Black's Beach is a two mile long, sandy strip situated at the base of majestic cliffs up to 300 feet high. It is formally known as Torrey Pines Beach. Black's Beach is in La Jolla, San Diego, California. Portions of the beach lie under city property and other parts lie in the zone of a state park, where nudity is legal under the Cahill policy. It is perhaps the largest nude beach in the United States and is popular with many Southern Californian nudists and naturists. It is situated north of downtown La Jolla and south of Torrey Pines State Park. Access is available from La Jolla, Torrey Pines State Park, or via trails down the cliffside by the historic Torrey Pines Gliderport near the Salk Institute. Part of Black's Beach is within the State Park, and part within the City of San Diego. Nudity is prohibited on the city portion of the beach, but is tolerated for about a mile north of the trail head leading to the gliderport -- the portion within the State Park.
A volunteer group called the Black's Beach Bares helps to keep the beach clean, safe, and maintained. They also host events and picnics through the summer at the beach. They are affiliated with The Naturist Society and the Las Vegas Bares.
Black's Beach is known to surfers as one of the most powerful beach breaks in Southern California. The waves gain the power due to the focusing effects of an underwater canyon just offshore. Because of the large surf and aggressive crowds, Black's is a dangerous surfing location.
There is a gliderport atop the Black's Beach 300-foot (91 m) cliff.
The beach is very close in proximity to the University of California, San Diego and is popular with the students of the university. Many students can be seen walking from the university to Black's.
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. Note: Unimproved parking is also available at the Glider Port above Black's Beach, but the only access to the beach is via unimproved natural paths which can be very hazardous. Please be careful!
