Black’s Beach

The reviews are true! A nude beach. I was surprised to see a wide range of ages. Young adults as well as older people chilled on the beach. Lifeguards patrolled often. The beach was clean. Prepare for a long steep flight of stairs to get in and out of the beach.

This was a very beautiful stretch of beach. My friend and I came here because neither of us have ever been to a nude beach and we happened to be in the area. It seemed to be a good mix of fully nude and partially nude beach goers (she went topless and I went full nude). There were also some people that wore normal beach going apparel, but at no time did we get a «creepy» or «weird» vibe from the clothed beach goers. Everyone seemed to exhibit a normal level of curiosity as they passed by other nude people on the beach, but not in a pervy kind of way. Overall it was a very pleasant and peaceful experience and her and I would love to come back for another visit.

First nude beach experience ever. It wasn’t that weird and everyone here (nude or not), seems to be very chill and mild-​mannered. This beach is far and away one of the least crowded in SD so you don’t have to battle hoards of people for a good spot. It’s a nice place to lay back, relax, and listen to the sound of the waves.
You will see a plethora of hang gliders over the cliffs as well as the main entrance to the beach is adjacent to the Torrey Pines glider port. From the glider port sand parking lot, you will have to hike down a series of winding switchbacks and stairs for about 20 minutes to get to the beach below. It can get steep and slippery but if you tread carefully, no problem (I made it in sandals). Going back up can be hellish, as it is the same thing but straight uphill.
This is a great place to play volleyball as they have a few courts set up permanently. Other activities you can here are frisbee and even a pick up game of football with all the open space. The views here are great as well and you can see the La Jolla cove shorelines in the distance.
Definitely go here if you are looking for a quieter, low-​key beach spot. Don’t go here if you are searching for the mysterious unicorn hot naked girl though (you will find old men). LOL!

i stumbled upon black’s beach several years ago when i was still somewhat fairly new to california, and the only thing i was desperately trying to find, was a beach that was halfway decent that didnt look like a maze of beach towel family umbrella-​enclosures every 2 – 3 yards.
beach is my happy place where i look forward to going by myself to chill. like hardcore listen to the waves, zone-​out-​chill, and avoid people in general.
(more specifically avoid the dreaded sand-​kicking, pail-​toting, beach-​going, shrieking toddlers… god love them i know they’re babies and innocent and full of love and joy and they deserve to have fun at the beach, but i just cant deal with the cacophony).
anyways, i dont even remember how i found blacks beach, but it was definitely through some sort of a google search type effort. at that time, i managed to completely overlook the fact that it was a nudist beach.
when i saw this place for the first time, i was absolutely dumbstruck. i had just left carlsbad beach in disgust, about an hour earlier, and then there i was at the top of this ledge looking down at what was just an insanely surreal, beautiful view. i saw a beach that was vast, wide, clean, and practically empty… with clear, perfectly colored aqua water.
only thing i could think was how the f*#@ am i even in the same state??? it just – still!! – blows my mind that people would rather lay around sardine-​style on gross crowded beaches than go to a place like this.
then again i love my beach the way it is, so hey… its all good, im cool with this place not being popular!
and ok… about the whole *nudist* thing?
here’s the deal:
im half greek, half russian. i spent every summer of my childhood with my grandmother in greece, half of that time spent in the islands.
the amazing difference between societies is 100% evident by what i think of as the «naked-​person-​phenomenon».
in europe, EVERY beach is an «optional nude beach». this is because if someone happens to want to drop trou or go au naturel, they do so. and not one single
f-​ck is given, by ANYONE. not the person next to them, or two feet away or 10 feet away. no one even blinks.
(generally, of course… there’s always the nasty 10% who ruin it for the whole bunch)
but generally speaking, most people in europe either have no issues going nude and/​or have no issues with others around them going nude. because for the most part, everyone is at the beach minding their own business, enjoying themselves, and the incredible mediterranean sea. if you want to go naked, go for it. it’s really not that serious, and no one cares what you do.
that’s what i grew up around and thats what i think is normal and natural. do what you want. you dont bother me. i dont bother you. we both enjoy a beautiful day and a gorgeous beach. thats all that matters, isnt it?
i realize i grew up «privileged» in a way in terms of having a broader outlook on this sort of thing, but i still cant help to think it’s ridiculous how stigmatized the phrase «nude beach» is here in the United States.
(this is not said not to knock the US in any way, it’s just my opinion based on observation/​experience. im a 1^st gen American. i’m also a veteran of the USMC. trust and believe i say nothing regarding this country with derision)
but i digress…
the fact that blacks beach is a «nude beach», to me, is rhetorical. i. could. not. possibly. care. less.
it is a gorgeous gorgeous beach, and i’m just so glad i found it. it’s the one place out here that i really feel is kind of magical. although, the hike back up after a day of sunbathing does kick my friggin a** like nothing else. but it’s so worth it.
only thing i care about right now is this weather straightening itself out so i can go enjoy this place a few more times before im back to the nasty northeast.
of all things in CA, i will miss blacks beach the most :(

My favorite beach in San Diego! You have to walk down an inclined car path or down a steep trail with stairs in order to get down to Black’s Beach. Because of this, this Black’s beach is relatively more quiet and less busy than a lot of more accessible beaches. If the tide is low you can walk for a few miles down the shore. My fiancé and I come here for the walk and the exercise. My least favorite part of the trip is having to walk back up the hill, but the beach below is definitely worth the trip. I prefer to wear shorts when coming down to Black’s because the tide is high sometimes, so if your wearing pants and walking, you’ll probably get them wet. I recommend walking in good sandals like Rainbows or Reefs if you take the hill (entrance is in a residential area), or something similar because sand in your tennis shoes is quite uncomfortable. If you are taking the steep stair path (by Torrey Pines Gliderport), tennis shoes or hiking shoes are probably the way to go because some parts can be really steep and a little slippery.
Warning for the ultra-​conservative: YES, you will see nude people here. You will mostly see nude old men here.

1. Not great for people who are unfit or semi fit or family with kids and luggage
2. Beach is ok nothing special apart from few naked people or next to minimum during weekend
3. Beach is dirty with sea waste
4. The worst part is the hike up, please carry water even on a pleasant day and for sure have running shoes
To conclude it is ok to go once for a semi fit person like me, it is really pleasant down at the beach with gentle waves

Been here a couple times now and i think its a beautiful place. From the long mile hike it tames you to get down there its an amazing beach, its so quite and the views in itself are incredibly beautiful.

First time here and very like it.
You have to get down the hill to access the beach, like going hiking.
The beach was not that crowded at late afternoon, around 5. The water is clean and pure, but cold lol !!

Secret. Nude. Beach.
Living in San Diego, i’ve always wondered if the rumors were true about the infamous nude beach.
It wasn’t until my friend decided to go paragliding at the Torrey Pines Gliderport that i discovered the rumors were true. While waiting for my friend to go flying i heard of a wonderful trail down to Blacks Beach.
On the steep incline down the trail you can’t help but stop every few hundred feet to admire the scenic San Diego coastline. It can leave you breathless and «selfie» camera ready as you walk on down.
However, nothing can compare to when you actually get to the beach. I never knew black sand could exist here. Best of all the its pretty private since you have to take that hike down.
Which makes sense on why people come here to bathe/​sunbathe in the nude.
*FYI, yes there are people still practicing the art of butt nekked skinny dipping freedom here.
I’ve never felt more awkward being one of the actual people WITH their clothes on. (Should’ve gone with the flow) lol!
Whether you want to see the most beach scenic spots or dare to go clothes optional. I recommend coming here once in your life if youre in San Diego.
PS: Just respect the people there. No pictures and definitely no staring, groping or littering.

Black’s Beach is a nice spot to go for a peaceful hike. and if you’re into taking your clothes off. this nudist beach might also be another reason for your destination if that’s your thing. ;)
Upon, coming out here. parking is plentiful. though pretty much dirt parking and immediately you get a view of the Torrey Pines Gliderport which is directly above Black’s Beach.
There’s a few different ways to hike down. one with casual dirt stair steps from the south side and the other way next to it is a little more challenging from the south middle cliff side which is very steep. I usually start from the semi paved dirt stairs from the left south side and come back up through the right side which is more north which can be more of a semi-​steep dirt trail and less paved.
The beach here is beautiful, although sometimes I want to close my eyes from what I see. [the nudists are typically older friendly males] o. O =]
Come here for some hiking and get your workout on doing inclines and take a stroll or post-​up and enjoy the beach and the para-​gliders up in the sky. sweet views all around.~

Overwhelming beautiful doesn’t begin to describe this treasure. Black sand, rocks, raw nature. There are a few nudist so you may want to leave the kids at home. I recommend wearing shoes that are appropriate for climbing and maybe throw some flip flops in your bag. This is a must see.

Amazing clean beach with black & brown sand. Clear water. Too far south gets more rocky. High cliffs block out the city, so you’re surrounded by nature. The «staircase» down the beach is intense and rather dangerous. Strange too see lots of minors though, since there are men drooping nearby. I couldn’t find a nearby public place to wash off sand up around the staircase.

My favorite beach in San Diego. It’s more remote and wonderfully scenic. White sand beaches are overrated. Jk, but this black sand is nice and soft, and easy to walk on! Few parts are covered with some rocks, but the beach is wide enough to manage. Be prepared for the short (15min) but steep hike to reach it. This beach has so many characters. One side is not nude, and full of surfers. The other side is super nude, men more than women. If you’re fully clothed, they don’t care either. But maybe good etiquette to stay on the non nude, left side of the beach if you’re not baring all.
There’s 3 ways Ive found to reach it: hike down from glider port, Ho Chi Minh trail, and one paved path off la Jolla beach farms.
Majestic views of cliffs and coastline. Hangliders scatter the skies sometimes.
Bring a soccer ball, volleyball, frisbee or just your beach towel to fully enjoy this beach!
FYI No Bathrooms down here. Don’t pollute our oceans. Ha ha.

A former nudist beach where people continue to enjoy that freedom of walking around without clothes.
It is a great beach! I took the dangerous trail from the Glider Point. It’s dangerous if you are not cool with falling down or don’t have a great sense of balance.
Once down at the bottom, you may walk north to Torrey Pines… and continue walking if the tide permits.
You may also walk south for some distance; but I did not try that one.
Good place to take photos of birds.

This beach is so extremely beautiful. The shore is lined with smooth rocks and the sand is a beautiful black color and so soft. However, the beach is flooded with nude beach goers!
There are stairs that you can hike up, and it’s a really great workout!

During my girlfriend’s finals week, I decided to come to San Diego to visit which was a good choice on my part but a big distraction to her.
Wow is the word I would describe this place because it is just that beautiful. When you first see it, it seems as though it is a painting but when you examine it, this is how nature looks like. The parking space is big so you wouldn’t have a problem at all. However, it can be muddy so be prepared to not wear your new shoes! Don’t be wearing short sleeves or shorts during the winter because it can be cold!
This is a must for those who are in the La Jolla area because it is so calming and relaxing! It is worth your while to take a moment and check it out!

If you are taking the stairs down/​up and a slow family is ahead of you, you can take Goat’s Head trail! It’s just slightly to the north of the the stairs and is safe to traverse, even with a surfboard and flip flops on, but it’s definitely steeper than the stairs.
When you are down at the beach and trying to enjoy your naked time, try to go over by the volleyball courts where the «Black’s Beach Bares» are always hanging out. These are the regulars that are not creepers and will welcome you into the fold (if you aren’t a creeper). Also, if you like pole dancing naked on the beach… there is a 50 mm 12 ft. stainless steel pole permanently mounted just south of the volleyball courts. One of the Bares put it in and while it’s weathered, it’s still good for impromptu beach dances ;)

If there was one reason why I loved being a UCSD student, it’s the beach. I feel extremely lucky to be able to run and exercise in this atmosphere. The view you get once you’re actually on shore is therapeutic, relaxing, romantic… It’s just great! I run along this beach from the south entrance (the asphalt hill) until I get to the Torrey Pines area closer to the glider port, then back to school, and my runs are about 4 – 8 miles which means there is A LOT of this beach to explore.
Heading more north, the beach does get quieter and emptier, especially when you’re distancing yourself from any entrances and exits. This is good for if you wanted to take scenic pictures with no one in the background! (See my photos).
The north side of the beach is nude-​friendly, but for some reason I haven’t seen any signs saying so! It’s just been that way. Also, the nude beach-​goers that I’ve seen all happen to be men. I haven’t had any creepy experiences as a female who frequents the beach by myself (I am always clothed), and the nudists mind their own business and don’t seem to approach anyone which I am okay with! Nudity and sexuality are two different topics and this beach being a nude beach is not a problem at all.
Extra: one day I was lucky enough to run along the shore of washed up bright blue jellies– I believe they’re called «by the wind sailors.» And it was a BEAUTIFUL sight. But poor jellies! (See photos)

A true naturist paradise!
Some people aren’t able to separate nudity from sexuality; my pet peeve is pervs trying to pick up on me at nudist spots. I go to these places just to be naked in nature, not to be hit on/​propositioned/​molested by swingers and horndogs. I just wanna be naked; I don’t to suck your dick or hook up with you and your assbag wife!
The vibe at Black’s is laid back and fairly non-​pervy. The male-​female ratio is still off, but it’s not nearly as bad as some other places I’ve been. On the date of my visit (a Saturday in August) the beach was full of smiling, naked people minding their own business or engaged in wholesome activities like naked Frisbee and volleyball. Just like one of those old Swedish «art» (ahem) films! There were no creepy public sex acts going down in the bushes, either — this really came off as a clean, wholesome beach. I loved it!
At the time of my visit, the crowd was fairly diverse age-​wise, as well… although if you’re really a true naturist, you wouldn’t give a fuck if it was all men in their 70s, anyway. Unless you *ARE* you there to perv, you hypocrite!
Parking was plentiful and fairly easy, and the hike down (and back up), while a humdinger, is totally doable if you’re in even halfway decent shape. Water is warm enough to swim in, and access from the freeway is easy. Although if you’re coming from the Newport Beach area, DON’T take the bullshit Toll Road (CA 73) — it’s recockulously expensive, and doesn’t save you THAT much time.

Checked out this beach after hiking down the Ho Chi Minh Trail and was amazed by the beauty of the cliffs/​ocean with La Jolla Cove in the distance! My wife and I used to frequent La Jolla Cove but got tired of the stink. At Black’s there is no smell! I saw another reviewer describe the sand as being sugar-​esque in texture and couldn’t agree more! The waves aren’t as good as some of the closer beaches to me in OC, however when coming down to SD for a day trip or vacation, you can’t pass this beach up.
While the north end of the beach is indeed clothing-​optional, most people are appropriate and seem to mind their own business and enjoy the beach. Beware though that there are a few creepers. If nude beaches aren’t your thing, the south end of the beach is where you’ll want to go.