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Black's Beach
Category: Active Life Beaches Beaches [Edit]
2800 Torrey Pines Scenic DrLa Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 452-9858
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 6 am - 8 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
125 reviews for Black's Beach
125 reviews in English
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Review from Justin R.
San Diego, CA
10/22/2011
Unlike the La Jolla Cove region, this beach does not smell like rotting fish!
I love Blacks Beach for the following reasons:
- The hike down makes it more of an adventure, and it cuts back on the crowds as well. I love hiking, therefore, this is a plus.
- There is a secret ramp that winds its way down to the beach about a half mile south of the cliffs. Makes for a nicer way back up if you're not feeling up to the climb.
- The water is blue.
- The surf is, from what I hear, very good there.
- It is scenic like none other! It has the beauty of the north county beaches with a fraction of the seaweed
- Parking is very accommodating. There is a HUGE open dirt lot next to the Glider Port lot which never fills - not even when UCSD AND Salk are having events.
- You get the viewing pleasure of watching the paragliders as they draft overhead. So many colors!
- Great place for photography. -
Review from Steffanie C.
New York, NY
One of my favorite beach in San Diego, next to Coronado of course. I love hiking torrey pines and then walking/jogging up and down the beach. Beautiful views. I go down Gliderpoint and go down to del mar and back. Blacks beach is a nudist beach, but years ago it was made illegal so if you get caught they just ask you to put your clothes on. Never been ticketed for it. Hike back up it kind of steep. Also GIVE WAY TO SURFERS they are the ones keeping this trail all fixed up and they are carrying a board up this trail.
Don't bring kids here.
Great views to watch the sunset.
Great surf spot -
Review from Judy L.
San Diego, CA
10/27/2011
1) Don't bring your kids to explore for seashells and fascinating drift at this beach.
2) Be prepared to hike. -
Review from Denise K.
10/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Black's is a big beach and sometimes gets a bad rep.
There's the non-nudist side, closer to La Jolla Shores.
There's the nudist side where mostly older nekkid dudes are and some folks play beach volleyball (not a pretty sight), and...
There's the gay beach side.
I like to kick it at the non-nudist beach side. The sand is fine and soft. The water is clean, brisk and usually filled with seaweed... so typically I only go in waist high. But this is a great beach to visit when you want to relax at a quiet beach... no screaming babies, no trash, hardly any beach go-ers.
The double-edged sword: The hike up the hill back to the top of La Jolla Farms. Sometimes I'm in the mood for the hike, sometimes I'm not. But regardless, at the end of the afternoon, I'm happy for the relaxation session and that I burned probably 500 calories walking up that steep a** hill. Black's is great! -
Review from paul s.
El Cajon, CA
9/30/2011
A surfer's dream is catching the perfect wave.
I caught the perfect wave. At Black's. While there was a group of hot naked girls watching me. It was a amazing.
It was everything I dreamed of and more. ill never forget it. -
Review from JöHnNy A.
!:-)
Wakey Wakey, guess who's nakey?
Today at Blacks beach was awesome... Was feelin ill, but decided to go anyways, and now I'm glad I did...
Sweat it out, cool off in the water, chill! And what a beatiful day and beach to visit. Just like old times while in college. Respectful people, great waves, no sand flies....
Bring lots of water and stay hydrated, and bring your favorite book, fins, boogie or surf board.
ps.. stop checking out my ass.
Thank you.
Johnny
5 Woofs. As good as it gets.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/7/2010
!:-)
"Wakey Wakey! Get Up and Get Nakey!"
http://talkelab.ucsd.e...
Looking for a beach that's a bit… Read more »
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Review from Victor S.
Houston, TX
10/12/2011
Beautiful cliffs and scenery! Took a rough path down what was probably about a 300ft cliff... was intense, sharp drop offs and very steep... needed to use hands and feet. Here's a quick video.http://www.youtube.com...
Didn't go the nude side and didn't really want to.. as it is when we got to the bottom there was a naked old dude just standing around, gross.. so we headed the other way (left) -
Review from Serena H.
San Diego, CA
10/6/2011
Beautiful. I don't like seeing the nekkies but hey, it don't bother me. I mean, if you'e got the stunning beach before your very eyes, the smell of the sea salt air blowing through your hair as you hike down Gliderport, why would you be staring at someone's jewels anyways.
I love to go fishing here. I always catch little fishes. The only thing is that my lazy self is always so damn lazy and hates climbing back up to Gliderport. -
Review from Jessica I.
San Diego, CA
8/11/2011
This is a perfect place for swimming, relaxing, and some mild hiking. Just a few tips for those who have never been: Do not store your items or sit along the base of cliff once down below on the beach - those signs reading "unstable cliffs" are serious; You do not have to be nude to take part in the beach, just ok with others being in all their glory; Do not nude-it-up past the cluster of rocks at the far end of the beach, that's where clothing is mandatory.
Other than that, swim safely, take your trash back up with you, as this is not a manned beach or city cleaning area, and watch your step during the hike. Oh yeah, bring water! -
Review from Lisa W.
I love this beach, and I love living 4 miles away from here. I love coming here, even if it's by myself. The scenic mountain and ocean view is awesome, it's so relaxing. The hiking trail is not intense, it's a short trail and at the end there's a secret cave. The hike down Blacks beach is easy, but the hike up in the hot sun is not so easy...
I like tanning, BUT I HATE THE NUDE OLD MAN. I usually come here alone, and tan with my swimsuit, and I HATE HATE HATE when they come up to me an talk to me when they are naked. They always use the same line "I bet you never talked to a naked man like this before" YES I HAVE, now leave me alone, I just want to tan in peace. They love talking for hours, how they always come here, blah blah blah... All I'm thinking is "Gross, old saggy balls" I would tan nude but I get creep out by all the saggy balls.
UGH. It is better to bring a bf/guy friend, but sometimes a girl just gotta have her peace and relaxing time alone to relax and escape the stress of the real world...No bf, no friends, and especially no naked old man with saggy balls thanks.
P.S. If you decide to take the trail down (instead of the stair way) watch out for rattlesnakes! My bf and I ran into one, came so close to 3 ft from it. (Pics attached) -
Review from Julia P.
7/6/2011
I never imagined myself going to a nude beach or going nude for that matter, but I have to tell you that it was pretty liberating and I didn't get any tan lines! The beach itself is beautiful and serene and I liked the fact that it was practically empty compared to the popular beaches like La Jolla Shores or Pacific Beach. The hike from the parking lot to the beach is pretty intense and I was struggling and out of breath, but at least I got my exercise for the day?
The only thing that bothered me were the fully-clothed people who came to the beach just to oogle at all the naked people. I understand you're curious but I wish it was mandatory for EVERYONE to take off their clothes. I caught some creepy guys staring at me more than once which is never okay. -
Review from Dynolu D.
San Diego, CA
8/17/2011 2 photos
Black's Beach is by far one of the best beaches in Southern California in terms of it's raw beauty, cliffs, cleanliness, and relative isolation. Although the tradition for decades, the local authorities no longer tolerate nude sunbathing near trail 6 in San Onofre, so Black's is the only naturist option in SoCal.
Quickest access is by the steep trail near the glider port, or park in the wealthy enclave off of La Jolla Farms Road to access via a paved road though a locked gate. Parking off La Jolla Farms is limited to 2 hours during the week, unlimited on weekends. Free parking both locations.Comment from Geoff B. of Black's Beach 8/17/2011
If you take the paved road walk about a 1/2 mile north to… More » -
Review from Christian G.
San Diego, CA
8/31/2011 ROTD 1/7/2012
if you're a fan of old saggy balls, this is the place for you!
(too graphic? ok, lemme try again...)
if you're a fan of dense jungle brush-tripods that make elephant sounds, then this place is DEFINITELY for you!
oops! but in all seriousness, if you're a fan of pristine beach coastline, and you're down to enjoy all of its natural beauty au naturale style, you've gotta check out Black's Beach.
the main entrance is located just a stone's throw south of the Glider Port. a long, steep staircase leads you down to the garden of eden aka Richard Simmon's personal playground.
going down the steps, you might not think there are any naked people down there, but as soon as you make a right around that corner then...
BAM! get ready to see some CLAMS!
...which is exactly what my hot bod female companion and i were "thrust" upon with as soon as we passed by this group of girls...
i mean this mutant clam (it was mutant cause it looked like it had a thick coat of grizzly bear fur around it), literally attacked us as we walked by. all i saw was it opening up and making a "wooooooo!" sound. needless to say, my fight or flight instincts kicked in, and i promptly ran for safety.
naked volleyballers and naked freeballers traffic this beach, and serene looking gliders fall softly from the skies like a feather in a breeze's embrace. speaking of a breeze's embrace, the summer wind stirs love in the air, as i was happy to witness a female glider land gracefully near us and a very friendly beach goer rush to aid her in putting away her parachute.
i remember thinking to myself, "wow there are really some friendly people out here!", as i watched that old man's pubes sway and rustle in that gentle breeze.
well, my friend and i found a nice spot between some couples/mixed gender groups, and we 'disrobed'. we enjoyed the warm sun on our usually sun-less nether-regions, and then decided to frolick in the pacific ocean's rhythmic ebb & flow. to our surprise, an ebb & flow of another kind seemed to be taking place between the couple a few feet next to us. aww, summer love.
after a free-spirited day at the beach, it was time to pack up our stuff and make the grueling hike up the cliff. make sure to pack yourself a bottle of water and take your sweet time - your thighs and lungs will definitely appreciate it.
one word of caution however for people going to Black's Beach. in the parking lot there are some creepers that will literally drive around slowly to pick up on chicks or at least pet themselves discreetly as women walk to their cars. gross! -
Review from lottie t.
11/2/2011
Black Beach is a nice beach. We got out there in the early afternoon, right around lunch time, and there weren't too many people, but as it got later, more and more people came out, and it got fairly packed. The water is really nice and, there isn't much seaweed or anything in it, which made it even better. There are nudists on one side of the beach, and on the other side of the beach, there were some really cool surfers to watch, so it's got two different sides, and it's pretty cool to check out both sides.
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Review from Lori H.
Newport, MI
4/25/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Loved this beach.
The only reason I did not give it a 5 star rating is because of the lack of facilities, meaning no bathroom, drinks, snacks, etc. But, for the purpose of my use, it was great.
My husband and I decided to go here to go running. It was kinda hard to find where to hike down to the beach, but we found the path, after asking around. The guy who we asked said "You do know this is a nude beach, right? With mostly men. Gay men." Umm, OK. Thanks for the heads up! haha.
Anyway, the weather was cool, so we saw limited naked men roaming. LOL. The run was great, we ran 2-4 miles each day we were in San Diego. The beach was gorgeous, serene, and nearly empty. So peaceful, made working out seem like not a workout! :). Loved the awesome views from the hike up and down to the beach (which according to my GPS is 0.26 miles each way.
Highly recommend this beach if you are avoiding loud crowds and don't mind some exercise. -
Review from Bryan Y.
3/17/2011
LIVE NUDES!
No just kidding. Of course this is a nude beach, but don't let the nakedness detest you from coming. This is an absolutely serene beach. Situated off the La Jolla cliffs, it is beautiful in every way.
The coolest thing happened yesterday when my sister and I visited, was when we discovered tiny baby sand crabs burying themselves in the sand. It made certain parts of the beach look pretty awesome: a darker shade with little tiny holes in it.
When you brushed your feet across that part of the sand, you can see the tiny crabs burying themselves deeper. I guess spring time has come and its crab mating season. Later on we saw seagulls picking some of these crabs from the ground. What douches! -
Review from Ben C.
Torrey Hills, San Diego, CA
5/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Seriously what an amazing view!
No I don't mean it like that.....
If you're mature enough to handle a little nudity in your peripheral vision, (if you're there to gawk and giggle, do everyone a favor and leave) then this is for sure one of the greatest spots to watch the sun set in all of San Diego. -
Review from Neko C.
7/10/2011 ROTD 10/26/2011
In case you didn't get the hint from the previous posts, this is a NUDE BEACH. Translation- place for either people who enjoying being nude at the beach or people who don't mind sharing a nice stretch of beach with nude people. If you are coming to gawk at naked people or hoping for hot naked girls, take your creepy ass back to your computer and watch porn. If you aren't mature enough to handle nudity, there is several hundred miles of beach up and down the coast of California that require clothes- why don't you f-cking go there. There is a reason why this secluded stretch of beach is a nudist beach- so nudists can have a space of their own to enjoy without onlookers/creepers and without parents accidentally stumbling upon this beach with their children in tow.
As someone who enjoys laying out in the sun naked, I absolutely adore this beach. Sure, the walk down and up are a b-tch, but it is so worth it. A beautiful stretch of California coast, not overrun with families and children, a nice, peaceful beach where I can relax and enjoy myself. I tend to go alone and have little problems with others. Most people there are friendly in a comrade-sort of way- after all, there aren't many people who enjoy being naked in public spaces. Generally, these normal, nice people will say hi or tell me that the weather is nice or that water is great today- no real conversation, jut politeness. However, there is always that one creeper who thinks that I wanna be friends cuz I'm naked. My advice to you lady nudists: invest in some headphones and ignore the sh-t outta these losers. In my experience, they won't try so hard if they are being ignored. And the ones that do will be scared off by other nudists- one time I had a clothed guy creep on me and the three nudist guys several yards away threatened to kick his ass if he didn't get the f-ck away from me. Much appreciated guys! -
Review from Jenn C.
2/27/2011
This beach is beautiful. Forget about the naked people. Yeah it may seem weird, but who cares? The scenery is gorgeous. The view from the top before you descend the cliff is wonderful. The hike up and down the cliffs gives you a little bit of a work out.
There is ALWAYS ample parking because other people are squeamish of naked people. For me, there is nothing worse than getting excited to go to the beach then having to circle around for 40 minutes looking for parking, so I am particularly partial to Blacks for this reason.
The description says it is not "good for kids" but I have seen families here, fully clothed with their kids. No big deal.Listed in: Fun, low-key things to do in…
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Review from Cynthia H.
San Diego, CA
11/7/2010
Of all of the beaches in San Diego to go to...this one does not do it for me. However it may be the beach for you if....
1. You like your naked women overweight and super saggy.
2. You don't mind overweight naked dudes STANDING....FOREVER...Why these guys can't just lay or sit down I'll never know. I've never seen so many people just standing at a beach before.
3. You like taking a long hike with all your beach gear only to be greeted by #1 and #2 (see above).
4. You are tired of trying to find parking at the other beaches.
5. You don't mind not having a bathroom nearby.
6. You wish to automatically have a better body image about yourself.
If you dig 1-6...knock yourself out and enjoy the view!! -
Review from Steph R.
Phoenix, AZ
2/21/2011 2 photos
Landed in San Diego for the first time ever on a Friday morning, needed something simple to do after we grabbed some breakfast so a couple minutes of Googling later, and we're headed to Black's Beach.
The hike down was gorgeous! The cliffs were unreal, they just drop off, then there's the beach, then the Pacific! Don't mind me I'm a little enthusiastic because in Arizona we don't have places that look like this.
Yeah, it's a nude beach. If you're not uptight about things like that you won't have any problems wandering up and down this beach. The hike out could be hard for people not used to hiking or climbing a lot of stairs. It was fun to watch people surfing and lazing around the beach. -
Review from Oren P.
San Diego, CA
8/11/2011
Although thought of as a "nude" beach, only the northern (state controlled) section is "clothing optional"; the southern (city controlled) section is not. The beach can be accessed by a long paved road starting from where La Jolla Farms and Black Gold Roads meet, a steep dirt trail starting from the Torrey Pines Gliderport, or a long walk along the coastline at low tide from either La Jolla Shores (to the south) or Torrey Pines State Park (to the north). Expect to do a fair bit of walking regardless of which way you choose. There is a large dirt parking lot at the gliderport if you are going to the "nude" area. Parking for the southern park of the beach can usually be found on the residential streets near the paved (Salk Canyon) road to the beach - but pay attention to signage of where it's allowed and for how long.
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Review from Susan C.
Granada Hills, CA
7/26/2010
Fact: Although Black's Beach is commonly associated with nudity, I have yet to see such sights the few times I've been here. I don't think it's as typical as it's talked up to be, but maybe that's just my luck, or un-luck (whatever your personal take on it, is).
I have, however, walked down the steep asphalt with classmates in homemade masks to run around the beach, and throw colored powder on each other, for academic reasons a little too bizarre to go into.
So, conclusion: If you want to see a sight, or are looking for a shore where you won't feel so out-of-place out-of-clothes, or doing out-of-the-ordinary things, Black's is your beach.Listed in: Outdoors!
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Review from John M.
San Diego, CA
9/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
I have been a swim suit wearing visitor of this beach since the early 80's. Being the red blooded Irish-American male that I am, I find it too hard for me to expose my manhood to the sun bathing beauties who are enhancing the magnificence of this landscape. Besides, I did it once years back and ended up with a terrible sunburn where the sun usually does not shine.
I like to come here on occasion not only to gaze at all of the unclothed female beauties with amazing tans (without any bikini tan lines, if you catch my sand drift.)
That being said, if you come here you must respect all those who prefer to be nude on the beach. In other words, don't be a dick thinking that simply because these pretty girls laying out nude on the beach equates to them all wanting a piece of your action. 9 times out of 10, this is "NOT" the case! Also, keep in mind you're going to bear witness to nude guys too, so if you are a homophobe you are advised to stay away.
I also love to come to Black's Beach because this place is not only a semi-secluded area but the coastline and beaches are such a relaxing place to spend a day on either side of the line. The hike to the beach offers awesome vistas of San Diego and the people that I tend to share a conversation with during my visits are like-minded individuals enjoying their day in their life feeling completely relaxed and unencumbered.Listed in: Best Places in San Diego
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Review from DR w.
Redondo Beach, CA
8/6/2011
Getting down here is pretty easy and you can find free parking. The hardest part is the climb back up, make sure you bring some water and/or gatorade, you'll thank me later.
If you've never tried going nude on a beach before this is THE place to do it, due to the fact that you have over a mile of space to choose from so you can be as close to or as far away from the crowds as you want . Don't be shy, no one will make you feel uncomfortable as they are all minding their own business. You will see gay, straight, women, and men enjoying the sun and the freedom of being without clothes. There is a very respectful vibe, you will see families with people from 0-80 all relaxing au naturale. I think this is why the beach attracts many foreigners who are mature enough to handle it.
Don't be a clothed gawker (omg I see naked people!, so lame and immature), and you'll have a great time. These guys are sooo obviously gawking too, I realize some people aren't confident enough to take ALL their clothes off on a nude beach, but the guys and gals who come down to the beach with jeans and long sleeves in July and August??? WTF. At least put on beachwear so you can be somewhat subtle about it . -
Review from james k.
San Diego, CA
11/25/2010
I love this beach! Why did i give it 5 stars instead of 6?
1. the damn hill
2. sausage fest for surfing
I used to live in Waikiki Beach, so I am used to the warm water (75~80 degres year round), easy accessibility, and hot chicks in bikini's everywhere SURFING
But what I truly love about Blacks is that the surf spot rarely gets crowded, except for occasional swell. It's super easy to catch waves without worrying about others cutting in/ screwing you over.
I'm impressed by the majority of surfers showing respect & courtesy... but more women please.
Great place for families, couples, runners, stoners, photographers... ah what the hell. Everyone! -
Review from Tori W.
San Diego, CA
7/14/2010
I got stuck on the cliffs the other day with my friend, maybe you saw us on the news. It was pretty embarrassing. We went up there to smoke some dope and after wards we got too skeered to come down. Now they want to charge us for the rescue?!!? That is lame...
I wish there were more women there, too many mexicans down there on their lunch breaks. -
Review from Dan C.
Burbank, CA
2/25/2011
This is the best spot for nudist families in California. The beach is fantastic with fine powdery sand and clothing optional. So be comfortable as you like. The surf goes out aways shallow to play with children or body surf. Further out the surfing is excellent. The climb down is steep and long so don't carry anything you don't need. Families, couples, and singles all frequent the beach.
I liked stretching out on the beach in the sun and watching the paragliders above drifting on the wind. If you need a spot to relax and unwind there are few better in California. -
Review from Chris A.
San Diego, CA
11/17/2010
I've only been here once, and it's one of the nicest beaches (overall) I've been to in So Cal. The caveat is that it's a legal clothing-optional beach. That's right folks...get ready for some in-your-face nakedness.
There's ample parking in the lot next to the glider port and the walk down to the beach is pretty easy. The beach itself is very clean and the view from the cliffs is amazing. And no, it's not because of the potpourri of naked bodies down below. =)
My only reservation with places like this (as opposed to private resorts) is that there tends to be gawkers who show up to get a glimpse of beautiful, naked women. Now, if the prospect of having some creep stare at you scares you to death, it's probably a good idea to stay on the clothed portion of the beach. However, these idiots are - more often than not - chased away by the local beach goers. My gf and I did not experience ANY problems whatsoever. Going to Black's can be an awesome, hassle-free experience, as it has been for us. I'd love to go back.
We met a lot of really cool people that day - all of whom were with their significant others/families and just wanted to get their tan on. I highly recommend this beach to anyone who wants to get away for awhile. Don't knock it 'till you try it!Listed in: Stress Relief, Clothing Optional
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Review from azuré i.
Long Beach, CA
7/8/2010 2 photos
Go barefoot. The trek is so much easier that way. Or maybe that's just the crazy Hawaiian in me gettin' cocky.
Whatever the case, this is one of those places that makes you grateful to be a resident of planet earth. -
Review from Bevan R.
Sacramento, CA
6/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
One of the most peaceful and beautiful places I have had the pleasure of watching at sunset. Although I am not always up to get completely nude, usually based on the company that I am with, I always feel comfortable and relaxed here. True, there are no bathrooms and the hike in and out (especially out) can be wicked. There are also some people here and there who do not need to be without clothing, but why should that bother anyone who is comfortable with themselves? Half of the beach is predominately straight while the other half is gay. Personally I do not see why anyone would knock the place for any of these reasons but hey, to each his own.
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Review from Stella A.
San Diego, CA
2/14/2011
If you want a real workout come to Blacks for a good surf/hike. To get to the beach you need to hike down (I went from the area next to the glideport). When you get down there you will notice the high number of surfers that are out at any given time, because the surf is just that good. But the best part is that after you're done with the surf you hike back up the mountain which is really intense!
Youre left with a feeling of personal satisfaction and accomplishment which is different from other surf spots in San Diego.
However, there are some downfalls to the area:
1) no public restroom nearby
2) its a nude beach. But if you're like me and you take the "to each his own" approach then its no prob -
Review from Tamara C.
San Diego, CA
2/6/2011
What a beautiful hike down to this pretty secluded beach. Gorgeous views of the ocean and cliffs. Take the steps down by the Glider port takeoff area next to UCSD. The steps are kind of slippery and the hike back up the stairs are pretty steep. Also- do not bring your kids here or anyone who may be offended by seeing older naked men walking or laying on the beach. This is a nudist beach and we got an eyeful today, wow.
My boyfriend says it is one of the best places to surf in San Diego, and it's one of my favorite places to read a book and relax on the beach while he surfs.
- Tamara Cross -
Review from Cora L.
La Jolla, CA
4/2/2011
Black's Beach can be a beach you hear tons about, and so it was a location I just had to take a look at. I'm not against nudity, but I am not a nudist myself. Even so, I've no idea what the attraction would be to this location. Is it against a fantastic cliff? Yes, the highlight of the trip was the hike down. But plenty of beaches in California look just like this location. The huge drawback is the predominance of single nude men, continuously standing there by themselves with their hands on their hips, searching like they're trolling for gay sex. Not every person is nude there, and you will discover a couple of females nude with their boyfriends, but the single nude men walking around in circles so every person can see their junk dominate the beach. What a large turnoff.
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Review from Darren S.
5/30/2010 7 photos
The slow, steep and slippery walk down to the beach is worthwhile if you're looking for a few things. If you want to go down to the beach wearing flip flops though, make sure that you use the path south of the Gliderport instead of the one to the north because it's pretty gnarly. Even steeper and more narrow of a path. It's pretty amazing how some folks are willing and able to carry up and down so much beach gear. If you want a less crowded beach and/or to see nekkid people, this is a sure-fire winner.
If naked volleyball isn't your bag, simply keep your eyes up on the horizon or the water, lest you become mesmerized by the rhythmic metronomes. It's pretty easy to isolate yourself and stake out a spot because again, it's not too crowded. If you really don't want to see junk, bring some umbrellas.Listed in: I'm sorry that I don't have…
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Review from Chris C.
7/16/2010
A serviceable beach with great natural views partially spoiled by what seems to be an aggressive attitude to making SURE everyone who walks by gets a full view of some random overweight dude's stuff. It's also been really crowded the last few times I've stopped by- not sure if people are taking Fridays off to go to the beach but it's not exactly a paragon of isolated beauty.
The nudity has spread all the way past the supposed cutoff point and down almost to Salk Canyon Road. The lifeguards don't seem to care- I saw several just hanging out as some dudes let themselves hang out well into the city part of the beach. And it's not just people in the water or sitting on their towels- a strange number of people seem to want to do little but stand in the main traffic zones. Not cool.
The cliffs are majestic, but unfortunately at the top they hold a rather creepy surprise- old dudes with binoculars ogling at whatever's going on down below. I've tried to get reading done on the blufftops only to constantly bump into randoms with spyglasses trained on the beach, not looking at where they're going. Also not cool.
You'd think the 300 foot elevation change would weed out many of the less-fit people, but instead they like to clog up the treacherous and crumbling cliffside trails, usually burdened down with an astounding amount of beach accessories. Meh.
Despite all those negatives, Black's still has much going for it. I'd recommend taking the south trail right next to the gliderport if you're going down since it's more developed and there's less of a risk of slipping, but there are fewer alternate routes if you get stuck behind a large party. There are plenty of amazing viewpoints from all parts of the trail though and a nice geology lesson as you pass through several different formations. The flies aren't bad at all- they just hang out on the seaweed and don't really bother you.
All in all a spectacular beach that's covered in a rather annoying layer of nudity; best viewed at a faraway distance or at very low-attendance times. -
Review from Robin Z.
"Well down on the beach,
"Where nobody goes,
"There's Surfer Joe,
"Without no clothes..."
That song, written decades ago, was probably penned about Black's. It certainly doesn't apply today as it seems all of San Diego now goes here: "Well down on the beach, where EVERYONE goes..."
We came here years ago to surf but it's been a nude beach long before that and we were always amused to pass naked sun-bathers on our way to the surf. Smart-asses would always try to get us to surf naked but I never saw anyone do that...except in the tropics. Something about the chilly water and making nipples hard as diamonds.
The surf here is for experienced wave-riders only. Calmer waters are found north or south of here but the deep water canyon off Black's causes a huge upsurge of waves that'll beat the shit out of anyone that doesn't know what they're doing. Fair warning.
This area, home to rare Torrey pines and a fucking golf course, is picturesque to the extreme. Tuscany or the Riviera have nothing on this place. But the growth of industry, condos and Mac Mansions all around it have significantly reduced it's attractiveness for those that sought isolation and freedom from the masses. And it's only going to get worse, unfortunately. I know I'm exposing my age when I say I can recall driving down the I-5 passing endless fields of cultivated flowers around Leucadia and not seeing a single house or condo above the bluffs. Not so these days. Realtors and developers would tell me this is the price of progress. Well, if that's progress, maybe I should spend more time in Tuscany. I know I'll have to wear clothes but that's the price of progress, eh?
Update: Since y'all were so nice comping this review, I share my only naked surf story with you. It describes why you just don't see anyone doing it. If you don't like reading about pain, turn away now, child, turn away.
My boyfriend and I were in lower Mexico, a place called Puerto Escondido aka "Mexican Pipeline" aka "Ball-Buster Beach" and the surf wasn't all that big so he says "I'm gonna do it!". I say "You better not". He says "Bah!", drops his trunks and throws himself into the surf. I stood on the beach, camera in hand, knowing a Kodak moment was nigh. First wave he gets, arms, hair (and everything else) flying and I get the picture. He begins to paddle back out and duck-dives under a wave. A second later, a horrible screech fills the air, I'm sure heard all the way to Guatemala. In a flash, he was on the shore bleeding profusely from his sack. Like a ruler slapping a desktop, his board had slapped his willie.
I was a nurse, had the equipment and put eight stitches in his scrotum. He never did that again and we didn't have any sex the rest of the trip. And with him, that wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
P.S., If you're not daring enough to try surfing this beach, I've posted a photo of an Oz wine that just may satisfy without the risk..."Ball Buster" red (of course)Listed in: Naked Surf, ROTDs (a mighty short list)
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Review from Devon C.
10/20/2009 ROTD 1/1/2010
Of course people are going to give 5 stars for boobs, booty and bush (that's mainly why I too am allotting 5 stars). Everyone dreams of going to a nude beach covered in naked hot people, but that's pretty much never what you get. In a perfect world I suppose...
A great place to come for a great workout and I wouldn't suggest making the trek unless you can make the return trip without trouble. The beach itself and the scenary (*not necessarily including the nekked peeps) are beautiful and spectacular....a must see if you will.
I have yet to unleash the beast and expose myself, mostly because it's likely in people's best interest not to be subjected to what I've got goin' on...perhaps someday. -
Review from Dillon S.
10/26/2010 2 photos
Its a bitch to get to, but that helps keep the crowds down (as opposed to the overcrowded La Jolla Shores). I've seen a few naked men here and there, but its not overwhelming. The cliffs set an absolutely gorgeous backdrop for a beach afternoon.
the beach was recently featured in a Visa commercial! If you watch this you can get an idea of the road you'll have to walk down and up (the curvy one, not where all those trees are), but also see how gorgeous the beach is!
http://www.youtube.com... -
Review from Soleil Moonshine S.
San Diego, CA
4/8/2009 ROTD 3/31/2010
When my usual outdoor trail fails to stimulate me or the gym is packed with people, I make a detour to Black's Beach to indulge in its challenging turf and scenic views. It'd be redundant to preface this review with a disclaimer about the Founding Father-types who frequently flock and frolick around this sandy pocket of paradise (the notoriety speaks for itself), but I would be remiss if I didn't note the numerous occasions I've inadvertently stolen glances of some of my favourite presidential dopplegangers' dopplegangers. Personally, I fancy Thomas Jefferson (not that I aspire to be a 21st-century Sally Hemings)..
Right.
Whether you're a surfer looking for sweet sunset swells, a runner jonesing for new paths to pave or a nudist-at-large using the "unsightly tan lines" bit as a pretext to bare your essentials, Black's Beach offers options for all. No shirt, no slacks, no shame.Listed in: Do you know who I think I am?, Battle of the Bulge!
