Torrey Pines State Beach: San Diego's Coastal Jewel

Getting There

• Driving

  From I-5, exit at Carmel Valley Road and head west. Turn left onto N Torrey Pines Road (also known as Highway 101 or Pacific Coast Highway) and continue south. The park entrance is on the right. Parking is available in the South Beach lot and in the lots at the top of the mesa. Parking fees range from $15-$25 per vehicle, depending on demand. Alternatively, free parking can be found along Highway 101, though it may require a walk uphill to reach the trails. Be aware that the South Beach lot often fills up during peak season, with the North Beach lot being another option.

• Public Transport

  From downtown San Diego, take the train to Solana Beach Amtrak Station. From there, transfer to the 101 bus, which will take you to N Torrey Pines Rd & Torrey Pines State Beach. From the bus stop, it is a short walk to the beach. The train and bus combination takes approximately 1 hour and 18 minutes and costs between $5 and $55. A one-way fare on the bus is approximately $2.50.

• Walking

  If you park along North Torrey Pines Road (Highway 101) outside the park entrance to avoid parking fees, it's a steep uphill walk of about 20 minutes to reach the Visitor Center and trailheads. From the North Beach parking lot on Carmel Valley Road, you can walk towards the ocean and use the ramp under the bridge to access the trails.