This article describes the 7 ways of how to get to Black’s Beach in San Diego, California, as well as everything you need to know to visit safely, cheaply, and easily in 2024.
If you’re looking for an awesome Southern California beach day, I highly recommend Black’s Beach! It is one of the most beautiful beaches in San Diego County with some unique features you really don’t get anywhere else in the United States. Black’s Beach is located between La Jolla Shores Beach and the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. The beach has what I consider the most breathtaking views in San Diego, overhead entertainment (more on that later), great swimming, and a fun atmosphere.
I live in San Diego and have been to this beach numerous times. Getting to Black’s Beach is relatively easy, but it does require some prior knowledge. In this article, I’ll guide you on how to get to Black’s Beach, where to park, different ways to access it, a map, and some overall useful information for your visit. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen, a beach towel, and the perfect coffee!
Important Notes:
- The trails are dangerous and not recommended by the City of San Diego. Proceed at your own risk.
- Be wary of cliffs, rockslides, and riptides. Black’s Beach is located in a remote location with not much access.
- Black’s Beach is known for having a clothing-optional section, which is located towards the northern end. If you are not comfortable with nudity, stay towards the southern end, where clothing is required.
Short on time? Here’s the main takeaway:
The most convenient route to get to Black’s Beach is to drive to and park at the Torrey Pines Gliderport free parking lot. From there, (safely) hike down to the beach on the Gliderport Trail located at the southernmost section of the parking lot.
Table of Contents
How to get to Black’s Beach by car / where to park
Driving and parking is the easiest way to get to Black’s Beach. The beach is located at the base of some steep cliffs and therefore has no dedicated parking lots. Because of this, you will need to park in nearby areas and make your way to the beach on foot. I’ve written out all of the options below and included my personal recommendations for which is best.
Easiest option to access Black’s Beach
Torrey Pines Gliderport Parking Lot – South: This is the most convenient way to get to Black’s Beach. There is a large, free dirt parking lot located at the Torrey Pines Giderport right above the beach. From here, you can hike down the Gliderport Trail to reach the beach. The Torrey Pines Gliderport is a popular spot for paragliding, so you’ll get to watch them glide while you hike down.
Access to the Gliderport Trail is to the left of the Torrey Pines Gliderport in the southernmost portion of their parking lot. On any given weekend there are usually lots of people on the trail, so it will be clear where to go. Follow the trail and be prepared for a moderate hike down the cliff. Take your time and watch your step. The views from this trail are gorgeous and are worth it even if you don’t stay long on the beach. Please read my safety warnings about the trail below.
Disclaimer: I do not recommend this as a safe route but included it here as it is one of the most popular and most convenient ways to get to Black’s Beach.
Address: 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037
Safest options to access Black’s Beach
La Jolla Farms Road: There is a small paved path located on La Jolla Farms Road that leads down to Black’s Beach. You can park along the street, but follow the parking rules and don’t block driveways. You’ll see a black gate at the start of the path. It is used as a private access road so it is closed to cars, but open to the public by foot. There is a bathroom at the bottom of the trail. I recommend this as the safest way to get down to the beach because the trail is paved and in good condition.
Address: 9601 La Jolla Farms Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve: There are also clear and well-marked trails that lead down from Torrey Pines State Park directly to Black’s Beach. These paths are maintained by the State and are therefore a safe option, but please note that there is a daily parking fee at Torrey Pines State Park and the hike will take a bit of time. I recommend this as another safe option to get to the beach, but it is not my first choice because of the parking fee.
Address: 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Low-tide options to access Black’s Beach
La Jolla Shores Beach: If you don’t mind a longer walk, you can park at La Jolla Shores and then walk north along the beach past Scripps Pier until you reach Black’s Beach. This walk is a few miles long but has great views the whole time and is very pleasant. This option is only available at low tide, so make sure to check tides ahead of time. The public parking at La Jolla Shores Beach is limited, so it is best to arrive early to get a spot. I think this is a great (and safe) way to access the beach if you don’t mind the walk and are aware of the tides.
Address: 8300 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla, CA 92037
Torrey Pines State Beach: Similarly to La Jolla Shores Beach, you can park at Torrey Pines State Beach and walk to Black’s Beach. Simply walk south along the beach and you will eventually reach Black’s beach. This option is only available at low tide, so make sure to check tides ahead of time. This is a long walk and free public parking is very limited, so I don’t recommend it as the best option.
Address: 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Other Options on how to get to Black’s Beach
Torrey Pines Gliderport Parking Lot – North: If you enter the Torrey Pines Gliderport parking lot, turn right, and continue to the end of the road, you’ll find another free dirt parking lot. At the northernmost section of the lot is the Black’s Beach Trail which leads down to the beach. This trail is a bit steeper and more challenging than the Gliderport Trail, making it dangerous, so I don’t recommend it. I included an image below so you can see it. It is easy to slip due to the dust and sand covering the rocks.
Address: Sir Francis Drake Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Ho Chi Minh Trail: Another option is to again park along La Jolla Farms Road, but instead take the Ho Chi Minh Trail (also known as Saigon Trail and La Jolla Trail). Be sure to follow any parking rules and don’t block driveways. I have not personally done this trail, but I have heard that it is beautiful. I do not recommend this option, as you have to park in a residential area and the trail is notorious for being very dangerous. The trail is not officially maintained and requires difficult terrain.
Address: 9883 La Jolla Farms Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
How to get to Black’s Beach by public transport
There is no direct public transportation to Black’s Beach. There are several bus routes that will take you close to Black’s Beach based on where you are located. Here’s what I recommend from downtown San Diego:
- Take the MTS Blue Line Trolley to the Nobel Dr stop.
- Walk to the Novel Dr & La Jolla Village Sware Drwy Stop.
- Board the Breeze 101 bus.
- Exit at one of the following options:
- N Torrey Pines Rd & La Jolla Shores Dr Stop: from here, walk to 9601 La Jolla Farms Rd and take the paved trail down to the beach.
- N Torrey Pines Rd & Torrey Pines Scenic Dr Stop: from here, walk to the Gliderport and take the Gliderport Trail down to the beach.
Trails to Black’s Beach and Safety
Getting down to Black’s Beach is challenging. The trails are steep and require some effort. The city of San Diego does not recommend using the Gliderport Trail or Ho Chi Minh Trail, so proceed at your own risk. There are many rescues each year, and sometimes injuries or fatalities.
Regardless of which option you take, wear appropriate footwear, bring water, and be mindful of your surroundings. Take extreme precautions so you do not fall or injure yourself on any of these trails. Do not attempt in inclement weather conditions as the trails can become slippery.
That being said, many people hike these trails every day, so if you choose to take them then take your time and enjoy the magnificent views as you carefully make your way down to the beach.
Once you reach Black’s Beach, you’ll be greeted by a secluded and pristine stretch of sand. The beach is multiple miles long so there is plenty of space to spread out. It’s perfect for walking, sunbathing, and swimming.
Useful information about Black’s Beach
Here’s everything you need to know about Black’s Beach before you go:
Nudist-Friendly: Black’s Beach is known for having a section of the beach designated as clothing-optional. If this will be bothersome to you, I do not recommend visiting Black’s Beach. Nudity is not mandatory of course, and many visitors are clothed.
LGBTQ+ Friendly: Black’s Beach is a popular and accepting spot for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly on the northernmost section of the beach, sometimes referred to as the gay section.
No facilities: Black’s Beach does not have bathrooms, food, or water. Plan accordingly.
Lifeguards: Black’s Beach is one of nine beaches that has a permanent lifeguard station. The city has stated that the waters are known for riptides, so take proper precautions.
Gliderport: I highly recommend stopping by the Torrey Pines Gliderport before or after your beach day. They have awesome (and cheap) food for lunch. They even have live music on Saturdays between May and September from 1 pm to 4 pm. If you are feeling adventurous, you can book a tandem paragliding flight!
Surfing: The beach’s location and consistent waves make it a great spot for surfing. Because it is somewhat difficult to access, Black’s Beach is a lesser-known and less-busy surfing beach. It has good winter waves. Remember, this beach is remote, so if you choose to surf or swim you must be safe and do so at your own risk.
Cliffs: Black’s Beach is known for its impressive cliffs, composed of Torrey Pines Sandstone, which provide the perfect backdrop to the beach and create a sense of seclusion. The cliffs also serve as a natural barrier and are what makes the spot so great for paragliding. I love being able to watch the paragliders soar over the cliffs and down to the beach, it really adds to the experience.
Wildlife: The waters off of Black’s Beach are home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including birds and marine life such as dolphins, seals, and occasionally, migrating whales. Keep an eye out!
Conservation: Black’s Beach is part of the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, which aims to protect and preserve the area’s natural resources and wildlife.
Best time to visit: The beach is great to visit year-round. It can be colder in the winter months but is still worth the visit. September and November are my favorite months to go because of the lingering summer warmth and the smaller crowds. The beach is very private and rarely busy or crowded.
Name: The beach is named after William Black, a prominent but controversial landowner during the late 19th century. The name is informal though; the beach is technically called Torrey Pines City Beach.
Where To Stay
If you’re on vacation and need a place to stay, there are some great properties nearby to the trailhead. Check them out here:
Map of the 7 ways to get to Black’s Beach
To make this as easy as possible, I mapped out below all of the trailheads to Black’s Beach that I described in this article.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to walk down to Blacks Beach?
Depending on the trail, it takes about 30 minutes to get down from the parking lot to the beach.
2. Is Black’s Beach crowded?
Black’s Beach is rarely crowded. It is more popular on weekends.
3. Where is there free parking for Black’s Beach?
Free parking for Black’s Beach can be found at the Torrey Pines Gliderport.
4. Where to stay near Black’s Beach?
Stay in La Jolla for great hotels that are in close proximity to Black’s Beach.
5. When is the best time of year to visit Black’s Beach?
The best weather to visit Black’s Beach is during the summer months. The fall is the best time to visit for smaller crowds. And the winter is the best time to visit for bigger surf waves.
Conclusion – Black’s Beach, San Diego, California
Black’s Beach is truly a hidden gem in San Diego that offers stunning beauty and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s one of my favorites! In my opinion, what really sets Black’s Beach apart from other beaches is its privacy and unspoiled nature. As part of the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, the beach remains largely undeveloped.
Make sure you’re informed of how to get to Black’s Beach before embarking and be safe on all trails. Stay on designated trails, avoid disturbing wildlife, and always clean up after yourself to help maintain the beach. Once there, enjoy the golden sand, sparkling blue waters, and breathtaking views!
San Diego has much more than just beautiful beaches! If you’re looking for more of the top sights in San Diego, you can check out my guide on the top 15 best things to do in San Diego.
Last Updated:
Disclaimer: This article is intended to be for informational purposes only and may contain affiliate links. Refer to the full disclaimer for more information.
