Blacks Beach vs Boneyards

If you’re looking for La Jolla surf spots off the beaten path, don’t count out these two lesser-known but still excellent options, Blacks Beach and Boneyards.
Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Blacks Beach vs Boneyards
Blacks vs Boneyards
Natural Features
Save on Gear
Comparing Activities
Crowds & Feel
Getting to the Beaches
Rules and Safety
Our Overall Winner

Highlights

Blacks Beach vs Boneyards
Scenery
Parking
Final Verdict
Blacks Beach vs Boneyards
Scenery
Parking
Final Verdict

See How Two Secluded Surfing Beaches in La Jolla Compare: Blacks vs Boneyards

Looking Down from the Cliffs of the Northern Part of Blacks BeachSurfers at Boneyards in the Distance

There are more than enough beaches in San Diego to fit any preference.

For great swimming conditions, look no further than La Jolla Shores. For camping and fire pits, try San Elijo State Beach in Cardiff or South Carlsbad State Beach in Carlsbad.

But if you’re an aspiring surfer, no neighborhood is more closely tied with the sport than La Jolla. Among the breaks at Scripps Beach and Windansea, you’ll almost certainly hear of two well-loved surf spots: Blacks Beach and Boneyards!

Two Surfers in a Barrel at Blacks Beach
Two Surfers in a Barrel at Blacks Beach

The Main Draw…it’s Surfing!

The crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean are one of the biggest reasons to come to San Diego. It’s a surfer’s paradise, and both Blacks Beach and Boneyards are best known for their surf breaks.

Though these beaches may not have tide pools or large stretches of sand, the waves bring surfers to their shores all year round.

Catching Lots of Waves at Blacks Beach
Catching Lots of Waves at Blacks Beach

An Important Caveat

Note that these two beaches are both nude beaches! In fact, they’re two of just a handful of spots where this is allowed in San Diego. Though most people still visit in bathing suits, it’s not too uncommon to spot people taking advantage of the clothing-optional rules.

If you’re looking for somewhere to bring the kids instead, try our list of the best beaches for families.

A Showdown from a Surfer’s Perspective

I’m a longtime resident of San Diego and while my home beach is Pacific Beach, I’m no stranger to surf spots up and down the San Diego coast. I know the importance of wind direction, consistency and just generally what you’re going to deal with when you jump in with your board.

So with that, let’s compare these two beaches to see which one will be the best for you!

Local Tips
Looking for Consistent Waves?
Blacks Beach is typically your best bet, offering larger and more regular surf. However, if you're looking for a more intimate and less crowded experience, Boneyards is a great choice, especially during low tide when you can find more space to enjoy the surf.

Layout and Natural Features of the Beaches

Blacks Beach and Boneyards aren’t exactly the wide, sandy paradises you might picture when you think of San Diego’s beaches, but I think they’re still beautiful little stretches of coastline, and both great for surfing!

At the Bottom of the Trail at Blacks Beach
At the Bottom of the Trail at Blacks Beach

The Layout of Blacks Beach

Set against a cliffside, Blacks Beach is a great place for those seeking a more secluded beach. Not only do you get a little more privacy, but having the bluffs helps protect against wind and makes for a beautiful backdrop.

Blacks Beach is clothing-optional, but only in the designated area on the northern side of the beach. The beach is fairly thin, especially at high tide, which draws more surfers than nude sunbathers.

Beautiful Cliff at Boneyards
Beautiful Cliff at Boneyards

Natural Features of Boneyards

In terms of layout, Boneyards is pretty similar to Blacks Beach. It’s also tucked right up against a cliff and feels fairly secluded as a result, plus it’s a rather small stretch of beach.

This isn’t a particularly sandy beach, as the surf is the main attraction. It’s an unofficial nude beach across the entire stretch.

How They Compare: A Tie

Since the natural features of these beaches are so similar, we’ll call this a tie.

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La Jolla - Surf Board Rental
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Local Tips
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How Activities Compare Between Blacks and Boneyards

Both Boneyards and Blacks Beach are notable for being popular La Jolla surf spots. The Go City San Diego pass, which you can get at a discount using our code GVSD5OFF, isn’t just great for attractions; it can also save you money on surfboard and other beach gear rentals.

La Jolla has long been associated with San Diego’s surfing history, so if you’ve always wanted to give it a shot, there’s no better place to learn: try a La Jolla: 1.5-Hour Surfing Lesson!

Read on for a look at the recreation at each beach.

People Going Out for a Swim at Blacks Beach
People Going Out for a Swim at Blacks Beach

Activities at Blacks Beach

On most days, surfing conditions tend to be better at Blacks compared to Boneyards, with larger and more regular waves. You’ll find the best surf to the south, outside of the nude portion.

On the northern end, I’ve often seen beach volleyball nets set up - you might catch people playing in the buff!

Paddle Boarder on a Wave at Boneyards
Paddle Boarder on a Wave at Boneyards

Things to Do at Boneyards

Boneyards is predominantly a surf spot. Though the waves aren’t quite as nice as those at Blacks Beach, they tend to get bigger than at nearby Swamis Beach, especially in the winter.

During low tide, there’s more space for sunbathing, and swimming is more popular in the summer.

Which Has More to Do: Blacks Beach

With more optimal surfing conditions and beach volleyball to boot, Blacks Beach wins here.

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Comparing the Crowds and Overall Feel

San Diego is full of popular beaches, from Pacific Beach and La Jolla’s own La Jolla Cove to Moonlight State Beach and D Street Beach in Encinitas. If you want to get away from the crowds, though, Blacks and Boneyards are great alternatives!

Child Digging in the Sand at Blacks Beach
Child Digging in the Sand at Blacks Beach

Blacks Beach’s Atmosphere

Blacks Beach might not be the largest, but it’s still a good deal bigger than Boneyards.

You can expect similar crowds in both spots - they’re pretty secluded and mostly frequented by locals - but on busy days, the extra space at Blacks really makes a difference.

Beautiful Beach at Boneyards
Beautiful Beach at Boneyards

Crowds at Boneyards

Boneyard Beach is about as secluded as Blacks, but the beach is also smaller, both in length and width. That means that on days when the surf is at its best, it can be hard to find space both in the water and on the sand.

Where to Find Thinner Crowds: Blacks Beach

The larger size of Blacks Beach means there’s more than enough space on busier days. You can still enjoy that secluded feeling you won’t get at more well-known beaches.

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Getting to Both Beaches and Accessibility Considerations

Beach accessibility and seclusion are often a trade-off, and these two beaches are no exception to the rule.

With limited access and fewer amenities than at more touristy spots in Mission Beach, Del Mar, and Ocean Beach, getting there can be harder, but it’s worth the journey in my opinion.

Green Areas at the Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa
Green Areas at the Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa

Reaching Blacks Beach

You’ll need to navigate down a fairly steep access route to get to Blacks Beach, so it’s not disability accessible. Don’t expect amenities like restrooms or lifeguards either.

If you’re driving there, there’s some free parking just off Highway 101, or a dirt lot on the Glider Port Trail side. Prefer to skip the drive? Consider booking a night at the nearby Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, which sits right between Blacks Beach and Torrey Pines State Beach.

Aerial View of Boneyards to the South
Aerial View of Boneyards to the South

Getting to Boneyards

Like Blacks, getting to Boneyards can be tough, as you’ll have to climb down to reach the beach. Wheelchair users and other people with mobility issues won’t be able to access it.

There isn’t much in the way of amenities here either, though you could pop over to Moonlight Beach to use the restrooms - the next closest neighbor, Swami's State Beach, is a bit too far of a walk.

Comparing Accessibility: A Tie

Since it’s a bit hard to access either beach, and there aren’t amenities available, this comparison is a tie.

Which Is Best For You?

Boneyards
Boneyards
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Blacks Beach
Blacks Beach
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Important Rules and Safety Measures at These Beaches

Given the conditions of the paths leading to both Blacks Beach and Boneyards, you’ll want to exercise caution and follow any posted safety guidelines.

Surfer Walking Down the Trail to Blacks Beach
Surfer Walking Down the Trail to Blacks Beach

Blacks Beach Regulations

Blacks Beach has the higher cliff and steeper descent between the two beaches. You’ll want to be especially careful not to walk on the edge of the cliffside, as there can be landslides when the less sturdy parts of the bluff are disturbed.

Safety at Boneyards

Boneyards has a little lower of a cliff, making it a bit easier to navigate. Still, we suggest taking it slow and avoiding the path after rain, when it’s slippery and there’s a greater risk of loosened ground.

Our Pick: Boneyards

Boneyards Beach has a lower cliff that’s a bit easier to climb up and down and which poses less of a safety risk.

A Few More Things to Know About Blacks Beach and Boneyards

Before we get to our final call on this beach comparison, here are some more points to consider.

Birch Aquarium Museum Entrance
Birch Aquarium Museum Entrance

More Info About Blacks Beach

  • There are multiple trails to the beach off Blackgold road or the glider port, or you can get there via Torrey Pines State Park.
  • The beach borders the UCSD Oceanography Campus to the south, where you’ll find the Birch Aquarium at Scripps.
  • Blacks Beach becomes a dog beach during off-hours, but dogs must be leashed.

Some Extra Facts About Boneyards

  • The easiest access points are via Swami’s or D Street beaches.
  • This beach has fewer major attractions nearby, but it’s not far from the San Diego Botanic Garden and Encinitas Ranch Golf Course.
  • Boneyards is not dog-friendly.

Which Secluded Surf Beach Wins Overall?

Looking on Blacks Beach from Lookout Point
Looking on Blacks Beach from Lookout Point

I get it! If you’ve made it this far, there’s a good chance you’re a surfer and just want to know which beach has the best waves and most consistent surf.

Your ultimate decision on whether to visit Blacks Beach or Boneyards will probably be based on current wave conditions. But most days, Blacks Beach is going to have more ideal waves.

Overall, we would recommend Blacks Beach thanks to its larger size, chances of better surfing conditions, and greater variety of things to do!

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La Jolla Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
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