Blacks Beach vs 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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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!