Black's Beach
Black's Beach is a 2-mile strip of sand at the base of 300-foot cliffs just south of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, jointly owned by the City of San Diego and the State of California. Its formal names are Torrey Pines City Beach and Torrey Pines State Beach. The City says the safest way in is walking along the beach from the north or south at low tide; the cliff trails are steep and unmaintained.
Black's Beach at a Glance
Where It Is
Black's Beach runs below the bluffs between the Torrey Pines reserve and La Jolla. The Torrey Pines Gliderport sits on the cliff top above it, and hang gliders and paragliders often soar over the sand.
Getting There
The City of San Diego warns that reaching Black's Beach is difficult because of the high cliffs and the unimproved, unmaintained trails down them. Its advice is to walk in along the sand from the beaches to the north or south. High tide or big surf can block that route, so time it for low tide; the State Parks trail guide marks the sand below the Torrey Pines cliffs as impassable two to three hours either side of high tide.
From the north, park in the State Parks South Beach lot (parking) and walk south along Torrey Pines State Beach past Flat Rock.
Safety
- Cliffs. The City says the cliffs are unstable and slides can happen without warning. Stay well away from their base.
- Lifeguards. Black's is one of nine San Diego beaches with a permanent lifeguard station, patrolled by San Diego Lifeguards. Swim near the lifeguards and ask about conditions.
- Surf. Surfing is popular here; check with the lifeguards before going in.
Rules
The City lists these restrictions at Black's Beach: no alcohol, no glass containers, no smoking, no littering, no disturbing noise, no camping and no dogs.
Questions
San Diego Lifeguards take questions at 619-221-8899 or SDLG@sandiego.gov.
Good For / Maybe Skip If
Good for: experienced beachgoers and surfers who plan around the tide.
Maybe skip if: you are with small children or have trouble on uneven ground; the open state beach by the South Beach lot is easier.
Black's Beach FAQ
How do you get to Black's Beach?
The City of San Diego says the safest way is walking along the sand from the beaches to the north or south at low tide. The cliff trails are steep and unmaintained.
Who owns Black's Beach?
It is jointly owned by the City of San Diego and the State of California. Its formal names are Torrey Pines City Beach and Torrey Pines State Beach.
Are there lifeguards at Black's Beach?
Yes. It has a permanent San Diego Lifeguards station.
Are dogs allowed at Black's Beach?
No. The City lists no dogs, along with no alcohol, glass, smoking or camping.