Black's Beach
Famed clothing-optional beach beneath Torrey Pines bluffs, offering stunning views and a liberating atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warm sun for tanning
Black's Beach
Best Time
Warm sun for tanning
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Famed clothing-optional beach beneath Torrey Pines bluffs, offering stunning views and a liberating atmosphere.
"It is unbelievably stunning! The water and sand were beautiful as well as the cliff and paragliding views."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The hike down and up is steep! Good footwear is essential for safety and comfort.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during the strenuous hike and warm beach days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ho Chi Minh Trail
Torrey Pines Cliffs
A unique, albeit challenging, hike down to the beach with stunning cliffside views.
Clothing-Optional Freedom
Main Beach Area
Experience a liberating atmosphere where going nude is the norm for many.
Tide Pool Exploration
Rocky Outcroppings
Discover fascinating marine life, including starfish, in the tide pools during low tide.
Paragliding Views
Above the Beach
Witness or participate in paragliding for breathtaking aerial perspectives of the coastline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Hike
Clothing-Optional Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The hike down and up is steep! Good footwear is essential for safety and comfort.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during the strenuous hike and warm beach days.
☀️ Full Body Tan Goal
It's a well-known nude beach, so embrace the opportunity for an all-over tan.
😌 Respectful Atmosphere
Most visitors find the vibe friendly and non-judgmental. Relax and be yourself.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The hike down and up is steep! Good footwear is essential for safety and comfort.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during the strenuous hike and warm beach days.
☀️ Full Body Tan Goal
It's a well-known nude beach, so embrace the opportunity for an all-over tan.
😌 Respectful Atmosphere
Most visitors find the vibe friendly and non-judgmental. Relax and be yourself.
📸 Capture the Views
The cliffs and ocean offer stunning photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Black's Beach is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, dramatic cliffs, and the unique freedom of its clothing-optional atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the respectful vibe and the opportunity for a full-body tan. However, the challenging and steep hike down and back up the cliffs is a significant factor, requiring good physical condition and proper footwear. Some find the bathrooms to be in poor condition.
"Beautiful spot. Not a ton of people. Yes, it is a nude beach. Couple very talkative guys but everyone was nice and respectful. Would go again. A LOT of stairs, A LOT! lol if you don’t mind a hike back to the top, I would highly recommend this beach."
andrea ivie
"Prepare for a hike. This is a wonderful beach. Yes its a nude beach. Everyone there was friendly. Not everyone was nude. No one was judging and everyone was friendly. The beach is clean and good sized. Has volleyball courts and is easy to walk up and down the shore. Be sure to be ready for the hike down and back up. The cliff is steep but there is a man made path with stair. I suggest good footwear and bring extra water."
Josh Knick
"This beach is amazing, but the bathrooms are pretty bad. It’s not really a public area, but you can still enjoy a nice walk along the shore. There’s a small town up the hill, which makes the view even better. The beach part is open to everyone and that’s what makes it worth visiting. You can park your car in the lot and easily walk down to this spot. I’d recommend bringing some snacks and water, and maybe stay for sunset. It’s a chill place to relax and enjoy the ocean."
Uğurcan ŞAHİN
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to Black's Beach typically involves parking at Glider Point or a nearby lot and hiking down a steep, man-made trail. The 'Ho Chi Minh Trail' is a popular, though challenging, route.
Parking is available at the Glider Point lot, which is a common starting point for the hike down. Be prepared for a walk from your parking spot to the trailhead.
The hike is described as steep and can be strenuous, with some sections of the trail being run-down or having broken steps. Good footwear is highly recommended.
Public transport options are limited for direct access. It's generally recommended to drive and park, then hike down.
Due to the steep hike, it may not be suitable for individuals with mobility issues. The trail requires a good level of fitness.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Black's Beach is a public beach and does not require an entrance ticket. Access is free.
Yes, Black's Beach is famously a clothing-optional or nude beach. While not everyone is nude, it's a common and accepted practice.
As a public beach, Black's Beach is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. There are no official closing times posted.
Yes, it is legal to be nude at Black's Beach as it is designated as a clothing-optional area.
Many visitors, including solo females, report feeling comfortable and safe at Black's Beach due to the respectful atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The dramatic cliffs, ocean views, and unique atmosphere make Black's Beach a fantastic spot for photography.
The Ho Chi Minh trail offers stunning perspectives of the cliffs. The beach itself provides beautiful ocean and sunset shots.
While generally permitted, be mindful and respectful of other beachgoers, especially regarding photographing individuals without their consent.
Golden hour, around sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting. Midday can be harsh but still offers dramatic cliff views.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local ordinances and be aware of any restrictions before flying a drone.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no direct food or dining facilities on the beach itself. However, there might be a cafe or bar located at the top of the cliffs near the paragliding area.
It's highly recommended to bring your own snacks and plenty of water, as amenities are scarce on the beach.
Yes, picnicking is a great option. Pack your food and enjoy it with the stunning ocean backdrop. Remember to pack out all your trash.
There's a small town up the hill from the beach that may offer some dining options.
Alcohol policies can vary. It's best to check local regulations, but generally, public beaches have restrictions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Terrain: The Hike to Black's Beach
The descent can be tiring, but the ascent back up is often considered even more strenuous, providing a good workout. While the hike is demanding, the unique landscape and the reward of reaching the secluded beach make it worthwhile for many. The visual spectacle of the cliffs and the ocean unfolding as you descend is a significant draw.
For those who enjoy a physical challenge and breathtaking scenery, the hike to Black's Beach is an unforgettable part of the visit. It's a good idea to gauge your fitness level before attempting the descent, especially if you're not accustomed to steep trails. Understanding the Culture: Clothing-Optional at Black's Beach
If you're considering visiting and are unsure about the nude aspect, remember that you have the choice to wear clothing or not. The key is to be comfortable with yourself and to respect the choices of others.
Exploring the Natural Beauty: Tide Pools and Views
The area is also a popular spot for paragliding, adding an exciting visual element to the landscape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit