Day Spa

Whether you swim or surf, be careful as Ocean Beach has very strong rip currents. Black’s is located about 1km north of the Scripps Pier and just to the South of the Torrey Pines Glider Port (port or park I am not really sure…I just know they fly big kites there). Most of the Black’s beach stretch faces almost due west…which exposes the beach to both WNW and SW swells. High tide is often extremely high, rip currents are common, and the cliffs of Black’s Beach occasionally experience slides. Lifeguards are often on duty from April through October, but there is no permanent lifeguard station on site. It is set at the base of the high bluffs between Scripps Pier and Los Penasquitos Lagoon, and is as controversial as it is hard to reach. It is so out of the way we wonder why anyone would bother to get uptight about people enjoying the sun, surf, and sand au nature.

The clothed/unclothed population is at best a 50/50 split. Not for the shy though, my experience has been that more than half the people are in bathing suits or fully clothed, strolling through. Black’s is owned by the state of California, so any clothes-free activity is illegal in certain areas-check before disrobing.

The area of San Diego is a hot spot for spa goers, surfers, tourists, and nature lovers alike. Treat yourself to a massage and facial at a day spa or stroll the coast and take in the stunning emerald blue beaches and coves.

But unfortunately parts of the bay have been subject to closure over the years due to high levels of bacteria, so check for posted warnings. Best access is from adjacent beaches which can often be obstructed by surf and high tides. Watch for soaring hang-gliders and paragliders launched from atop the cliffs.

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. One commodity afforded by the inaccessibility of Black’s Beach is privacy. You have to earn your way down. Public beach access to the stretch of beach behind the Hotel Del Coronado lets you live the life of the rich and famous. Pick up a sandwich at one of the cafes nearby and walk along the landscaped boardwalk until you find the perfect patch of white sand for your picnic.

Tags: Paragliders, Lifeguard Station, High Tides, Torrey Pines, Ocean View, Blacks Beach San Diego, Extreme North, Surf Guide, Foot Traffic

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