California • San Diego CountyBuoy: 46225

Black's Beach

Good

Wave Height

3-5

ft

Swell

~13s

SSW

Wind

9mph

Onshore (WNW)

Water

77°

Boardshorts

Falling• Low in 3h 8m

Updated: 8/29/2026, 5:30:19 PM • Data: Open-Meteo

Accurate?

Surf Graph

Clean
Fair
Choppy
Flat

Tide Forecast

Today
L11:27pm1.2ft
Tomorrow
H5:29am5.4ft
L11:49am0.5ft
H6:05pm5.2ft
Mon, Aug 31
L12:10am1.1ft
H6:09am4.8ft
L12:13pm0.9ft
H6:34pm5.4ft
Tue, Sep 1
L1:00am1.0ft
H6:55am4.2ft
L12:37pm1.5ft
H7:08pm5.5ft

Recent History

No recent history available

About Black's Beach

Black's Beach is one of the most powerful beach breaks in Southern California, tucked beneath the towering Torrey Pines cliffs in La Jolla. The steep, narrow beach focuses swell energy into heavy, hollow peaks that can hold well overhead surf. Access requires a rugged trail down the bluffs—no easy paddle-out here, which keeps the crowd more committed than your average SoCal break. Winter northwest swells light this place up, producing barreling A-frames that rival anything on the coast. The nudist section to the north adds to the uniquely SoCal atmosphere.

FAQ

What is the water temperature at Black's Beach?

The current water temperature at Black's Beach is 77°F. Boardshorts or a rashguard should be comfortable.

What is the surf like at Black's Beach today?

Black's Beach currently has waves around 3-5ft. Conditions change throughout the day, so check back for updated forecasts.

What time is high tide at Black's Beach?

Today's high tide at Black's Beach is at 12:53 AM ET. Tide times shift daily, so check our forecast for upcoming tide schedules.

What time is low tide at Black's Beach?

Today's low tide at Black's Beach is at 7:25 AM ET. Tide times shift daily, so check our forecast for upcoming tide schedules.

What are the best conditions for surfing Black's Beach?

Black's Beach works best with swells from the W, WNW, NW and E, NE, ENE winds (offshore). The ideal tide is low to mid.

Is Black's Beach good for beginners?

Black's Beach is recommended for experienced surfers only. The waves here can be powerful and conditions challenging. Beginners should look for more forgiving spots nearby.

This Week's Outlook

Sunday morning looks cleanest with 3-foot waves on a decent 12-second period and light cross-onshore wind, though you could also catch some fun 3-footers Monday morning if Sunday gets too crowded. The rest of the week trends smaller and mushier as the swell fades out.

Updated 8/29/2026, 6:02:05 PM

Spot Info

Break TypeBeach Break
BottomSand
Skill LevelAdvanced
CrowdModerate
Best TideLow to Mid
Best SwellW, WNW, NW
Best WindE, NE, ENE
ParkingFree parking at Torrey Pines gliderport, steep trail down

Local Tip

The cliff trail is no joke—allow 15 minutes each way. Winter NW swells are when this place really turns on.