Torrey Pines State Beach and Park

Torrey Pines has two main directions. Right off the highway is a low road that you can take to get to a beach that has bathrooms, showers, lifeguards and a place for children to play safely by the lagoon. The high road will lead you to a coastal wilderness of pine forests, sandstone canyons and a slew of hiking trails on the bluffs overlooking the ocean. Both Torrey Pines State Park and Beach are administrated by the park system.

Torrey Pines State Beach runs for three miles between Carmel Valley Road and the Glider Ports at Torrey Pines Scenic Drive. Where the highway runs alongside the beach is the place for swimming and other recreational activities.

Torrey Pines State Park is a 1,750 acre reserve dedicated to preserving its namesake, the Torrey Pine tree (which grows only here) and other indigenous wildlife in its native environment. Some of the park’s many trails are long and strenuous, others short and easy. Fitness-minded runners love the workout, but not all visitors do. Ask the rangers for advice. No alcohol or pets are allowed in the park, and food may be consumed only at the beach - not on any trails.

Bathroom facilities and lifeguard headquarters are found at the north end of the beach near Los Peñasquitos Lagoon. There are additional facilities at the park entrance and headquarters, with additional lifeguard supervision along the beach in the summer. Guided nature tours are offered in the park on Saturdays and Sundays. A day at Torrey Pines State Beach and Park is not your typical beach outing, but it certainly is a memorable one