Torrey Pines State Beach, San Diego Beaches

CAMPING: NO

Nearest state beach camping:

South Carlsbad State Beach
Silver Strand State Beach
San Onofre State Beach
San Elijo State Beach

Torrey Pines State Beach is part of a Natural Reserve-- a wilderness island in an urban sea. Rare Torrey pine trees are among the nation's rarest, standing thinner and less tall that the giant Sequoias and redwoods but every bit as important.

This fragile coastal environment providing the needed climate for Pinus torreyana to thrive is beautiful to see. It also contains one of the last salt marshes and waterfowl refuges in Southern California.

Torrey Pines State Beach is open daily to the public with activities ranging from the beach to hiking trails through wind-sculpted pines on headlands that overlook the Pacific Ocean. On the beach popular sports activities include surfing, sandcastle building and sunbathing. Picnicking and camping are prohibited in the reserve and you also can't camp at Torrey Pines, but there are camping spots along the coast no more than 10-15 miles distance, in addition to plenty of hotels in Del Mar and La Jolla. One nearby tent camping facility is Camp Land in San Diego (campland.com).

Two elements of nature comprise the attraction--the state beach and the Torrey Pines Natural Reserve which perches high above the ocean, seen as broken cliffs and deep ravines on headlands overlooking the Pacific. Hikers can follow trails through stands of Torrey pines and discover the picturesque, pueblo-style structure that houses the visitor center. Built in 1923 as a restaurant it now features interpretive displays.

Torrey Pines State Beach can be reached by trail from the Reserve. Torrey Pines prohibits dogs anywhere within the reserve and beach boundaries (even within a vehicle). Location-Directions Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is located between La Jolla and Del Mar, California, north of San Diego. From Hwy 5, exit on Carmel Valley Road and drive west for about 1.5 miles till you reach the Coast Highway 101. Turn left and proceed along the beach for about a mile. The park entrance is on your right just before the highway begins to climb the Torrey Pines grade.

Gates open at 7:15 am and close at Sunset, call to confirm: (858) 755-2063 The reserve is a day-use park only.