California • San Diego County • Buoy: 46225

Black's Beach

Good

Wave Height

3-5

ft

Swell

~12s

SSW

Wind

7mph

Onshore (NW)

Water

73°

Boardshorts

Falling• Low in 23m

Updated: 10/13/2026, 5:31:51 PM • Data: Open-Meteo

Accurate?

Surf Graph

Clean
Fair
Choppy
Flat

Tide Forecast

Today
H7:11am3.4ft
L11:30am2.4ft
H5:59pm5.4ft
Tomorrow
L1:36am0.5ft
H8:21am3.1ft
L11:40am2.8ft
H6:29pm5.1ft
Fri, Oct 16
L2:37am0.8ft
H7:08pm4.7ft

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 73°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 3:11 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 8:47 PM 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

Wednesday morning looks cleanest with 4ft waves and that cross-onshore wind actually helping shape things up before the tide gets too high. If you want pure glassy conditions though, Wednesday evening at the low tide is money with offshore SE winds, just accept the wave height dropping to 3-4ft.

Updated 10/13/2026, 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.