Torrey Pines State Beach: San Diego's Coastal Jewel
Explore San Diego's iconic coastal landscape: dramatic cliffs, golden sands, and rare Torrey pines await at this natural haven.
Torrey Pines State Beach, located north of San Diego between La Jolla and Del Mar, is a breathtaking coastal paradise characterized by towering, rocky cliffs and expansive sandy stretches. The beach is named after the endangered Torrey pine, *Pinus torreyana torreyana*, one of the rarest pine species in the world, which is protected in the adjacent Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. The beach offers a diverse range of activities. Visitors can sunbathe, swim, surf, and fish. At low tide, strolling along the beach reveals red-hued bluffs mirrored in the wet sand. The northern end of the beach meets the Los Peñasquitos Lagoon, a salt marsh estuary that provides a habitat for various bird species. Above the beach, the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve features a network of hiking trails through coastal sage scrub and sandstone canyons. These trails offer panoramic ocean views and opportunities to observe local flora and fauna. The reserve was established in 1899 and expanded over the years, with significant contributions from philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps. Today, it stands as a wilderness island amidst an urban environment, preserving a unique ecosystem and offering a glimpse into Southern California's natural beauty.
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially during summer, to secure parking as the lots tend to fill up quickly.
- Bring water and snacks, as there are no concessions available within the State Natural Reserve.
- Check the tide charts for the best time to explore tide pools at the south end of the beach.
- Wear comfortable shoes for hiking the trails, and be prepared for some uphill climbs.
- Note that dogs are prohibited on both the beach and within the reserve.
A brief summary to Torrey Pines State Beach
- 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, La Jolla, California, 92037, US
- +1858-755-2063
- Visit website
- Monday 6 am-11 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-11 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-11 pm
- Thursday 6 am-11 pm
- Friday 6 am-11 pm
- Saturday 6 am-11 pm
- Sunday 6 am-11 pm
Getting There
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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.
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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.
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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.
