Torrey Pines State Beach is located between
La Jolla and Del Mar, off Highway 101. The beautiful, native Torrey
Pine trees, miles of pristine beaches, and a scenic lagoon, located
across the highway are some of the great features that this state beach/reserve
offers its visitors.
Torrey Pines State Reserve is visited by travelers as well as local
residents, who come to challenge themselves to a demanding hike/run
up the cliff and around the trails, to check out the stunning panoramic
views on the cliff top, to walk its serene trails, or to just relax
on its white, sandy beaches.
There is a glider port on the cliff, south
of the Torrey Pines State Reserve overlooking the beach where hangliders
and paragliders are often seen soaring over the Pacific ocean. This
is definitely a hot spot for these activities. Surfing and swimming
are also popular activities at this beach but people mainly come to
Torrey Pines to hike.
There are 8 miles of trails and guided nature walks available. Just
check in with the visitor center at the top of the cliff for trail and
tour information. The park requires that you stay on the designated
trails. This is for the safety of the visitors as well as for the preservation
of the park. These trails wind down to a 4.5-mile stretch of beach that
is ideal for swimming, tanning or picnicking. There are no picnic tables
available in the Torrey Pines Reserve but you can picnic on the beach.
You are not allowed to take food items or drinks into the park (except
for water) or on any trails except to carry them to the beach.
Just a couple of miles south of Torrey Pines sits Blacks beach. Formally
known as Torrey Pines City Beach, Blacks beach is San Diego’s
only nude beach. There are boundary signs that designate when you are
in the nude area. You have to cover up if you're going beyond them or
you could be fined $135. This is a two-mile long beach with very difficult
access down a steep cliff. The safest way to get there is from the neighboring
beaches to the north and south, but this access may be obstructed by
high tides. This is a very secluded beach with no restrooms or lifeguards
available.
You can park for free along Highway 101 to the north and then walk south
to Torrey Pines beach. Or pay a small fee and park in the parking lot
or on the cliff top and hike around Torrey Pines Reserve. There is a
$6.00 parking fee for any car entering Torrey Pines.
Open 8:00 AM until sunset (usually 5pm)
No camping
No vehicles/bikes on the beach
No dogs allowed on the beach
No alcohol/glass containers
No fires/smoking
Restrooms are available on the bluff and at the Torrey Pines beach (not
at Black's beach)
