San Diego's second most breathtaking surf spot is also known as the country largest nude beach, but don’t hesitate to visit because of extreme exposure, the general nude area is north of the surf spot, marked by a sign keeping nudists in designated areas.
Access to Blacks Beach is very difficult because it's situations in a middle of a 3 mile stretch of 300 foot high cliffs and lack of improved stairways. The safest access is from nearby beaches, but this access may be obstructed by high tides or surf. Blacks Beach has unstable cliffs and slides can occur without warning, so it is best to stay well away from them.
The idea of no restrooms, no improved walkways and prohibited scuba diving , may trigger one to wonder what makes Blacks Beach so extraordinary? The answer is its capability to produce 10-15 foot winter waves.
Even for people who don’t participate in the sport, Blacks winter swells are a scene not to miss. It's by far the best beach break in San Diego County, maybe even of all Southern California. When surfing Blacks south and northwest winter swells you'll swear you're surfing a coldwater wave in Indonesia. Its deepwater canyon attracts & magnifies waves into their true potential. Blacks consists of a variety of peaks, which offer both high performance surfing & run-for-your-life conditions. The fact that it requires a time commitment with an exhausting hike down the cliff keeps the aggressive crowds down. The location basically requires one to have a good amount of time to make the round trip from your car to the surf and back again.
Directions to Blacks Beach :
From the north, take Interstate 5 south to Carmel Valley Road. West on Carmel Valley Road to Pacific Coast Highway. South on Pacific Coast Highway to Torrey Pines State Beach. A paid-parking lot is available with 450 spaces, including eight disabled parking spaces. Walk south from this lot approximately one mile using caution regarding the unstable cliffs above and tidal conditions which may obstruct passage.
From the south, take Interstate 5 north to La Jolla Parkway. Take a right at the intersection of La Jolla Shores Drive and a left on Calle Frescota to the free public parking lot at La Jolla Shores. This lot includes 350 spaces, including eight disabled parking spaces. Walk north one mile, use caution regarding the unstable cliffs above and tidal conditions which may obstruct passage
