Blacks Beach: 8 Things You Should Know
Blacks Beach lies along a beautiful stretch of the rocky La Jolla coastline. Positioned below the Torrey Pines Gliderport and just north of La Jolla Shores, locals have embraced it as a beloved surf spot.
It retains significant fame for its defining characteristic as a nude beach in San Diego!
Behind its more well-known qualities, however, lies a rich history and some pretty interesting facts. Here, we present a few things you may not know about this tucked-away spot!
Table of Contents
- 1. The Origin of Blacks Beach
- 2. A Surfer’s Paradise Discovered in the 60s
- 3. It’s notoriously difficult to get to
- History of Access to Blacks Beach
- 4. The Unique Submarine Canyon
- 5. The Infamous Ho Chi Minh Trail
- The Volunteer Efforts: Keeping the Trails Safe
- 7. A Beach with a Clothing-Optional Tradition
- 8. Moonlit Drum Circles: A Nostalgic Memory
- Bonus Tip!
- Final Thoughts About Blacks Beach San Diego
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1. The Origin of Blacks Beach
In the late 1940s, the Black family moved to La Jolla and bought roughly 248 acres on the Torrey Pines cliffs alongside a canyon that led to the beach.
A dirt road for horses and buggies once traced the cliffs to what is now recognized as Torrey Pine State Park.
With the Del Mar Fairgrounds in the works as a horse racing venue, the Blacks built a premier Thoroughbred farm and stables, hoping for success.
However, the horse farm never became as successful as they hoped, so the family sold the land several years later. The area was subdivided into larger lots and still retains the same name: La Jolla Farms.
The Black family’s attempt to create a thriving horse farm and its transition to present-day La Jolla Farms adds a fascinating layer to the area’s history.
2. A Surfer’s Paradise Discovered in the 60s
Some sources suggest that the first group to ever surf Black’s Beach included longtime surfers Peter Lusic, Don Roncy, John Light, and Joe Trotter in 1959.
They returned to La Jolla Shores raving about their discovery. The next day a few more joined their group to get in on what became a very well-kept secret until 1964.
These early surfers found something special in Blacks Beach Surfing. The unique underwater submarine canyon funnels powerful swells, creating waves that are unlike any other in the area.
This discovery significantly changed the local surf scene, making Blacks Beach a coveted spot among surfers who were looking for a thrilling experience on the waves.
3. It’s notoriously difficult to get to
Back then, unless the Black family provided you with a key, the climb was perilous.
There are multiple routes, but they all involve a bit of rock scrambling and a steep climb.
From the Torrey Pines Gliderport:
From Torrey Pines Drive, park in the main lot and find the trail just to the left.
You may see a ‘no beach access sign,’ but it does indeed get you down to Black’s Beach.
Pass the fork in the road that connects to the Ho Chi Minh trail; it’ll seem like a dead end, to the right there’s a path with some man-made stairs.
From La Jolla Farms:
Tucked away between two houses in the Farms neighborhood you’ll find a trail (somewhere around 9883 La Jolla Farms Rd.)
You’ll take this down past the fork that connects it with the Gliderport portion and continue heading south. This is the part that gets tricky!
From La Jolla Shores Pier:
This is the easiest route since it doesn’t involve a steep climb. However, you can only go this way when it’s very low tide.
During high tide, a huge rock juts out far enough to separate the middle section of the trail, making it impassable. Do expect a lot of rock scrambling from here though.
Pro-tip: Pro-tip: you’ll pass the infamous Mushroom House on your way, a great photo op and a photographer’s fascination.
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Other Ways
There are also a few other ways to get there, including from Torrey Pines Beach and the Salk Institute. Just make sure you check a map and plan your route before you go.
Plus, since Blacks Beach is a dog friendly beach, it’s a perfect spot to bring your furry friend along for an adventure.
History of Access to Blacks Beach
Back in the ’60s, surfers would descend Blacks Beach Road, which William Black always protected. He was known for firing a shotgun loaded with rock salt at trespassers!
4. The Unique Submarine Canyon
A submarine canyon (essentially a steep-sided valley cut into the seabed) funnels powerful swells into Black’s Beach, rendering it one of the more popular surf spots but posing a danger to inexperienced swimmers.
Swimming here isn’t generally recommended for inexperienced swimmers.
Best beach nearby: La Jolla Shores
5. The Infamous Ho Chi Minh Trail
Known for its treacherous and at times extremely narrow climb down, this trail starts up at La Jolla Farms and winds its way through the cliffs to get to the beach.
Local Black’s Beach surfers have long used the trail, and UCSD surfers bestowed its name in the 60s when they used it for quicker access to the beach.
For those looking to take this route, it’s important to wear sturdy shoes with good grip to handle the rocky terrain. Take your time and watch your step, especially on the narrow sections.
If you’re starting from the Torrey Pines Gliderport, follow the trail down until it merges with the Ho Chi Minh Trail. These tips can help you safely enjoy the adventure of getting to Blacks Beach via this iconic trail.
The Volunteer Efforts: Keeping the Trails Safe
The Black’s Beach Bares, a longtime clothing-optional advocacy group (not the city), maintains the stairways leading from the Gliderport to the beach.
They repair the pathway in the early morning or late evening hours during the off-season. The Bares do their best to help keep trail walkers safe and avoid citations by refraining from installing or modifying pedestrian-friendly augmentations to the trail, as it violates the San Diego Municipal Code.
7. A Beach with a Clothing-Optional Tradition
Blacks Beach is well-known for its lenient clothing laws, which have become an important part of its culture.
The tradition of being a clothing-optional beach has attracted many nudists and locals, being a prime example of the cultural diversity found at San Diego Blacks Beach.
The beach is divided into two areas: the northern part, owned by the state park, where nudity is still legal, and the southern part, owned by the city, where clothing-optional sunbathing is no longer allowed.
The bikini- and swim trunks-optional stretch is still popular among those who enjoy the freedom at Blacks Beach.
8. Moonlit Drum Circles: A Nostalgic Memory
For several years, people would come to Black’s Beach on the night of a full moon and hold a Drum Circle, hosted by a group called the Rainbow Family.
They would build a fire, play drums, dance, and then clean up when they were done. In the morning there would be no trace that they were there.
Unfortunately, they got a bit out of hand when more people heard about them and the hosts eventually had to shut them down.
This group was known for its communal spirit and peaceful gatherings. The atmosphere at these drum circles was magical, with fires burning, drums beating, and people dancing under the moonlight.
Afterward, the participants would diligently clean up, leaving no trace of their presence by morning. As more people heard about these gatherings, they began to grow too large and difficult to manage.
The increased attendance led to concerns about safety and environmental impact. The hosts eventually had to shut down the drum circles to maintain the integrity and safety of the beach.
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Bonus Tip!
And we could add number 9: We mention Blacks Beach in our article “How to Throw an Epic Beach Party in San Diego.”
Final Thoughts About Blacks Beach San Diego
Blacks Beach San Diego is a unique and fascinating destination, offering a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and distinctive cultural traditions.
For those planning to visit, it’s important to be prepared for the hike down to the beach, whether you’re taking the challenging Ho Chi Minh Trail or another route.
Remember to respect the natural environment and the local customs, ensuring that Blacks Beach remains a cherished spot for future visitors.
Whether you’re interested in surfing, sunbathing, or simply taking in the stunning views, this black sand beach in San Diego promises a memorable adventure.
FAQs About Blacks Beach San Diego
What is Blacks Beach known for?
We love it for the sensational surfing, and Insta-worthy ‘scapes – but in truth, Blacks Beach is likely most famous for being one of the largest nude beaches in the United States. That’s a different kind of scenery to admire altogether, and so the reputation is well-earned. We still say the golden sands, majestic cliffs, and unparalleled, ruggedly natural beauty is the real magic and allure of Blacks Beach San Diego
How do you get to Black’s Beach?
Access to Black’s Beach can be potentially tough. Its proximity to Torrey Pines bluffs implies some tricky footing and possibly treacherous terrain to trek – so yeah, you’ve got to be cautious. That said, here are some tried-and-true ways to get you to that enticing black sand beach in San Diego Here are four main routes:
1. Torrey Pines Glider Port Trail: The most popular but steep and rugged trail.
2. Torrey Pines State Beach: A 2-mile walk south from the parking lot, accessible only during low tide.
3. La Jolla Shores: A 3-mile walk north, also tide-dependent.
4. Salk Canyon Road: A steep, gated road primarily used by UCSD students
Are there any amenities at Black’s Beach?
San Diego Blacks Beach is more of an immersive experience than a catered event. While loads of SD beaches offer bike or surf rentals, snack shacks, showers, picnic tables – whatever – Blacks Beach amenities are limited. There are no permanent lifeguard stations, and visitors should be aware of swim-at-your-own-risk conditions. Bathrooms and showers can be found at Torrey Pines State Beach to the north and La Jolla Shores to the south
Is Black’s Beach safe?
Well, that depends on who you ask. There’s no question that the cliffs surrounding San Diego Blacks Beach are fiddly, and because they’re unstable, landslides can (and do) occur, so it’s a good idea to stay away from the cliff edges. Also, the trails are super-steep and can be hazardous, so proceed with caution – especially if the Blacks Beach weather is cranky the day you go out to visit. The beach itself has strong currents, so swimming is at your own risk
Can you bring dogs to Black’s Beach?
Yes and no. Depends on when you go with Fido. It’s a drag, but dogs are not allowed on Blacks Beach during daytime hours. But, if you want to have a breathtaking, puppy-powered stroll on the beach, you can take your dog before 9 a.m. between April and October or in the evening after 6 p.m. November through March, leashed dogs are allowed on the beach before 9 a.m. and after 4 p.m. Other than the time and leash restrictions – this is a wide-open beach that your pups will absolutely go deliriously happy over
What activities are popular at Blacks Beach?
Besides sunbathing and surfing, Blacks Beach is a spot where you might find beach volleyball games, often played by nudists in the north section. The south section is more popular with surfers
Is Blacks Beach accessible to everyone?
Well, not really. because the trails cBn be ultra-steep and rugged, Blacks Beach may not be suitable for you if you have mobility issues or young children. In reality, you should be in good physical condition to navigate the paths to the beach safely.
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