seafood Sushi. Cuisines available: American, Mexican. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Black's Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Water shoes, Cash.
Black's Beach: when is the best time to swim?
In the morning the water is calmer and there are fewer people. In the evening — beautiful sunsets.
Black's Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Swim at your own risk due to strong currents. The northern part is clothing-optional.
Black's Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: surfing. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Black's Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for experienced surfers and lovers of secluded holidays. Not suitable for families with small children due to the difficult descent and strong waves.
Black's Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Black-s Beach is the only nude beach in San Diego and one of the most famous surf spots in Southern California. The beach is located at the base of the 90-metre Torrey Pines cliffs.
Black's Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Picturesque views of Torrey Pines cliffs, Some of the best surf waves in California, Secluded place without crowds, Clothing-optional sunbathing, Free access, Dolphin and whale watching. Cons: Difficult descent via steep trail (308 feet), Strong waves and currents, unsafe for swimming, No infrastructure, No toilets or showers, Limited parking, Can get crowded with surfers.
Black's Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Torrey Pines State Park, La Jolla, Torrey Pines Gliderport. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Black's Beach: how do I get to the city of San Diego?
The beach is located near the city of San Diego. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for San Diego.

City

San Diego

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.