Black's Beach

Black's Beach is a sand beach along the Pacific below cliffs that rise around 300 feet (90 meters). The shore extends for more than two miles, and the offshore seabed features the Scripps Canyon.

The name comes from the Black family, who ran a horse ranch on the cliffs above during the 1940s. The area remained isolated for years because of difficult access, staying separate from busier coastal towns.

The northern part serves as a clothing-optional area, a practice accepted here for decades. Many surfers favor this stretch of coast because the powerful swells attract experienced wave riders.

Four routes lead down, including the trail from Torrey Pines Gliderport and Salk Canyon Road from the university campus. The steep stairs require some stamina, and the surf can be rough.

A private funicular connects a clifftop property with a round tower at the shore, known locally as the Mushroom House. The structure stands right at the waterline and rises in a circular shape.