Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Nature preserve · Torrey Preserve

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Nature preserve · Torrey Preserve

4

12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

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Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by Courtesy Lisa Field
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Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
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Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve by null

Highlights

Miles of trails with stunning ocean views and diverse plant life  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
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12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037 Get directions

parks.ca.gov
@mytorreypines

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12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037 Get directions

+1 858 755 2063
parks.ca.gov
@mytorreypines

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Aug 21, 2025

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@cntraveler

The 18 Best Things to Do in San Diego, From Art Museum Visits to Scenic Hikes

"A short 30-minute drive outside of downtown San Diego, this 1,750-acre oceanfront reserve promises sweeping ocean views for hikers. (See our  favorite San Diego area hikes, here.) The reserve is dedicated to preserving its namesake tree, the Torrey Pine, and surrounding wildlife, but travelers and locals come for the miles of trails through pine forests and sandstone canyons, and the 4.5-mile Torrey Pines State Beach. Torrey Pines is no hidden secret, but there's a reason crowds flock here. Plans to go are easy to make: The reserve is open 365 days a year, from sunrise to sunset, and all entering cars must pay an admission fee, which ranges from $10-$25 (or free with a California State Parks Vehicle Day Use Pass), depending on whether you park in the the North or South Beach parking lots. Keep in mind the visitors center is currently closed and guided hikes aren't offered at the moment." - Marie Tutko, Archana Ram

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-things-to-do-in-san-diego
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@cntraveler

12 Best Beaches in San Diego | Condé Nast Traveler

"A short 30-minute drive outside of downtown San Diego , this 1,750-acre oceanfront reserve promises sweeping ocean views for hikers. ( See our  favorite San Diego area hikes, here. ) The reserve is dedicated to preserving its namesake tree, the Torrey Pine, and surrounding wildlife, but travelers and locals come for the miles of trails through pine forests and sandstone canyons, and the 4.5-mile Torrey Pines State Beach. Torrey Pines is no hidden secret, but there's a reason crowds flock here. Plans to go are easy to make: The reserve is open 365 days a year, from sunrise to sunset, and all entering cars must pay an admission fee, which ranges from $10-$25 (or free with a California State Parks Vehicle Day Use Pass ), depending on whether you park in the the North or South Beach parking lots. Keep in mind the visitors center is currently closed and guided hikes aren't offered at the moment." - Archana Ram

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-beaches-in-san-diego
View Postcard for Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
@cntraveler

9 Best Hikes in San Diego | Condé Nast Traveler

"A short 30-minute drive outside of downtown San Diego , this 1,750-acre oceanfront reserve promises sweeping ocean views for hikers. ( See our  favorite San Diego area hikes, here. ) The reserve is dedicated to preserving its namesake tree, the Torrey Pine, and surrounding wildlife, but travelers and locals come for the miles of trails through pine forests and sandstone canyons, and the 4.5-mile Torrey Pines State Beach. Torrey Pines is no hidden secret, but there's a reason crowds flock here. Plans to go are easy to make: The reserve is open 365 days a year, from sunrise to sunset, and all entering cars must pay an admission fee, which ranges from $10-$25 (or free with a California State Parks Vehicle Day Use Pass ), depending on whether you park in the the North or South Beach parking lots. Keep in mind the visitors center is currently closed and guided hikes aren't offered at the moment." - Archana Ram

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-hikes-in-san-diego
View Postcard for Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
@cntraveler

Roadies: Road-Tripping the U.S. With a Bus Full of Strangers

"On the itinerary for San Diego: a hike at Torrey Pines State Reserve."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/roadies-road-tripping-the-us-with-a-bus-full-of-strangers
View Postcard for Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Raul Ricano

Google
Came to Torrey Pines with friends for an easy, scenic hike — and it was absolutely worth it. The trails are well-maintained and manageable, making it a great spot for all fitness levels. The ocean views along the cliffs are stunning, and the overall scenery is incredibly picturesque. Whether you’re looking to get some fresh air, take in coastal views, or snap a few great photos, Torrey Pines delivers. Highly recommend if you’re in the area and want a peaceful outdoor experience without a strenuous trek. Pro tip: For an easier hike, find parking at the top of the hill.

TheDoRanger

Google
Absolutely amazing place to escape from San Diego and be in nature. Went on the Razor Point Trail and looped back via the Beach Trail. Absolutely stunning ocean views and highly recommend. Due come early though because it can get crowded on weekends.

Mindy Ramsey

Google
Excellent hiking with gorgeous sea views and multiple different trails for different lengths and abilities. Bring your own water and be aware that no food may be consumed anywhere in the park. This is especially important to remember because a full day of hiking in the park may take four or more hours. Also of note, no pets are allowed.

Armida Deroo

Google
It was a beautiful day, sunny but not very hot. Several trails to pick from. The views are amazing. At the end you can go down to the beach and get your feet wet, which is what I did.

Chris C

Google
This is an excellent nature preserve for so many reasons! The location is great as it runs up to the Pacific Ocean. There is a trail that goes to the beach although it is a more difficult descent and climb back. There is a good amount of parking and restrooms. Multiple trails that are clearly marked with varying distances. Trails are typically a loop so it is generally easy to navigate. It is also neat to see balloons or hang gliders depending on the time of day and year. Overall a great place to visit and explore.

Özlem Tunçel

Google
Torrey pines has many trails to hike and even run! Some trails have a lot of sage and smell great. We really enjoyed the beach -- it was not super crowded (during weekdays). The only problem is the traffic out, especially during rush hours. The State Park entrance and parking is $15 and there is plenty of space. There is also free parking before the entrance but it is almost always fully packed. If you arrive early, you might be lucky.

Sean Grohman

Google
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve has the best marked, maintained, and laid out trails. Be sure to make your way down the beach! The rocks on the beach are beautiful and make a beautiful sound as the waves roll them back and forth (high tide). Of course the pictures don’t do it justice, but the scenic views are amazing.

luke mcbride

Google
Great location. Hope you enjoy walking. Bring shoes with good support. Lots of extremely uneven trails both uphill and downhill. Gorgeous Pacific Ocean views, occasional plane noise due to proximity to base.
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Jeff N.

Yelp
Just after our awesome lunch at Lucrezia La Jolla on Juneteenth we came here with the intent of hiking and capturing the pictures of Wildlife and Flowers along the trail and we had a great hike. We checked out the California State Parks 2-Week Pass from our local library to get Free Parking. Most libraries have these on hand, it helps to give them a call prior to visiting a Park. We saw at least half a dozen lizards that darted in front of us and ran along the sides of the trails we were on. We mostly stayed on the Ridge Trail and the ones that allowed us a great view of the hillsides and mountainous ravines. The breezes were nice & people along the trail seemed to be enjoying themselves to the hilt.
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Aiko N.

Yelp
This is not my favorite natural area in SD, nor do I consider any of the paths to be actual "hiking trails", but it is a beautiful location nonetheless. Parking is hectic and pricey; I have been here many times with friends. We have paid to park along the beach and up the hill. I'm frugal; I'd rather park-and-walk from across the 5 freeway for free. There's a safe passageway to get to the beach-side. The trails are fairly well-maintained, but I did see so much garbage all over. Whhhhyyyy can't people stop littering?! I'm sure it would be worse if dogs were allowed here; I am actually thankful they're not as I suspect poo bags would be everywhere. All the walks are pretty easy; there's narrow steps and rails in some places. The terrain is a bit uneven; I recommend walking poles. Overall, this is a nice way to spend a few hours but no matter the day or time, the paths are crowded and people are loud (and obnoxious- I saw many upset red ants where people poured water on their homes). Pros: - location and views - restrooms up the hill and below - easily walkable - modest loops and short paths Cons: - narrow paths - trails not always open - people litter - expensive parking - no shade or trees - loud ambience; many obnoxious people - if your intention is a good workout, this is not the place for you
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Carole C.

Yelp
Dear Visitors, if you want to bring your tents, coolers, beach games and kids, please choose another beach. Better choices are Carlsbad, Mission Beach or my favorite, Coronado. Torrey Pines is fantastic for hiking or surfing. It is not good for family beaching. The beach is littered with river rock left by human engineers who are trying to interrupt the natural erosion of the cliffs and beach. This is a noble endeavor but it makes the beach UNpleasant for a family looking for a socal beach experience. There is hardly any sand. Come here for exercise, but go to a different beach for lolling about or boogie boarding. Welcome to San Diego!
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Dania P.

Yelp
Parking is $20 Enter in the South Beach lot and then drive up the hill and park at the top - this is the closest lot to the beach trail. If you park in the bottom lot you'll have to walk all the way up the hill. Such a lovely hike with great views! It can get a bit crowded so this is more of a walking trail rather than running. The beach trail does have some uneven terrain/stairs so be prepared
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Ed T.

Yelp
This review is for EB Scripps Overlook Via Park Road, Razor Point & Guy Fleming Loop which was a ~3.7 miles round trip that took ~2 hour to complete. This hike was a combination of a few smaller trails that gives the most diverse views of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Trail starts off at the beach side which was sandy with rocky pebbles. Furthermore, this route takes you to the Razor Point Overlook and then out to the paved road. The paved road will then take you to the EB Scripps Overlook and Guy Fleming Loop. Stunning views from beginning to end, minus the paved road section. Parking lot was $15 on Monday-Thursday or $20 on Friday-Sunday. There are free parking on N Torrey Pines Rd and Carmel Valley Rd but both fill up fast. Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/rx7aTh0ixkE
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Cat N.

Yelp
We had such an amazing time at the Torrey Pines State Reserve. We went there and were amazed at the beauty of it. We paid the entrance fee because it seemed way too far and steep to walk up the hill. You can park for free at the beach but I am too old for that. We drove all the way up to the top and easily parked but it was crowded even on a Thursday! We first went to a little fun area that volunteers had set up to learn about the wildlife, do a puzzle, and match animal cards to skulls. It was fun and the docent was such a nice, friendly guy. Then we began hiking. It is steep but easy enough even for a lazy person like me. We went walking up and down to the beach and stopping to enjoy the views. It was a wonderful time with my son. I highly recommend it.
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Ronit M.

Yelp
One of the most epic hiking experiences ever! Absolutely loved the views and exploration. I came here with my boo and we parked in the beach lot. It was a little hike to get to the main gate and up the big winding hill. As we progressed to the top we got to experience some smaller hikes with loops and lookout points. We saw lots of flora and fauna, like a falcon! We came to a path that took us back to the beach, which was awesome. We lucked out with no rattlesnakes and a low tide starting to rise. We were able to walk the beach back to the main road and over/under to the beach lot ($10) vs the park lot ($15). For a few extra steps it was worth it. The air was cool but with all of the walking and hiking we were hot and it was comfortable. Definitely will come back next time I visit!
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Derrick S.

Yelp
Great hiking and trails at the location and you get the perfect views of the beach, golf course and some of San Diego. The main trails leads into many others that you can trek on; some long and some short while some lead you into others. If you want to take the beach access back to the staying point ensure you check for low/high tides. Also they have a sign up that tells you when the tides come in and out. There's plenty of free street parking but it's a hassle to wait for others to leave. Paid parking is $10 M-T, $15 F-Sunday. I got there around 12pm and it was plenty of paid parking available. I'll definitely hike these trails again since there's many to choose from. Water fountains porta-potty are located on the trails also.
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Mark N.

Yelp
Great place to take a moderate level hike and see some great views of the Pacific all within San Diego city limits!
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Tiffany N.

Yelp
Nice reserve right off the 101 and the water. We parked at the north parking lot and made a little trek to the trailhead. It saved us about $5 and there was parking a plenty. I can't remember the specific trails we did (I think it was Guy Fleming?) but we went up the hill along with others and then branched off onto some other trails. It was well marked, clean and most people were respectful about staying on the trails. I loved that they had water fountains available so you could fill up, even in the morning it was getting toasty since it's pretty exposed for the most part. Coming from Colorado, it wasn' too taxing of a hike but we got a nice burn in with 5 miles all around. Gorgeous views and I got to breathe in that ocean air!
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Geoff L.

Yelp
There is a reason this place ends up on so many lists as a top hike in the San Diego area. This is one of the most gorgeous places to be and it's such a treat to visit. If you park at the base, it's roughly a mile to walk to the visitors center at the top of the hill, then you can choose from a handful of trails that meander around. You can get a couple miles of steps in EASY if you're looking for a decent walk. But be prepared, the trails descend a good deal, which means they have to ascend at some point as well. It's a trudge but if you're in ok shape it shouldn't be a problem at all. Just remember to bring water, a hat, perhaps sunscreen, and some comfortable shoes that do ok on well groomed trails. Pro tip- the only reason this park gets some poor ratings is because people bring their dogs and are confronted by unyielding rangers. Dogs are not allowed in the park because it is a protected space. Leave your pup at home and you're sure to have a wonderful experience.
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Michelle T.

Yelp
We visited Torrey Pines on the drive back from Anaheim to San Diego. It was such a lovely stop. I had done some research when I was trip planning, but after 2 days where we spent 14+ hours in the Disney parks, we were beat. I did not think our original trail was going to work. We asked some volunteers for the park for their recommendation and they sent us to the Guy Fleming Trail, which they said was probably the easiest one. It is a mile loop with 2 scenic overlooks with panoramic views and the greatest variety of wildflowers, cacti, and ferns. It was perfect. The trail was easy, not too elevated, and gave us fantastic views. We were there in time for wildflower full bloom so we saw a lot of beautiful flowers. If you have more time - and more stamina, their other trails are fantastic as well. Pro tip: You do pay for parking in the park when you enter, so ignore all the signs that tell you that you need to pay to park again!
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Julie D.

Yelp
I hiked about 5 miles of trails here and enjoyed every second. There are some education postings throughout the reserve that provide information about various aspects of the park. There was also a ranger at a viewpoint who could provide more information and was so helpful in answering questions. There are a lot of parking spaces in and around the park so it is pretty easy to get situated. There is a fee for entrance, but I think it was about $10 for the vehicle when I went - so definitely worth it! If you are in the area I recommend coming - so gorgeous!
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Gabe J.

Yelp
#TorreyPinesStateReserve is fantastic, I highly recommend for easy hikes or more advanced hikers. #SanDiegoCalifornia #LaJollaCA #DelMarCA
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Lynn B.

Yelp
This as my third time hiking this trail and it always blows me away! It's soooooo beautiful!!!!! I saw little kids to senior citizens hiking the trails. Every trail is well marked with tons of maps along the way. You won't get lost! Here are some helpful tips: If you are able to get up out of bed early, get here early!!!!!! I got here around 7:30am and the trails were nearly empty. By the time we finished it was around 9:30am the trails were growing and growing with people. There are restrooms available, but it's the best of the best. Plan accordingly if you aren't a fan of public restrooms. They even had portable restrooms. Wear a hat! Apply sunscreen! Wear sunglasses! Wear hiking boots or good walking shoes. Wear layers! Some people were wearing sports bras and others had their jackets on. Pack some snacks and enjoy it while watching the views. The trails have minimal shade. The trails are not wheel chair accessible or stroller friendly. There's plenty of paid parking available but like I said the line to get in around 9:30am was LOOOOOOOONG! You can get super lucky by waiting and parking along the coast. Enjoy the trails!!
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Andrew W.

Yelp
Awesome trail experience! Nature vibe is beautiful! Got to hike up this place with my friend and it was soooo beautiful!! Love nature and the environment! Highly recommended for family and friends! :) Cheers
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Mel D.

Yelp
I recommend any hike and walk anything that gets you outside. This place is wonderful. Today was a beautiful day on Father's Day. However, I would not recommend not going on a holiday because it is insanely busy and most people that don't typically go outdoors and hike and adventure into nature know, or understand the trail, hiking, running, walking practices . And that is to stick to your right and when raking with others make a line until you can pass an apposing trailer.Also make sure to bring plenty of water, a snack, and protection from the sun. A few people needed help due to the heat. Stay safe and respectful to all. It was great to see lots of information post and about the high tide low tide the waves the weather the temperature and information booth sharing on local nature, it is great.
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Avery B.

Yelp
such a pretty trail! it gave us a nice easy workout, ended up being around 2.5 miles and took us down to the beach to finish the walk back towards our car. We went around 9am, which made it pretty crowded. I recommend getting here early- probably around 7:30/8 if you wanna avoid crowds. It was overcast today- which was arguably better than sunny because it kept us shaded! Definitely recommend this hike if you're looking for a nice walk with a view of the ocean. Parking is tight, you can either pay by driving up the hill or park by the beach for free except it is very difficult to get a spot past 8:30.
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Scot M.

Yelp
This was a fun little day hike. Ended up walking 2.8 miles through some trails a few hills and then brought you down to the beach. Where are you finished a hike back to the parking area. When we started, it was pretty overcast, but by the time we got back to the parking area, it had burned off and was pretty nice. I would consider this an easy hike, but there are a few challenges with some stairs and a couple hills.
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Caitlin D.

Yelp
Highly recommend coming here. Whether you're a kid, a teen, middle aged, or older-- this beach is for everyone. There's so much to see and places you can walk/hike. There is a parking lot avaliable, but I prefer parking on the streets. It's free and you can park for hours. Where the signage of "Del Mar Scenic Pkwy" is. Then after parking, I cross the light and go under the "COASTER" bridge. From there you just walk straight and it leads you to the beach. If you walk toward the cliff area you can walk up to 2-3miles or more. It's really nice on your feet. You have compacted sand and some areas rocks. There's no shade here so bring a hat or an umbrella for seating if you really need it. If you have kids there's a bunch of shells and cool sea life (sometimes dolphins, sea crabs, sand dollars, etc). If you do want to bring shells home-- remember if the shells are closed together there's still life. And make sure it's not still occupied (put it back). There's also several hikes you can do.
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Diane A.

Yelp
This was one of the longer hikes that my cousin and I took during our SD trip. We parked at the bottom of the trial, which was also going to be the end of our hike as well. Parking was about $25. I think it went up because the last Yelp review I read said they charged $20 before. Parking wasn't hard to find since we came at a later time, around 3 or 4 pm. Once we parked, we made sure to use the restroom first and to fill up our water bottles. The hike itself took about 2 ish hours? I would say, but it's also because we made pit stops. I really like how they provided water fountains in the middle of the trail, as well as porter potties. You can also find a visitor center, where they sell souvenirs and there's guides that can help you if you have any questions. Before we went to the beach area, we asked the guides about the level of the tide to ensure that it would be safe for us to go down that path. They said we went at a good time, but to just be prepared to get our feet wet. The hike was beautiful, and we had different views of the city, as well as the mountains and then the beach at the bottom. Super fun adventure that wasn't too hard. Recommendations: wear water shoes or at least bring a pair, just in case the tide is higher. Bring water, and refill it along the way, use the restroom prior to starting the trail, and park at the bottom so you can end your hike there instead of hiking backward to go back and take lots of pictures! Overall, it was the funnest hike I've done so far in San Diego, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone.
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Amy J.

Yelp
The most beautiful spot to visit! We were in Del Mar, stopped for lunch and asked our waiter if he could recommend a beach to go to (besides the gorgeous spot we were in), he recommended Torrey Pines. It was a beautiful day and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there.
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Christina L.

Yelp
Highly recommend hiking here when you're in SD! I'm not much of a hiker so for me, this was surprisingly a good experience. While visiting SD with fam, we decided to spend Christmas at Torrey Pines since this was the only activity opened on Christmas. You do need to pay for parking but if you spend a solid 3-4 hours here, you make your $$ worth. We decided to go on three trails: -Guy Fleming: Super easy and fun stroll that's less than a mile. This trail allows you to get a beautiful view of the ocean without having to hike like crazy. - Razor Point: This trail is a bit more rocky and sandy in nature, but still pretty doable. You can also climb on the Red Butte from here, which is a rock that you can go on to see a panoramic view of the ocean. - Beach Trail: by far my favorite but also hardest trail. You have to go down the steep and slippery stairs in order to reach Flat Rock. Flat Rock is a beautiful place to take photos and see tide pools! You need to be careful because the Flat Rock is only accessible during low tide or two/three hours after high tide so make sure to plan accordingly. Overall, a 10/10 experience and made me want to go hiking more. Definitely a good way to get a good sweat and steps in while enjoying a gorgeous view.

Jim R.

Yelp
First time here, Nice hike up the roadway to the visitors center. A very nice visitors center with plenty of helpful volunteers to provide you the best experience. Careful planning your path to and from the beach as high tide can limit your access. Make sure you have water and sunscreen on hot days.
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Nick P.

Yelp
I loved this area. It was very peaceful. We lucked out and didn't have to pay for parking but there are paid parking spots. There is a beach below that has a good amount of stretch. However, on top you'll get these spectacular views that are unmatched. It wasn't very crowded when we went either. This was one of the reasons why I love this city so much. Beautiful weather, perfect temperature, and that nice cool breeze. Wear sturdy sneakers when going down. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
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Emily H.

Yelp
Absolutely phenomenal hiking trail! Various small loops so you can pick how long you want to adventure. Very well kept trails, beautiful scenery, and serene atmosphere. I like to park on the street by the beach and walk in because it's $20 to park in the lot on weekends and $15 during the week. Street parking is free BUT does add like 1/2 a mile more each way...not complaining because the view is gorgeous :)
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Marynell K.

Yelp
Torrey pines is a nice state reserve to enjoy for all activity levels. There are some steep inclines to make it more challenging and the beauty is there are so many different access points that you can make your trip as short or as long as you would like. When we went the weather was perfect though it was a little windy. We stopped at the history center and browsed the different embossed animals they have there. It was pretty cool to see. I would recommend anyone with kids stopping by and checking it out.
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Patricia U.

Yelp
If ever in the San Diego area, this beach is not disappointing. If you can find a free parking space, even better. $15 weekday parking or $20 on the weekend. There is a beautiful hiking trail up the hill with a spectacular view or a rocky beach with a long stretch of walking to be done. The ocean is always a beautiful aqua green-blue. Restrooms are always clean, and the rangers are very helpful.
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Nicole G.

Yelp
So beautiful! We parked on the street by one of the UCSD buildings and walked towards the entrance to the cliffs. There was a bunch of people strewn about, either sitting and having a picnic before sunset or standing and watching the views. There's more than enough space to find somewhere to hang though. We got there about 15 minutes before the sun started setting and this was probably one of the most gorgeous views i've ever had the pleasure of laying my eyes upon. The skies turned from orange to pink and back to orange again before going dark. There was a foggy overcast over the pier.. and with ocean as far as the eyes could see. If you find the right paths to walk on, it's not too difficult to navigate to a good sitting spot. Some parts can be a little rocky/sandy/steep though and was pretty chilly on a November night. Very romantic spot for a date - would absolutely love to come back again :)
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Marcella N.

Yelp
It's a must-do on your list of adventures. Beautiful setting - great view at each part of the trail. Loved walking down to the beach and seeing the tide pools and crabs. Definitely wear sneakers or hiking shoes. Lots of steep ups and downs the trail, but nothing too challenging in terms of stairs or rocks.
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Rebecca T.

Yelp
It's a must if you wanna see torrey pines! If you don't know how special torrey pines are - they're rare and you can only find them in the coastal California region, and only in 3 places in California, and San Diego being one of them. Also it's critically endangered, so make sure you come here and take a good look and admire these trees! When I was there, there was local guides that could show you around and tell you all about this special plant. If you're not into botany, then maybe look to the ocean horizon around dusk to see the sunset. This place offers a nice view of the ocean, you can't beat that!
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Sara S.

Yelp
I have loved this beach for 40+ years. Nothing more to say! It's majestic to drive down the coast and walk on its sand and or cliffs.
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Nadia M.

Yelp
I love Torrey Pines, it was one of the first more challenging hikes I've ever done. Came back this past weekend, it had been years since I'd been here. Weather was warm, but it was a beautiful day. The main trail that leads down to the beach is my favorite one. It gets steep though, wear appropriate shoes.

Angela N.

Yelp
It was beautiful, busy weekend for a short mile hike and over a 100 stairs to a nice beach.
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Ron R.

Yelp
This is a wonderful spot for light hiking, walking, or a family trip either on the weekend or for a holiday-vacation. There are many scenic places to take picture. Most of the trails are not too challenging or long. Some will be longer and challenging for younger kids, but we have seen families of all ages enjoy this area. You may just need to carry your kids part way. Check with the visitor info at the top of the hill to figure out the best trail for you. Tips: (1) There are flush toilets in the lot at the entrance, (2) port-a-potties up at the top. (3) there are FREE guided tours at designated times and days at the ranger-station info area--check online or the signs when u get there (you can see hours on the white sign in our picture, but they may change). (4) use the flush toilets in the lower lot, then drive up to the top to save ur energy. The walk up the road to get to the reserve can wipe you out and then you won't be able to enjoy the trails. (5) There is one small roadside lot on the right as you go up and then there are two main lots at the top. One is on the left with the main visitor-ranger station and the other is on the right with the port-a-potties and info booth. (6) the guided tour is long bit worthwhile to do one time. The rangers are friendly and entertaining. (7) there is beach access from some trails but it is a long walk. It is better to access the beach from the lower lot or the many places outside the reserve nearby.
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Valerie H.

Yelp
The view here is just breathtaking, especially when you come here during sunset. I came here during a day that was a bit chilly, so it was extremely easy to find an empty space on the sand to relax on. The beach area itself doesn't get too busy unless it's a super hot day. Hiking trails can be a bit busier on the weekends, but it's not too bad. Paid parking is $20, and there's street parking within a short walking distance around the area.
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Cathy K.

Yelp
One of my favorite viewpoints in SD. I almost like this place better than sunset cliffs, because it's a bit less busy and more parking available. The sunsets are of course beautiful. And it's fun watching all of the paragliders fly off into the sunset!
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Taura G.

Yelp
Beautiful views, awesome weather, and lots of fresh ocean air is this place. There is an awesome walking trail. The parking adjacent to the beach is $20/vehicle and the parking before the beach in the lower lot is free. There is also a line of parking spots along the beach that are free, but they are very hard to score. The waves are perfect. The sand is warm and soft. There is no coverage so bring an umbrella if needed. Tip: they have a man who sells coffee out of his van. It's a legit business. He parks along the beach in one of the free parking spots.
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Linnette R.

Yelp
I have the state beach pass and it was my first time going here. It is nice. I hiked a little. Would definitely come back to hike some more. The beach is nice.
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Mickey B.

Yelp
Yesterday I experienced hiking at Torrey Pines State Reserve. While I'm staying close to downtown San Diego, I took the blue line Trolley to the last stop and then the 101 bus to the beach area just below Torrey Pines State Reserve. You can drive into the reserve but since I used public transport, I walked from beach level up the elevations to where the hiking trails started. I am not a very experienced hiker but I was excited to take the reserve on. The reserve is over 2000 acres and there are many great look out points where you can look at the beach and Pacific Ocean. All of the trails are uneven terrain and there are stairs throughout. The stairs are uneven at many points, some are bigger steps up or down than others. This first trail has several areas where you are shaded by trees but also plenty of areas where there is no shade at all. There are benches scattered through the trails which are a welcome site to take short breaks throughout the hike. I started my hike at 9:49am and experienced the following trails: -.6 mile Guy Fleming Trail (loop) -.4 mile Parry Grove Trail -.7 mile Razor Point Trail -.1 mile High Point Trail -1.3 mile Broken Hill Trail (twice) -.75 mile Beach Trail I finished on the beach at 1:40pm. I had the lofty goal that when I finished all trails and ended at the beach that I would walk the beach all the way to La Jolla. I actually walked to the Scripps Institute of Oceanography where I finally left the beach in La Jolla Shores. I don't recommend walking this far as there is a extremely rocky area between the ins of Blacks Beach and the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier where I ended my hike around 3:30pm. Throughout the Torrey Pines trails, I saw people of all ages. I took a 64 Oz bottle of water with me and a couple is snacks. There are signs saying no food allowed throughout the trails but you really should bring some light snacks that you can have to keep your energy up. 64 Oz of water was enough fir the trails but not nearly enough for the walk on the beach to La Jolla Shores (again I don't recommend that long Long Beach walk. I also highly recommend that you bring sunglasses, a nice wide brimmed hat and sunscreen. I also brought an umbrella for a couple of shade breaks towards the last part of my hike through the reserve. Lastly, there was a reserve docent (volunteer) at the head of a could of the trails who was very knowledgeable about the reserve.
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Thomas S.

Yelp
Wow, what a magnificent natural reserve that contains the rare Torrey Pines. The main parking area and visitor center are located on a hill with views of the Pacific Ocean and the city of Del Mar. The reserve area also stretches down to the beach. There are easy and moderate hiking trails available throughout the reserve. A majority of the plants around the visitor center were identified with the QR code for information. The entrance fee is $20 per car and worth every penny.
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Vivian C.

Yelp
Torrey Pines is a must-stop for its lush nature and breathtaking views of the beach. The beauty of Torrey Pines is that you get the mountains on one side and the beach on the other. You can decide which pathway you want to take but I would recommend going up the trail first. There are various turnouts to "pull over" and admire the view and at the very end, the pathway will take you down the stairs onto the beach which will lead back to the parking lot. This pathway is relatively easy. I would recommend for anyone who is able-bodied to hike this road. This is also about a 15 minute drive to La Jolla. Parking is $20 but you can try scoping out for free beach parking spots beforehand.
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Mark H.

Yelp
I love this beach. Beautiful views. Nice and clean. Even the sand seems to be much easier to navigate through in comparison to other beaches. I have yet to walk the trails but that is on my to do list. If you park in the paid parking area it costs $15 during the week and $20 on the weekend (or $199 for an annual pass). You can also choose to park for free further up the street. Either way, it's worth it. If you're visiting you should definitely stop here. If you live in the area be sure to take advantage of the beautiful local beach.
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Angel C.

Yelp
400th review! I only have three words for this review: GUY FLEMING TRAIL. I wanted to make this 400th review count, but I already reviewed some of my favorite businesses in my hometown, San Diego, including: - Golden Chopsticks - Manila Sunset - Seafood City - All my favorite taco and carne asada fries spots - Del Mar Fair... Torrey Pines State Reserve, it is! I love this trail because it's relatively easy, can be quick, and depending which trail you choose, hikers get rewarded with a stroll along Torrey Pines State Beach! Torrey Pines has three main trails: - Guy Fleming Trail (does not lead directly to the beach) - Razor Point Trail - Broken Hill Trail If you want a quick stroll but still enjoy the sights of Torrey Pines, Guy Fleming Trail is the way to go. After my husband and I finished the Guy Fleming Trail loop, we realized we still had plenty of time to go further and see the beach ending of the trail, so we chose to continue down Razor Point Trail. Razor Point includes the Red Butte if you have time to check that out. The ultimately longest trail in this state park is the Broken Hill Trail. Equally beautiful! Keep in mind that the steps going down the beach from Broken Hill Trail are more natural, but also narrower and more slippery. The steps leading down the beach from Razor Point Trail are metal and shorter. All in all, if you have less than an hour to spare, pick Guy Fleming Trail. Just under two hours is Razor Point Trail (without going to the Red Butte). If you want to see the entire park and beach, Broken Hill Trail is the way to go. Also, my husband and I did not want to pay the steep parking fee, so we chose street parking. Definitely a must-see for locals and tourists alike!
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Norbert K.

Yelp
Torrey Pines State Preserve is one of the most beautiful spots in the United States. Perched on sandstone bluffs, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and xxx Lagoon, the views are breathtaking, the trails are terrific for waking or hiking, and the beach below is nice for sunbathing, surfing, or just having fun. This is a state park, so there is a fee to park in the lot just off North Torrey Pines Road or at Torrey Pines State Beach It gets crowded early on weekends and in the summer months. If you are lucky, you may find a street space on North Torrey Pines Road or nearby Carmel Valley Road.
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Alisa J.

Yelp
Gorgeous area of San Diego! There are short and easy hikes around the hills that have excellent views. The trails are sandy which is super fun and feels much more beach than a traditional mountain hike. Plenty of roadside and lot parking. The beach is pretty rocky and there's lots of birders as well. Love this place for the view and highly recommend!
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Matt K.

Yelp
Relatively easy trail with the two options to get to its trailhead: parking right by it (if the upper elevation lots are not full), or walking up a hill via a paved road to the trailhead, with a third option of walking down the beach to the steps that reach the trail about at its half way point. There are currently two paid lots to go to the trail, one is $10. and is accessed via tunnel that goes under the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), and the other is $20. and consists of two lots, one at sea level and another couple of lots at the top of the hill by the trailhead. There is also limited free parking along Torrey Pines State Beach right on the side of the PCH, but weekends you will be hard pressed to find a spot unless you're prepared to park and wait for someone to pull out. Between the two lots, the $10. one and the $20. one, if you don't want to walk up that hill and parking is available in the upper lots by the trailhead, then paying the $20. would be worth it to you, but otherwise the $10. lot through the tunnel and across the PCH isn't much more of a walk than just starting from the sea level $20. lot. In other words - if you came to hike, just park in the $10. lot and start walking. From the base of the cliffs next to the sea level $20. lot, you have two options, one is to walk up the paved road and start the trail from the top, from that elevation, and the other as long as the tide isn't too high is to walk south on Torrey Pines Beach until you reach the steps that go up the side of the cliffs and consist of the trail's access to the beach. No matter how you do it, the trails offer fabulous views of the cliffs, beach and ocean, and an enjoyable relatively easy hike meandering through the Torrey Pines State Reserve.
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Alex D.

Yelp
This is a beautiful beach with sand and lots of rocks (in certain areas,not all over the beach). The sand is tightly packed here, so it's easier for people with mobility issues. There is a parking lot directly on the beach, but it costs $20 per vehicle. If you don't want to park here, you can park on the road farther down, and that's free. You can use a wheelchair to get from all of this parking to see the ocean. This beach has beautiful cliffs to look, but warning signs letting you know not to stand or walk too close to the bottom of the cliffs because of falling rocks. I do feel like this beach felt safer than other beaches around San Diego. There are non-gendered restrooms here in a brick building, but for some reason, half of them said "out of order," although I had to use one and it worked fine.
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Leanne D.

Yelp
If you are looking for a beautiful hike by the water this is the place to go. With all the rain we've had this year the wild flowers are definitely in bloom right now. We did the Beach Trail, razor point, Razor Point overlook and the Yucca trail this time around and the views and flowers were amazing. If you can, the best time to enjoy these hiking trails is during the middle of the week. I hear weekends are crazy busy here.
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Jagruti L.

Yelp
I love going to the beach! It is a great place to listen to the sound of the ocean waves! We drove by and decided to stop for a bit. There is plenty of free parking. There is also fee parking but it was closed. We will come back next time during the day.