Is Blacks's Beach Still The Only Nude Beach in Del Mar?

The answer is yes. The southern boundary is marked by a very unofficial sign against the cliff, indicating the boundary between the city and state beaches.  Beyond is the city beach, where nudity is prohibited.  The rock is near, on the nude side of the boundary.  The post and cones mark the point where you should dress. Before you go, read this advice from one of Black's frequent visitors.

As of July 2006, I have been to Black's thousands of times. There has been recent change, just after July 4, 1999. Signs were posted stating that nudity is illegal. These signs are sometimes missing, due to theft, but the law can still be enforced.  Put your clothes on when on the city beach, which begins somewhere south of the trail head, perhaps 100 meters.  In the past there have been cones with a sign marking the nudity line.  As of May or June of 2003 lifeguards have not been putting these markers up.  Instead there is a square, yellow post with the letters T P C B, marking the boundary for Torrey Pines City Beach.  The yellow post has been missing since about November 5, 2005, but there have been orange cones there lately. New visitors planning to spend time south of the Burro Trail, should locate the northern-most "nudity prohibited" sign and keep it in mind when going for a walk.

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 City Beach and Torrey Pines State Beach in that it is jointly owned by the City of San Diego and the State of California. There is a glider port atop the cliff overlooking the beach where hangliders, paragliders and remote controlled gliders can often be seen soaring.

Access to Black's Beach is very difficult due to the high cliffs and lack of improved stairways. The safest access is from adjacent beaches to the north and south, but this access may be obstructed by high tides or surf. The cliffs of Black's Beach are unstable and slides can occur without warning, so it is best to stay well away from them. Although not officially sanctioned, some patrons of Black's Beach practice nudism.

Lifeguard Protection:

There is no permanent lifeguard station at this beach. Lifeguards are usually on duty mid-day from Spring break through the end of October. Due to the remoteness of this beach, lifeguard assistance may take twenty minutes or more to arrive when lifeguards are not on duty at the beach. There is an emergency call box at the south end of the beach at the bottom of the road.

• Rip Currents:

Most California beaches experience strong rip currents. The safety tips section provides an explanation of rip currents and some methods of freeing yourself if caught in a rip current. The best advice is to swim near a lifeguard.

• Regulated Water Activity Zones:

Water activity is essentially unregulated. Surfers and swimmers may mix, but all are required to employ due care in avoiding injury to each other.

• Surfing:

This is an excellent beach for surfing, particularly at the southern end.

• Scuba:

Scuba diving is not recommended due to access problems and surf conditions.

• Restrooms and Showers:

There are no restrooms on Black's Beach. Portable restrooms can be found at the top of the cliffs next to the Glider Port. Restrooms can also be found at La Jolla Shores, to the south, and at Torrey Pines State Beach, to the north.

• Walkways:

There are no improved walkways at this beach. There are several natural paths, but they can be very hazardous and false trails abound. Use caution and observe warning signs.

• Disabled Accessibility:

This beach does not offer disabled accessibility due to natural impediments.

• Beach Fires:

There are no receptacles for beach fires. Open fires are therefore prohibited.

• Regulations -- Standard San Diego beach regulations apply with the following modifications:

• The consumption of alcohol at this beach and park area is prohibited at all times. City Attorney's Fact Sheet (PDF: 30K)

• Public Transit:

Call San Diego Transit at (619) 233-3004 for buses that serve this beach.

• Directions and Parking:

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. Take great care to avoid false trails. False trails may cause a person to become precariously stuck on side of the cliff or can result in serious injury or death if one falls.

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